Which would you choose?

After posting up my other thread I think I have narrowed it down to 3 lights. Basically I am looking for a small light that preferably runs off of AA or AAA batteries in the $50-$60 range. I am looking at the L2D-CE, NiteCore Defender Infinity, and the SureFire G2L (primarily because I have heard good things about surefire lights). So, which would you choose?

no experience with the nightcore light, but own the other two lights you're considering.

if you only need a bright light output, the SF is a good choice, simply b/c it's an SF light and ALL that entails. however, it runs off of CR123A, and not your preferred AA/AAA form factor.

however, if you require multiple lighting levels, including a dimmer light with longer burntime, then the Fenix fits the bill. plus, it is powered by 2xAA cells.

given your requirements (and, again, my advice intentionally ignores the nightcore since i have ZERO knowledge or experience with it), the Fenix is the best and closest match vs. the SF G2L.

hope this info helps.

half-watt said:

no experience with the nightcore light, but own the other two lights you're considering.

if you only need a bright light output, the SF is a good choice, simply b/c it's an SF light and ALL that entails. however, it runs off of CR123A, and not your preferred AA/AAA form factor.

however, if you require multiple lighting levels, including a dimmer light with longer burntime, then the Fenix fits the bill. plus, it is powered by 2xAA cells.

given your requirements (and, again, my advice intentionally ignores the nightcore since i have ZERO knowledge or experience with it), the Fenix is the best and closest match vs. the SF G2L.

hope this info helps.

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I realize the NiteCore light has not been released but based on what you guys have heard about the light from the reviewers on this site.

Ditto on the nightcore; a risk, but it seems to be very good as per 3 reviews.

The Fenix is good too, probably your best bet for a newbie light, not so great for a professional work light.

The Surefire is fine, but is not a good wow light. It suits the task as an emergency light or work light.

L2D Q5

The Fenix L2D-CE is a very good light. I have bought about four of them, one for my GF, one for my Mom and two for myself. I'm very pleased with them. The Nitecore sounds like a very promising light but I won't be able to know until I get it.
The SF G2 is fine I guess. I saw them being sold at Lowes for around $60 or $80 don't quite remember. For that price I would rather get another Fenix L2D-CE. My buddy has one sitting around his house somewhere. He quit using it after I gave him a Dexlight X1.

SF G2L gets my vote is were putting the the AAA/AA issue aside. If were keeping with the AAA/AA batteries go for the Fenix.

Sure-fire...hands down...It's probably not fair, never having owned a Fenix or a night-core...both which are good flashlights...and will probably last 6-7 years...in your flashlight collections, or being carried in your jacket...but I have yet to hear many incredible survival stories of these two lights...the Sure-fire, with it's excellent quailty, will probably last 10-15 years...in your flashlight collection, in your coatpocket, a caving expedition, or a warzone. I have 5 Surefire's (3 ea. G-2's, 1ea. 6-P, and a 918FA), and the companies products have too many good testimonies going for it...I know my SF's have plenty of stories to add as well!!!

I think I want a Nitecore. The output on a small 14500 is just crazy. The runtime looks real good too!


I likey...

i'll wait until the REAL reviews of Nitecore appears, in the meantime i'll stick with L2D or T1 in my wish list.

I think I have decided to go with the Fenix 4 in 1 pack combo that comes with the P2D / L1D Q5 bodies so I can play with both the the battery types and see which I like more. Thanks for all the help this forum rocks. Now to decide which headlamp to get for my father.

tkoden said:

I think I have decided to go with the Fenix 4 in 1 pack combo that comes with the P2D / L1D Q5 bodies so I can play with both the the battery types and see which I like more. Thanks for all the help this forum rocks. Now to decide which headlamp to get for my father.

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very good choice. variety and flexibility can be nice.

headlamp advice: (i have over 50 of 'em) have mostly switched over to my Fenix-"headlamp". huh??? Fenix+JakStrap for hands-free use, or Fenix+clip-off-of-a-MiniMag-or-the-clip-from-the-$4.95-MiniMag-Accessory-Kit

smaller, lighter (important for an ultralight backpacking like i used to do) than most headlamp choices; decent burntime on low output; better throw with ample enough spill at greater distances.

what use/applications is the headlamp intended for? knowing this, would be helpful to give better advice. why not start a new Thread or PM me (i'm afraid that i might miss the new Thread if i don't get back to the Forums later today).

Here is the headlight thread https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/181100.

Now I just have to wait till December 25 to open the flashlight.

Both Fenix L2D and Nitecore. It is to difficult to say No to one of these.

tkoden said:

Here is the headlight thread https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/181100.

Now I just have to wait till December 25 to open the flashlight.

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stand by my suggestion = a Fenix headlamp, i.e Fenix+Jakstrap. Why?

1. it meets your price requirement (or close enough, depending upon model).

2. has the throw necessary for some of his applications.

3. while NOT a flood light, it does have sufficient field of view to perform repairs on low o.p. modes. i've used them for under-car "shade-tree" mechanic repairs, kitchen and laundry room appliance repairs, plus electronics fabrication.

coral_seas said:

Both Fenix L2D and Nitecore. It is to difficult to say No to one of these.

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I'm curious as to how you can recommend Nitecore so highly at this point in time? As far as I can tell, no one has a production model in their hands as yet. The company has no past to reference, in spite of claims of six years experience. While the Defender may wind up being a good light and Nitecore may wind up being a worthy manufacturer, isn't it better to hold off on glowing recommendations until the company actually has placed at least _one_ production model into someone's hands?