Most helpful client reviews
70 of 74 humans found the following review helpful.
Terrific Light, as usual, from Surefire
By C. Beck
If you are new to high-powered flashlights, Surefire is the benchmark. This ain’t no Maglite. Made in USA, lifetime warranty with unbelievable client service, unequaled build quality, and state of the art LED’s. This light has two beams. One click gives you a very concentered beam with aweinspiring power – 120 Lumens. Click again and the lower powered beam is still a great deal strong and will probably be what you use more often. I in truth commend the dual stage version of this model. It’s great to have a high powered beam when you need it, but walking the dog or searching for something in a tent doesn’t need 120 lumens – 5 is fine. Battery life is great.
If spending this much cash on a flashlight seems absurd, there are other choices at your disposition that are just as strong, but are made in China and don’t come with the same warranty. These include Fenix – I purchased a P30D on Amazon for 65 dollars for a friend. That Fenix light doesn’t have the same build quality as my Surefires, but has a similar beam and I would rate light output someplace among my L5 (100 Lumen) and this E2DL (120 Lumen). I would go with Surefire any day for the peace of mind that if I drop it in a river, it’s going to work just fine (waterproof to “33 feet” – at least), and the cognition that it was made in the States.
Also, beware of LUMEN hype. Other manufacturers- such as Fenix- make claims with regards to light output that I have found to be around double of what Surefire rates. So a 220 lumen Fenix P30D seems to my eye to be around a 110 lumen Surefire. I didn’t test scientifically but I trust my eyes and it was unquestionably weaker than this 120 Lumen E2DL. Surefire is exceedingly conservative with regards to their claims, which is in line with their stellar reputation. Also, make sure whatsoever flashlight you’re buying is equipped with the latest LED’s, as technology is altering quickly and an modified light may have significantly better battery life than former LED models. Call or e-mail Surefire and ask- they will be straight with you. As of January ’09, this queer light has the latest CREE LED and is unquestionably state of the art. Also sorry Amazon, but Batteryjunction.com ships Surefires for free with a bunch of free extra batteries. Enjoy!
28 of 29 persons found the following review helpful.
Awesome LED illumination
By Erik S.
This has become my second Surefire flashlight in 13 years. Ironically, Surefire seems to make such a dependable, durable, and well-designed piece of instrumentation that I may not be the usual client I must be. Prior to this I owned a 9N flashlight, but the bulb assemblage in the end broke and may not be replaced.
Enter the E2D LED.
I was primary impressed with the smallness of this flashlight. It fits very nicely into my hand, and evenly so in a pocket. It feels very light. The double-tap activation switch works well, and I believe it to be a outstanding bit of practical design. I do not miss the “twist” type of activation switch from my former Surefire. Switching from High to Low power on the E2D LED does take a bit of practice, but once you get your timing down, it’s not a consideration.
The full-power luminance of this light is awe-inspiring. I still feel closely blinded when initially firing this light up. I from time to time squint to get over it. Seriously. The lower lumen setting is more than adequate for most night-work, but I may see the effect of shining the full-power light into someone’s eyes. The light cast by this flashlight is smooth, even, and far-reaching.
The ruggedness of the flashlight is good. The lens is well protected and sturdy, and the light has yet to fail due to mechanical defect. I’ve had it for roughly 6 months now, and it has become an almost daily-use tool. Incidentally, I am still on the basi set of batteries.
My only gripe with the flashlight is that the tail-cap prevents “flat-thumbing” the activation switch. It’s hard to describe, but you have to closely reach your thumb over the tail cap wall, and point inwards ever so somewhat to activate the switch. For momentary activation it’s no problem, but to click the light on permanently takes galore finesse. This is by no means a problem overall, but I figure I have to find a good deal of flaws, right?
In the end, this flashlight is well worth the introductory high cost. If it lasts the 13 years that my 9N did, I will consider the cost to be a steal, actually. The powerful luminance of the flashlight, the ergonomic feel, and the fact that it has an fabulously technical (almost Star Wars) like look makes this the best flashlight I’ve owned.
This is one mean piece of equipment, and will surely last through a great deal of high abuse.
17 of 19 persons found the following review helpful.
A terrific carry light!
By Pipper
I have various Surefire flashlights including the incandescent E2D Defender, the U2 Ultra, G3 and M6. This new LED model is only a little more spectacular than the incandescent version, but it’s twice as bright, and it has a low power setting, too. It has great throw and a nice spill beam. This will be my carry light of choice.
See all 24 client reviews…
