carrot
Flashaholic
I thought it was high time to find an EDC replacement for my lost McGizmo (why not another?) and figured I'd re-evaluate my needs. Settled on a Surefire EB1 after a false start with new-old stock E1L.
I decided that since I have increasingly relied on headlamps as my primary lighting, my EDC tool should support that in a complementary way while still being useful on its own. Since headlamps are typically great close up, I figured a tiny, high-powered thrower would be an ideal match. A throw-optimized light is terrible if you have no other lights, but if you have many alternatives, it's pretty neat.
Overview
The Surefire EB1 Backup is pretty much the love child of the E1B Backup and the L1 Lumamax. In other words, the light quite a few of us have been clamoring for, for years. To that effect, it offers the option of either a click switch and a high-low UI (E1B-style) or a twisty two-stage switch with a low-high UI (L1/A2-style). Cleverly enough, the electronics to support either switch are built into the same head! I chose the twisty switch, in keeping with my stubbornly made preference from years and years of carrying twisty lights.
Output
Low is super low, low enough not to bother your SO at night or other movie-goers in a theater or other campers in a campsite, but plenty to look around. I wouldn't read with this for more than a few minutes because the hotspot is so small and sharp, but it does fine. It is supposed to run for 40 hours like this, which should be excellent.
High is wicked. Thanks to the lens system Surefire uses in this light, it has a super tight beam with a nice smooth hotspot that just projects light extremely far away. I was stupid enough to try shining this on high at my desk in the afternoon and I saw spots for quite a bit after. It's rated for "only" 200 lumens but thanks to the optic design it seems to outclass just about every other light I've pitted it against in my humble collection. Yes, even the 3000 lumen one (4x MC-E at about 36-45W if you are curious), although it is not a completely fair comparison.
Build
Build quality is typical Surefire. Feels great in your hands and gives the sense of a precise but bombproof piece of serious equipment. It is bigger than the E1B and slightly wider than the L1 that preceded it, but comfortably so, without being too obtrusive in a pocket or in hand. Two-way pocket clip means you can carry your light bezel-down, as God intended.
Aesthetically this light is great too. It is maybe a little bit less high-tech and cool-looking than the L1 and maybe a bit less sleek than the E1B. However, its simple lines and understated looks are a breath of fresh, revitalizing air. It's a big departure from Surefire's classic bionic look, as designed by PK, and the crazy wavy post-PK designs in Surefire's awkward transitionary years. (People used to joke that Surefire designs were the results of CNC operators saying, "Oh yeah? Check THIS out!") It's the year 2013 and minimalism is back in vogue, and Surefire has clearly noticed.
Rating
Combined with its shocking(ly low, for Surefire,) street price of $155 and its wicked throw, this light is a great choice for someone who wants a quality illumination tool that throws like a much bigger light.
I decided that since I have increasingly relied on headlamps as my primary lighting, my EDC tool should support that in a complementary way while still being useful on its own. Since headlamps are typically great close up, I figured a tiny, high-powered thrower would be an ideal match. A throw-optimized light is terrible if you have no other lights, but if you have many alternatives, it's pretty neat.
Overview
The Surefire EB1 Backup is pretty much the love child of the E1B Backup and the L1 Lumamax. In other words, the light quite a few of us have been clamoring for, for years. To that effect, it offers the option of either a click switch and a high-low UI (E1B-style) or a twisty two-stage switch with a low-high UI (L1/A2-style). Cleverly enough, the electronics to support either switch are built into the same head! I chose the twisty switch, in keeping with my stubbornly made preference from years and years of carrying twisty lights.
Output
Low is super low, low enough not to bother your SO at night or other movie-goers in a theater or other campers in a campsite, but plenty to look around. I wouldn't read with this for more than a few minutes because the hotspot is so small and sharp, but it does fine. It is supposed to run for 40 hours like this, which should be excellent.
High is wicked. Thanks to the lens system Surefire uses in this light, it has a super tight beam with a nice smooth hotspot that just projects light extremely far away. I was stupid enough to try shining this on high at my desk in the afternoon and I saw spots for quite a bit after. It's rated for "only" 200 lumens but thanks to the optic design it seems to outclass just about every other light I've pitted it against in my humble collection. Yes, even the 3000 lumen one (4x MC-E at about 36-45W if you are curious), although it is not a completely fair comparison.
Build
Build quality is typical Surefire. Feels great in your hands and gives the sense of a precise but bombproof piece of serious equipment. It is bigger than the E1B and slightly wider than the L1 that preceded it, but comfortably so, without being too obtrusive in a pocket or in hand. Two-way pocket clip means you can carry your light bezel-down, as God intended.
Aesthetically this light is great too. It is maybe a little bit less high-tech and cool-looking than the L1 and maybe a bit less sleek than the E1B. However, its simple lines and understated looks are a breath of fresh, revitalizing air. It's a big departure from Surefire's classic bionic look, as designed by PK, and the crazy wavy post-PK designs in Surefire's awkward transitionary years. (People used to joke that Surefire designs were the results of CNC operators saying, "Oh yeah? Check THIS out!") It's the year 2013 and minimalism is back in vogue, and Surefire has clearly noticed.
Rating
Combined with its shocking(ly low, for Surefire,) street price of $155 and its wicked throw, this light is a great choice for someone who wants a quality illumination tool that throws like a much bigger light.
