Rich, if you had to keep your 120E or your L1 which would you keep and why?
Ooooh, what you ask is impossible my friend...
To be honest, they are both so different but so perfectly useful at the same time it would be
very difficult to choose. I always knew that the L1 was one of the most useful lights out there, but I just found another one in the Novatac.
Ok - my painful choice:
Both lights share the following qualities, so neither would be kept solely because of these factors:
- Solid
- Reliable
- Indestructible
- Excellent UI
- Bright
- Compact
- Versatile
- Clips
Here is where they differ:
The Surefire L1 is the best by far for use outdoors. It has a huge spot that just goes forever. It will rival some of the bigger lights for spotting objects at a distance, while lighting up a generous area with it's spot. Another thing that helps the L1 outdoors is the warmer tint which I prefer anyway as it helps give me better clarity and depth perception, but a warm tint is especially useful outdoors with the browns, greens, etc.
However, the optic of the L1 which concentrates the beam giving it the excellent throw it has, also severely limits it's side-spill. This is where the Novatac excels. The reason I wanted the Novatac was that the L1 though great outdoors, and indoors in some cases, lit up a much smaller area at a very close range due to mainly having a "spot" with little spill. The Novatac can be used at a very close range (indoor type uses) and still light up a very large area. The beam is so clean and provides such perfect coverage, it's like you just turned on a light. Also, using a light to look at things closely, you don't want a very strong spot overwhelming the side-spill - you just want the entire area lit. The Novatac has such a seamless spot-to-spill, that it makes it perfect for more close range use such as indoors, or outdoors looking in backyard/shed, etc., but not necessarily hiking in the woods. It is of course easily bright enough for these purposes, but it definitely will not compete with the L1 in that particular area. One other thing about the Novatac that makes it just so useful is the single-click low/ single-click off. I like the 2-stage pressure switch w/twist for constant on of the L1, but I'm finding the Novatac switch is a little more convenient for everyday use stuff.
So which one would I choose?...........
Well, based on the fact that I'm a big outdoor fanatic, which is one of the reasons I like flashlights so much, I would have to keep the L1. But, if you were to ask me which light I will be using most of the time as a go-to light around the house and endless other tasks, it will be the Novatac hands down.
Boy, I'm glad this is hypothetical because my Novatac's not going anywhere!