Sean
Flashlight Enthusiast
I just got a Surefire E2D LED today and the only thing that I have right now to compare it to is the Fenix P1D CE, which is interesting because of all the talk about how bright the E2DL is compared to it's stated 120 lumen output. Well, I put the E2DL (rated @ 120 lumens on high) against the older Fenix P1D CE (rated @ 135 lumens on high). See pics:
Pros:
Very bright on high (my tests show ~160+ lumens). Very useful low output for close up use (i.e. reading a map, walking through the house). Teeth can be used for self defense. TIR optic focuses the beam nice and tight without the need for a large reflector, while still giving plenty of surround light. Tailcap gives you the option to tailstand the light. Overall size of the light is pretty small. Very long run time on low setting. High beam comes on first by default in case you need to blind an attacker. You can change from high to low output by first turning on the light, then turn it off and back on in less than 2 seconds. You are now in low mode.
Cons:
Teeth can get caught on your clothing. It would be nice if the battery life on high were a bit longer, but most lights in this category give about the same run-time. Changing between modes can happen when you don't want it to. This happends if you press the tail cap switch momentarily, let off and press it again in less than 2 seconds. Uses 2 CR123A batteries which most stores charge an arm and a leg for.
Overall:
This is a great light for it's size and light output. I highly recommend it. Combine this with a Surefire F04 beam diffuser and you have a do everything light. Run-time test showed about 90 minutes of continuous output before rapidly diminishing.
This is what Surefire's TIR optic looks like:
Here is a shot of the E2DL's teeth:
Fenix P1D CE on the left, Surefire E2DL on the right (both at max output):
Surefire E2DL on high, camera set to manual exposure. (notice side-spill on the left)
Fenix P1D CE on high, camera set to manual exposure. (notice side-spill on the left)
It seems that the Fenix, although rated slightly higher in output has a less intense hot-spot and less spill as well. This has already been discussed in other threads but it do think it's a good example for those who believe that just because the box says X lumens, that doesn't mean it's what you are really getting. YMMV.
Pros:
Very bright on high (my tests show ~160+ lumens). Very useful low output for close up use (i.e. reading a map, walking through the house). Teeth can be used for self defense. TIR optic focuses the beam nice and tight without the need for a large reflector, while still giving plenty of surround light. Tailcap gives you the option to tailstand the light. Overall size of the light is pretty small. Very long run time on low setting. High beam comes on first by default in case you need to blind an attacker. You can change from high to low output by first turning on the light, then turn it off and back on in less than 2 seconds. You are now in low mode.
Cons:
Teeth can get caught on your clothing. It would be nice if the battery life on high were a bit longer, but most lights in this category give about the same run-time. Changing between modes can happen when you don't want it to. This happends if you press the tail cap switch momentarily, let off and press it again in less than 2 seconds. Uses 2 CR123A batteries which most stores charge an arm and a leg for.
Overall:
This is a great light for it's size and light output. I highly recommend it. Combine this with a Surefire F04 beam diffuser and you have a do everything light. Run-time test showed about 90 minutes of continuous output before rapidly diminishing.
This is what Surefire's TIR optic looks like:
Here is a shot of the E2DL's teeth:
Fenix P1D CE on the left, Surefire E2DL on the right (both at max output):
Surefire E2DL on high, camera set to manual exposure. (notice side-spill on the left)
Fenix P1D CE on high, camera set to manual exposure. (notice side-spill on the left)
It seems that the Fenix, although rated slightly higher in output has a less intense hot-spot and less spill as well. This has already been discussed in other threads but it do think it's a good example for those who believe that just because the box says X lumens, that doesn't mean it's what you are really getting. YMMV.
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I am pretty dang sure that horse is dead by now. :touche:
