Which light is inexpensive but quality for 2 mode LED?

LEDBE
2

22HERTZ

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Sep 9, 2005
Messages
92
Im in college with a limited budget but recently lost my Maxfire and feel naked without a good light...


Was considering getting a Surefire G2 incan and a high output LED drop-in, but read the plastic can not heat sink well and can only be used intermittently.

So could get a 6P for good heatsinking

Also thought about getting an L1 or backup as this is already bright, two modes, decent efficiency (I guess) only one battery per use can hang around my neck for fishing/working etc use-....


I don't know what to do and could use an experienced opinion.

LIMITS:
-Under $120 including a few batteries / diffuser etc... (everything to operate)
-Would prefer a 2 or more mode of dimming
-Cr123 primary is fine---Don't know much about rechargeables and it would be nice so....


Keep in mind I'm a college student and need to save as much as possible, and was thinking Ill probably get a G2 anyway since I really want an Incan for smoke and fog cutting, so thought a drop-in would be decent/cheap solution to better battery efficiency for EDC use.

What do you think, Im open to clever ideas (I hold an EE degree and have MANY tools if that opens options:twothumbs )
 
Please keep in mind I carry a concealed weapon, and this light should be reliable, simple and bright enough for this purpose.

I like the TK11.
How reliable would this be? Ive read a few discouraging things about Fenix lights which make me hesitate to spend close to what I could have a Surefire for.

What do you think?
 
22HERTZ the Fenix Tactical lights have had good reports with respect to build quality and reliability. In reality they are probably just as good as Surefire in that department - some will say they are better, some will say they are worse.
Upgrading Fenix lights is difficult to say the least though...
 
Would an Eb1 be worth the cost for the "I can only have 'afford' one light)?
With the optic people seem to love it outdoors, and with a diffuser supposedly good indoors.

The more I read the more I like, but is expensive and I need to see outdoors in the woods and in and around water while fishing and camping.

My limited experience with LED lights was they washed out to easily and the contrast of the foliage was hard to accurately perceive.

Have things changed with the higher output LEDs and/or Surefire TIR system?
 
I don't really like LED's outdoors but when I do use them I find strong preference towards the TIR based Surefires. I am biased in favor of the L1 because the switching mechanism is a little less fiddly than on the E1B/E1L but all are excellent lights and the UI choice is up to you.
 
So you want a single light for both concealed carry and outdoors use? The E1B is not going to cut it over a distance. The CL1H V4 will, however. If you are hell bent on a SureFire, then you should increase your budget and consider the SureFire C2 + Dereelight 3SM/3SD (or Wolf Eyes 2-Mode 3.7V-13V) + FM34 + AW 1x17670 + AW-139 Charger for a durable (HA), reasonably short handheld with flexible UI options. Aside from an overall increase in length, this combo will be able to put down the E1B in nearly every facet of use.

22HERTZ said:
...but read the plastic can not heat sink well and can only be used intermittently.
Click to expand...
Plenty of good and suspect advice over here at CPF. You are referencing an overstatement and will be fine running a G2 continuously.
 
adamlau said:
So you want a single light for both concealed carry and outdoors use? The E1B is not going to cut it over a distance. The CL1H V4 will, however. If you are hell bent on a SureFire, then you should increase your budget and consider the SureFire C2 + Dereelight 3SM/3SD (or Wolf Eyes 2-Mode 3.7V-13V) + FM34 + AW 1x17670 + AW-139 Charger for a durable (HA), reasonably short handheld with flexible UI options. Aside from an overall increase in length, this combo will be able to put down the E1B in nearly every facet of use.


Plenty of good and suspect advice over here at CPF. You are referencing an overstatement and will be fine running a G2 continuously.
Click to expand...
I think that really depends on what "distance" we're talking about. I find the 45lm E2L to be quite sufficient when I'm hiking along in a forest. The 80lm E1B, with the same optics should be more than enough.
 
Thats good info

Is Surefire coming out with anything I should wait for?


I know I want an incan so maybe a simple G2 for now would be wise. I know an Incadecent has the punch I can rely on in the outdoors, its relatively inexpensive and has drop in options.

Would you recommend a cheap drop-in for this light?


I think I will look into a higher priced LED as you suggested, a little later when I can scrounge up some more funds.

I have a Ritter grip and Leatherman to sell for light funds

Does this sound like a good idea?
 
Wow,
I just looked at the Dereelight 3SM/3SD and it looks like a great light.

Anyone have experience with how Dereelight stacks up for outdoor use and reliability?

Damn...so many freakin lights:thinking:
 
The Dereelight CL1H also uses P60 type drop-ins, that means you can use the P60 or similar incan modules in the light.

I don't recall reading a single Dereelight failure(as in the light completely stops working), any problem seems to be quickly resolved by Dereelight themselves.

Some say qality is better then Surefire, some say worse, but it seems to be at least pretty close to Surefire quality wise.

I have never handled a Dereelight myself, but from the beamshots, I'd say it should work decently outdoors. They also have a warmer binned Q2(less output due to the warmer tint phospor, look on the bottom) that seems to have better color rendering then most other LEDs.
 
I've used my CL1H outside lots and to say that I'm impressed with it is an understatement. Incredible reach, good colour, great quality, good versatility and overall a great light for not an enormous amount of money. Plus you can swap parts in and out to match what ever you want to do. With the SM reflector it really punches out there and with the OP I get great range and enough spill to make it a comfortable light in bear country.

I live in a rural area and most of the use mine is put to is looking at things in the bush and it works just fine.

I just re-ordered myself another one after mine got stolen in a bag at the airport. I could have chosed any light I wanted but I was happy as a clam with the CL1H.

Regards,
Pat
 
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