L1 or E2L

Well. I'm having a tought time deciding between the L1 and the E2L, and no I can't get both. What do you all think? The simple dual level rocks. Will the E2L 3 lumen low be too low? The longer runtime is real attractive on both hi and low. Althought the size on the L1 is sweet too. I'd appreciate any comments from any new owners of the new dual level E2L.... Thanks

L1.

E2L seems nice for a hiking / utility light. The deal breaker for me is that it comes on ON LOW and you have to switch modes to go to high. From this respect, I like the quick and intuitive L1 as the harder you press, the more light you get. It's more of a "tactical" light in that respect.

If you want a more tactical light, get L1. If you want more of a hiking / utility light ... get the E1L or E2L.

Make sure to call optics HQ when you order and tell them you are a CPF member.

Fooboy said:

L1.
Make sure to call optics HQ when you order and tell them you are a CPF member.

Click to expand...

Who is "optics HQ"?


My vote is for the L1. I never owed the EL1, but its interface is very similar to the EB1 Backup which I owned for a short time. (The only difference is that with the Backup it comes on in high, first and you press the button halfway and it shifts to low) However, that button is tricky to use in that if you didn't pause just the right amount of time between presses, it skips changing outputs. The L1 interface is much more simple and dependable.

My vote is for the L1. I have an A2 and have had a L2, and the functionality of the dual-level tailcap is intuitive, simple, and a no-brainer. The clicking to get the different levels on the E2L (as well as the Backup) is much less elegant IMO.

I love my L1, and was considering the new "Backup" for a while, but now i'm seriously consisdering the E1L, specifically for the 3 lumen low level. Everyone's always going on and on about the "tactical" aspects, yet i'm confident very few here are SWAT team members that really have a need for this.I use my lowest levels all the time,but the high levels most often for goofing off, blinding freinds and relatives.( My L1 was a BIG hit at last saturdays poker game, lemme tell ya !! ) Also, i'm probably not getting any more two lithium lights,the technology has reached the point that a single battery light is more than efficient enough for most realistic purposes,without the two-battery potential problems.
I've already called the boys at OpticsHQ for a price quote on the E1L, and i'm just waiting for the two level version to arrive.

Saiga, I think you will like the new E1L. The 3 lumen low is brighter than I thought it would be. Enough to walk around the dark house, read a map, etc. The 45 lumen high should be plenty for most other things. And there's always that F04 beamshaper if you need more flood than throw.

I also have the E1B, and they are both nice lights, but I think I prefer the low mode coming on first such as the E1L does for a utility/outdoors light.

OpticsHQ is a SureFire dealer.

I'm a Tactical medic (for 17 years) & if I need a "tactical" light (whatever that REALLY is?) I take a single level light that gives me a set amount of light, each & every time I need it. I always enjoy listening to the "arm chair comandos" telling us about "tactical this" and tactical that". The L1 or E2L (for me anyway) is a EDC/ secondary light. I have an L1 and never use it, using one of my NovaTacs (best lights I've ever owned) as my EDC/ secondary light. Just my .02 FWIW

I have the L1, and the E2L on order (along with the E1B)

Voted E2L; I'm in love with the run time.

I voted for the L1 because I like the 1 cell form factor and the switch action. If the question had been L1 or E1L then it would be an even tougher call. The resistor low of the L1 looses some points for inefficiency. What I really want is 45/12/3 Lumens and one cell, the Surefire version of the NovaTac or HDS lights. The 10 and 2.5 Lumen levels are the ones I use the most.

I had an old style L1. I didn't care for the switch. I'd rather have the clicky. My preference is that it comes on low first, so I win there too.

My vote goes to the E2L.

BabyDoc said:

Who is "optics HQ"?

Click to expand...

http://www.opticshq.com/

I like how the e2l and e1l are set up with the low on first that way it doesnt ruin my night vision, i use my lights on low most of the time anyways. with that said my primary edc is a 200 lumen 1 cell pocket rocket (aleph A19 1000ma 1xcr123).

I like My L1, the low level 10 lumens is enough for general use. However if you can only buy one, I would suggest E2L, I like the throw and the stable long runtime, the 3 lumens low level is bright enough in the complete darkness.

Chao said:

I like My L1, the low level 10 lumens is enough for general use. However if you can only buy one, I would suggest E2L, I like the throw and the stable long runtime, the 3 lumens low level is bright enough in the complete darkness.

Click to expand...

I agree.

I doubt you'd ever be sorry you got the L1, it's an awesome feeling and performing unit. However, whichever you choose, spend the extra $12 on the SF L04 Beamshaper Difuser filter. It just slips on and off any 1" SF bezel and truly doubles the functionality of your light, by removing the hotspot and emitting a flood of totally usable light. Without the Difuser, you have a respectable throw beam.
Spence
:thumbsup:

Wow, thanks everyone for your recommendations. I'm definitely going with the L1. It appears the new two level in the head design is not winning over many folks. I hate to say it, but did Sure-fire miss the mark? I would have thought that the newer models would have fared better.

I wouldn't say they missed the mark; each light has its own strengths and weaknesses. It all depends on what you need your light for.

I have similar dilemma as well. I understand how the L1 works and I like how it turns on low first. But I dislike twisty, So my preference would be the E2L.
However, I read some people have been complaining about the way E1B switches between level. Can anyone elaborate more on that issue?
This has gotten me worried.

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