Where is the CPF mantra?! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/duh2.gif
GET BOTH!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif
The only problem is that Surefire's variable-power lights are all fixed configuration lights - the L1, L2, A2 and U2 will not be able to exchange parts as easily as the other lights. Personally I would never go without at least two lights, probably three since all of mine are fixed-power lights (CMG Inf Ultra, one insanely high powered SF incan, and the can't-live-without-it KL1).
If I absolutely, positively had to take only one it would be the U2. Problem is the U2 costs as much as the whole of my 3-light loadout combined, and it's not available yet.
The CMG is only $15, so it's a worthwhile investment. 12 hours on AA cells is quite admirable, you don't need to carry reloads for this one. If you choose this route, then you can open up your choices to the high powered SF lights. My (very limited) experience seems to favor incan for outdoors work and LED for indoors or closeup work.
Config #1:
CMG Infinity Ultra
Surefire L4 LumaMax (65 lumens, 1 hour)
Surefire E2e bezel only, plus MN02 lamp (25 lumens, 2.5 hours) - medium incan
Surefire E2e bezel only, plus MN03 lamp (60 lumens, 75 min) - high powered incan
Swap the lamps and bezels. You only need one E2e bezel. There are plenty of nice waterproof containers available online, and remember, tupperware/ziplocs work great in a pinch.
Config #2:
CMG Infinity Ultra
Surefire 6P with P60 lamp (65 lumens / 60 minutes)
Surefire KL3 LED bezel (20 lumens, 4 hours max power + 4 hours diminishing light)
Surefire P61 lamp (120 lumens / 20 minutes)
If you want to go crazy, there's the A19 extender to deploy a 3-cell configuration for truly insane amounts of light.
The main thing is that what works for someone may not work for someone else at all. A setup that one person is comfortable with may seem totally awkward to another. You'll have to try the various lights in your intended application scenarios. I've tried predicting, and I find I can't /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif