LeeG
Newly Enlightened
I have been lurking here for a few months. Prior to reading these forums, my flashlights basically consisted of MAG incands (3D and 2AA).
I picked up some of the Element K2's at Sam's Club to see what this LED stuff was all about (my only prior experience with the LED flashlights was an old 1st gen Inova with 5 blue LED's). I was amazed at the difference, and began going back though the threads here to see what all I was missing.
I started with the basic Photon Freedom II keychain light. It works ok for very basic nighttime illumination, but I needed something more that was small enough to carry all the time, but with at least Mini-mag brightness. The Arc-P was well reviewed here, and since they were local to me (and in fact, I had done some IT work for them in the past), so I drove over and picked one up. It fit my need perfectly for a light to use for looking at serial numbers on computers under desks and checking equipment in server rooms. My only complaint with it was that it was very hard to turn on (I wasn't able to turn it on one handed). It is very bright and practically indestructable.
The Element K2's were very nice replacements for the Mag 3D's, but they were still a bit bulky. I decided on a Surefire E1B as a 'standard carry' light. The low beam is perfect for indoor use, and the high beam has the throw I like for outdoor use. My only real complaint with this light is that it switches to high first, then to low - I'd prefer it the other way.
Last week I ordered a new Maxpedition backpack from Lighthound, and I added a Fenix E01 just to see what all the fuss was about. It isn't as bright as the Arc-P, but it turns much easier. I'll be swapping them back and forth over the next few weeks to see which I end up liking best.
Now I have been mulling over what to get next. I don't have a specific need (at least not as my wife would define need), but I have been looking at the Surefire E2DL, E2L Outdoorsman, and the Fenix P3D Premium Q5.
I really like the lumen combinations on the E2DL, but I don't care for the crenellated bezel. I like the order of brightness on the E2L, but I wish it was brighter. I really like the price on the P3D.
I'd appreciate any input you guys have. I prefer clicky tailcaps over twist on, but I am not particular about any given battery type. I expect to be using this light for evening walks/neighborhood patrol, hikes that run past sundown, and as my standard 'in the pack' light.
I picked up some of the Element K2's at Sam's Club to see what this LED stuff was all about (my only prior experience with the LED flashlights was an old 1st gen Inova with 5 blue LED's). I was amazed at the difference, and began going back though the threads here to see what all I was missing.
I started with the basic Photon Freedom II keychain light. It works ok for very basic nighttime illumination, but I needed something more that was small enough to carry all the time, but with at least Mini-mag brightness. The Arc-P was well reviewed here, and since they were local to me (and in fact, I had done some IT work for them in the past), so I drove over and picked one up. It fit my need perfectly for a light to use for looking at serial numbers on computers under desks and checking equipment in server rooms. My only complaint with it was that it was very hard to turn on (I wasn't able to turn it on one handed). It is very bright and practically indestructable.
The Element K2's were very nice replacements for the Mag 3D's, but they were still a bit bulky. I decided on a Surefire E1B as a 'standard carry' light. The low beam is perfect for indoor use, and the high beam has the throw I like for outdoor use. My only real complaint with this light is that it switches to high first, then to low - I'd prefer it the other way.
Last week I ordered a new Maxpedition backpack from Lighthound, and I added a Fenix E01 just to see what all the fuss was about. It isn't as bright as the Arc-P, but it turns much easier. I'll be swapping them back and forth over the next few weeks to see which I end up liking best.
Now I have been mulling over what to get next. I don't have a specific need (at least not as my wife would define need), but I have been looking at the Surefire E2DL, E2L Outdoorsman, and the Fenix P3D Premium Q5.
I really like the lumen combinations on the E2DL, but I don't care for the crenellated bezel. I like the order of brightness on the E2L, but I wish it was brighter. I really like the price on the P3D.
I'd appreciate any input you guys have. I prefer clicky tailcaps over twist on, but I am not particular about any given battery type. I expect to be using this light for evening walks/neighborhood patrol, hikes that run past sundown, and as my standard 'in the pack' light.
