I find after using 2 stage (or more) lights, that feature is very important to me and the L2 is the only one with a stock 2 stage feature.
It's plenty bright on low for most tasks, and just a bit more pressure gives me 100 lumens. Plus, it's not as tight of a spot as most other lights, which I find perfect for investigating noises around the house or general use. And, at OpticsHQ it's only $129.
The only downside for me is the length, and it's not too bad.
SureFire U2 - A small well machined lithium powered variable
projector of bright white photons with functional simplicity,
magnificent design, a tough exterior finish and a warranty
that is one of the best in the business. It can also be used
with rechargeable batteries such as the Pila 168A.
My next selection is my new model L1 !
U2 - Love It ................................................... :naughty:
One reason is some lights have to small of an inside diameter and the bigger rechargable 123 batteries cannot fit. L1 and L2 models fit in this category.
Another reason is voltage issues. R123s make up to 4.2 volts of the charger so it can ge dangerous for some lights.
L7
Bright and white, whitest of my led lights. Rechargable, no worries of wastin those pesky 123s. No clips, combat grips or other "features" to get in the way and snag on things. Very simple switch, both contacts are at the front of the battery and go directly to the bezel springs, not a whole lot to go wrong. Plus it's quite perty too!
L4 with a McE2s with 10ohm resistor. Perfect light to use with Pilas, which makes the rechargable SFs obsolete, and its small size means you can take it with you anywhere, hey, after all the best light is that one that you have with you right?
I only own the KL1 heads (old and new) and the L4. Out of these two I would have to say the L4.
The L2 looks good too but I don't own one so I won't comment.
I like the versatility of the L4 or KL4 head. You can use it on one or two cell bodies. You can use R123's or Pila's in addition to CR123's. You put on a McGizmo two-stage tailcap with different resisters for a custom level of low-end brightness. Take it off and put on a clicky too.
Only Surefire LED I've ever owned was an old KL1 but I've played with almost all of them... I think...
I think for something to carry in my pocket, my favorite is the E1L/E1E+KL1 and for something more floody, the L2, preferably with the 2 stage switch. Actually, I think something like the KL4 head that would run well on 1 R123 cell with a high and low mode would be my ideal Surefire LED light.