Old Farmer:
Based on your no-nonsense responses, I'd recommend the
Fenix P3D Rebel. It's got 2 levels with a total of six output modes. Level one: low, medium, high, SOS. Level two: turbo, strobe. Twist the head to switch levels. Click to switch modes within each level.
You'll ordinarily operate in low or medium. At a moment's notice, when something unusual catches your attention, a quick twist of the head gets you immediately to turbo. Pretty simple, really.
In the city, where there is a lot of competing light, you might have used the high more often because of the bright distractions. It doesn't sound like you'll have that problem. And I doubt that you'll have much opportunity to use the flashing modes, so your use will revolve around low, medium and turbo. Like I said, operating between these three modes is a cinch.
Moreover, because of your dark conditions, you can take full advantage of the Rebel emitter's better color rendition. (In the city, the few extra lumens that the Q5 emitter offered might be worth the color tradeoff.)
The P3D doesn't have a perfect beam, but the pattern is suitable for your need. It is a medium bright spot with reasonably bright spill, a very good pattern for general purposes. Not too throwy. Not too floody.
Note: The P3D Rebel is no longer being manufactured, so you may have difficulty finding it. You can try the CPF Marketplace, maybe post a WTB message. Here's one vendor that I've dealt with before: link.
* * * * *
If you want a more perfect beam, then the
HDS Ra 100 TW would be the one I'd recommend. Nice hot spot that feathers smoothly to spill. It's better than a pure flood, IMO. The pure flood directs light in all directions, which is good if you don't need any throw. However, if you do need to throw light for any distance, then it becomes important to focus at least some of the light in the center of your view. The Ra 100 does this admirably. A few photos:
link.
Simple one-handed operation. Twist a little for low, twist a little more for medium, twist a little more for high. (The smooth threads make it easy to use. I find the Ra 100 TW's twist action to be easier to operate than some of my clicky flashlights.)
Output levels are customizable, but the factory settings are great for your application.
Besides a nice beam and easy operation, the HDS Ra lights are extraordinarily tough and reliable. Perhaps even tougher and more reliable than Surefires.
You could also get the Ra 120, Ra 140, or Ra 170; but I doubt that you'll need the extra "oomph" from these lights - especially since you already decided that the E1L had enough firepower to accomplish your tasks. And you can opt for the clicky versions, if that is your preference. (But if you do pick the clicky, do so because you like clickies - not because of any pre-conceived notions that it would be easier to use. IMO, the Ra clicky is easier to program, but the Ra twisty is easier to use.)
If you do go with a twisty, I'd suggest that you pick up the
18670 twisty tube. Not only does it allow you longer runtimes, but the form factor is more comfortable for handcarrying.
