from 8NX to E2

Hello everyone.

Long time reader first time poster .

I am a sound engineer and have an 8NX, but it it too big and heavy for me to carry around all the time (I only wear during shows because it tends to pull my belt down if I wear it all the time). I was thinking about selling it and getting an E2. My question is, will I be dissapointed in the E2's performance coming from an 8NX?

A friend of mine has a 6P and in comparison the whiter light from the 6P was actually more usable for me.

I will probably get a beamshaper for the E2 (if I get it) since a lot of my uses are less than 20feet, and can use the extra with of the beam. The fact that it can fit in a Mag AA holster is a plus too. Battery cost is an issue (that's why I bought an 8NX in the first place) so the E2's 75 minute lifespan is a plus. I was looking at the UK2L, but it's inability to flash on and off, lower light output, and unadjustable narrow beam does not seem to fit the bill.

Brock, I read you are a audio engineer also. Do you have any reccomendations of a small easy to carry light that can easily sort through equipment in a dim backstage environment, troubleshoot problems on a lit, not lit, lit, not lit, lit, not lit, stage during a performance (been on stage to troubleshoot when the song ends and lights go out, DOH!), easliy search under a dark as night 60 x 40 stage, and "flash" a monitor engineer from FOH at 100feet away to get his attention. I have a Poton II to stick in my mouth and see directly in front of my face so I can use both hands to wire racks and such.


Thanks in advance for any replies. I have to say this is the best, most polite, professional forum I have had the pleasure to read.

Thanks for the replies, it looks like the E2's a winner. Especially when the lower lumen lamp comes out.

Welcome, yup I am a fellow sound guy, a house sound for a 2000 seat road house actually. I am at work right now, we are loading in "Swing" a Troika show, 4 trucks. Anyway I would strongly suggest the Surefire E2. I also tried rechargeables, the only one that was at all close was the 6R. Then I went to the D2, now I use the E2, with a covert Photon 3 on my lanyard. The E2 is small and light enough to not notice, but extremely bright. You will be the envy of the other techies. I thought I would have to use a beam shaper coming from the P60 lamp, but the E2 is softer and smoother overall. I probably use a set of batteries in 2 weeks. Also the lower lumen lamp should be out soon which I might switch to for use in the theatre.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Brock:
Also the lower lumen lamp should be out soon which I might switch to for use in the theatre.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Unfortunately, the lower output lamp for the E2 is on the back burner, while Surefire tries to get bugs out of the production for the 10X light. The 10X is back ordered almost everywhere, due to the problems with lamp production. Once the manufacturer gets the 10X lamps caught up, they will start working, again, on the reduced power lamp for the E2. The prototypes didn't come close to meeting specs, so it'll likely be awhile before the E2 reduced power lamp is available...unlees there has been some real progress I haven't heard of in the last 2 to 3 weeks.

That is true; I should have said the lower lumen lamp should be out within a year, hopefully sooner. At least it is one of the projects that surefire has confirmed.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tree:
Do you have any reccomendations of a small easy to carry light that can easily sort through equipment in a dim backstage environment, troubleshoot problems on a lit, not lit, lit, not lit, lit, not lit, stage during a performance (been on stage to troubleshoot when the song ends and lights go out, DOH!),<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My usual answer: Get a headlight. A Petzl Zipka fits in any pocket and is very versatile. Additional to an E2.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PeLu:
My usual answer: Get a headlight. A Petzl Zipka fits in any pocket and is very versatile. Additional to an E2.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks PeLu, but I tried the headlamp thing years ago and it did not work for me. Plus if I ran on stage with the Petzl Zipka on my head during a show the audience might think I was part of the act .

A lot of the time I have to be as discreet as possible, that's why I wish a photon II covert existed. (seems like the III would turn on in my pocket too much)

(funny story) I was doing a show outdoors on a street for a local casino. It was night time and I was at mix position (about 75' in front the stage). I needed to get the stagehand's attention who was standing downstage left just off the stage minuets before the show started so I flashed my 8NX several times at him. Now I am on a 2' riser and he is on the ground so I have to aim my light down a bit. Well this catches the attention of about 500 audience members between me and the stage hand but the stage hand was looking the other way and did not notice (how he could not notice the tent covering monitor position lighting up like a strobe light I don't know). Moments later (as the audience was still looking in my direction trying to find out where the light was coming from) the stagehand glanced my way, so I flashed the 8NX a couple times again to signal him. Well... I heard about 500 people who then was looking at me and my light say AGGGHH!! OUCH!! AWWWW!! Luckily the hot spot of the light was over most of their heads.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>A lot of the time I have to be as discreet as possible, that's why I wish a photon II covert existed. (seems like the III would turn on in my pocket too much) <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is true. I used to carry a Photon 2 on my keys, then went to a covert Photon 3 and it kept turning itself on in my pocket, (I guess I sat down to often on the job ) Anyway I went back to the Photon 2 on my keys and put the Photon 3 covert on my lanyard around my neck. I have the Photon set for dim, very nice for looking at gear during a show and the Arc is great for turning on and leaving on to light something up I have to work on. I usually only wear my lanyard during shows though, but carry the Arc AAA in my fanny pack and the E2 just clipped to my jeans, as you can guess the E2 is a little bright to use during a show.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tree:
Thanks PeLu, but I tried the headlamp thing years ago and it did not work for me. Plus if I ran on stage with the Petzl Zipka on my head during a show the audience might think I was part of the act <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Of course it will not be perfect for that job, but for finding something below the stage. You may put the Zipka on your hand and cover it easily. For getting attention a Zipka will not be of any use (probably).

I've been in a concert lately were the performers came with headlights on (dark) stage.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tree:
Hello everyone.

......... (8NX) ........ I was thinking about selling it and getting an E2.

....................

I have to say this is the best, most polite, professional forum I have had the pleasure to read.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tree, don't sell your 8NX for just a while if possible - it reads as if you want to sell one to finance the other.
You could decide to keep them both, maybe ?

And this "most polite" forum you refer to - got a link for it please ?

lightlover

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by *something ridiculous:
Tree, don't sell your 8NX for just a while if possible - it reads as if you want to sell one to finance the other.
You could decide to keep them both, maybe ?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If I had the extra money I would gladly keep them both, but I kinda was counting on the 8NX sale to get me an E2 with some extra 123's
Any particular reason I should wait?


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PeLu:
[QB]Of course it will not be perfect for that job, but for finding something below the stage. You may put the Zipka on your hand and cover it easily. QB]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was kind of joking about the "on stage" thing, but your right, a headlamp would be good for under the stage. Actually a headlamp would be good for many things that the photon would not be bright enough for and you need both hands. The last one I tried was very uncomfortable and annoying, I think I got it from Radio Shack. It looked like something the coal miners used to wear.

I might have to look into the headlamp thing again now that I know that there's more to flashlights than what "The Shack", Wal-Mart and sporting goods stores have to offer.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tree:
I might have to look into the headlamp thing again now that I know that there's more to flashlights than what "The Shack", Wal-Mart and sporting goods stores have to offer.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I still prefer the LuxBrite as they use more standard cells in a more standard amount (2 AAs) .-) and offer constant brightness and are affordable.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tree:
If I had the extra money I would gladly keep them both, but I kinda was counting on the 8NX sale to get me an E2 with some extra 123's
Any particular reason I should wait?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Just so that you could compare the two, really. You could end up wanting both, they are quite useful ......
(I have the E2, and the 8AX waiting for a friend to bring over.)

You can't be disappointed by the E2 - I was sceptical for a long while, but once in your hands, you'll probably think it deserves all the praise, (and some of the criticism).

Whatever you do, get a 12B "Hurricane Light", or a plain 12 pack of specifically the Surefire SF123's, not the other DL123's or CR123 makes. They are said to be substantially better, posted by people I trust. (I've got some on order.)

lightlover

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by *something ridiculous:
Just so that you could compare the two, really. You could end up wanting both, they are quite useful ......
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gotcha, that makes sense. I'll try to scrounge up the extra money. It would be nice to have both. I could keep the 8NX for around the house and the E2 for work (and of course get the lower lumen lamp for the E2 and the hight output lamp for the 8nx whenever they come out).

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by *something ridiculous:

Whatever you do, get a 12B "Hurricane Light", or a plain 12 pack of specifically the Surefire SF123's, not the other DL123's or CR123 makes. They are said to be substantially better, posted by people I trust. (I've got some on order.)

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm surprised I have not read about somebody making a super bright LED mod for the Hurricane (maybe I have not found it yet).

As for the batteries, although the SureFire batts seem to be better all round. Is the difference in price/performance over cheaper 123 batteries justified over a long period of time? Lets say the difference in the price of a years worth of batteries versus runtime/brightness/reliabliliby.

Forgive me if I am bringing up a discussion in batteries that has already been posted, or does not belong in this thread.

The SureFire batteries just *have* to be made by someone else. Their is no way that SureFire went and built its own manufacturing plant. They have to just be Duracell/Energizer/Sanyo/Sony/Panasonic/someone else batteries with a SureFire label...

Any ideas as to who?

Anyway, I orderded an E2 and 24 Sanyo 123 batteries off the web Monday. Hopefully should be here today. At less than $2 a battery I figure there is no way I can go wrong!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tree:
I'm surprised I have not read about somebody making a super bright LED mod for the Hurricane (maybe I have not found it yet).
.....................
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, the 12B uses just a bog-standard BN01 3 Lumen incandescent w/out a reflector, not a LED oddly enough. But it really is allegedly just sold as a Marketing idea, a source of cheap 123's. The 12B's bulb is supposedly just a way of squeezing the last of the juice from the depleted 123's.

Whoever makes the SF123's, I've read they are substantially better in terms of the E2's runtime, 85 as opposed to 75 minutes, but also much better in terms of keeping the initial intensity of the light, 30+ minutes worth of the fresh intense whiteness as opposed to a Duracell's 10 minutes.

When the initial "new" charge is worn out, the light just appears a little softer, OK by me, but not for some purists.

(Times and so on as per my fevered memory - check the SF board for various posts, as well as the CPF Topic lists)

lightlover

SureFires are not just someone else's batteries in a different jacket.

Just as when the same factory makes ready-meals for a range of supermarkets. It doesn't mean they're all the same (although it could)

SureFire SF123As have been made to their specification, and I believe have been made in the USA.

They ARE better, try for yourself and you'll see the difference.

Al

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Size15s:
SureFires are not just someone else's batteries in a different jacket.

Just as when the same factory makes ready-meals for a range of supermarkets. It doesn't mean they're all the same (although it could)

SureFire SF123As have been made to their specification, and I believe have been made in the USA.

They ARE better, try for yourself and you'll see the difference.

Al<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So who makes them?