Gideon

Hi all, need some help on lights. I carry a gun and knife whenever possible but would like to add an EDC light as part of my standard carry gear.

I've been looking at the surefires, pelicans, and some other models but you can probably help me cut down the search, so here's some criteria:

1. Under $100
2. Bright enought to use in an SD scenario
3. Tailcap on/off to hold when presenting a gun
4. A clip of some sort
5. Small enought to slip in a pocket and carry out on the town, etc.

I looked at a Fenix P2D (I think?) that was only $40 or less and seemed reasonable putting out 80+ lumen but I don't know how many lumen's actually impresses a bad guy?

I've also noticed some lights are SUPER bright and last a short time while others are less bright w/longer run times. For general EDC, what would you recommend for lumen?

I've looked at the Surefire Executive defender model and like it but it's $110 and I think it would be a bit big to carry around in the pocket.

Any thoughts or recommendations on what you've settled on as EDC as part of your CCW daily carry would be greatly appreciated! Once I figure out a small pocket carry EDC light, I'll start thinking about a good pack/bag/nightstand light.

Thanks in advance for your time and help guys!
God Bless
Gideon

sheepdog

I really like Surefire, I have a 6P, 6Z, and G2. The G2 is the deal of the century if you ask me. For a bit more than the G2, I like the Inova T5. Not as bright as the SFs, but LONG run time. I gather SF is coming out with an LED that should mitigate run time issues. If I buy another light anytime soon, it will be the Fenix you mention, just because it looks like a very nice light that is reviewed on a couple of boards. Do a search on flashlights here, there are posters that have forgotten more than I will ever understand about lights. See posts by member "Clipse" or one of the best sites on the web, www.flashlightreviews.com

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sass20485

Surefire E1e fits easily in a pocket, plenty bright too.

bzdog

I'd highly suggest the Surefire E2e. You won't believe how small it is. It's also very bright and incredibly strong. It will totally mess up your perception of flashlights!

Typically, I think 60 lumens is considered the starting point for a "tactical" light.

Personally, I'd prefer a Surefire over the Fenix for reliability reasons. Fenix has been setting a new bar in terms of price/performance, but when it comes to reliability, I'd still go for a Surefire.

Also keep in mind, different companies rate their lights differently. Some rate the brightness of the LED or bulb and some the actual output. Surefire is well known for "real" lumens, not theoretical.

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-john

Gideon

Thanks for the input guys. I've been reading a lot on line and determined I'll have to end up with several to really meet my needs!

I've gone ahead and ordered an E2E for my first. I'll probalby add the smaller single battery surefire later. I just need to see what this one will look like. I got the E2E with hard anodized finish, free shipping and four extra batteries for $79 so it seems like an okay deal. I also went ahead and bought a box of 12 extra batteries so I can play....I mean test it out.

You've gotta love good machined equipment!

God Bless and thanks again to those who shared their thoughts! I appreciate it!
Gideon

bzdog

You won't regret it. When looking at the single cell lights, consider the new version (just released) of the SF L1. It does two brightness levels and is about as bright as the E2e on "high" and you get utility and long runtime from the "low" setting.

-john

retsupt99

Another vote for the SureFire E2e...I've had mine for several years without a problem...and...buy extra batteries soon...the price keeps climbing.

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bzdog

Oh, almost forgot. Make sure you order your batteries online. Brick and mortars are universally a rip-off when it comes to the 123a batteries.

-john

clipse

Some good suggestions here. A carry light is something that really depends on your needs. While the Fenix P2D is a fine light, I tend to want more quality out of light I may need to trust my life to. Not saying that Fenix doesn't make a good light. I use the Fenix L2D daily. I'm a big proponent of multi-output lights. If you're like me, you'll end up using your light alot and not for SD. So, having the ability to use a lower output that won't eat up batteries would be a godsend. Unfortunately, you're going to have a hard time finding a good quality light with multi-output for under $100. The best for the price (and this is if the lights are as good as the HDS EDC U60 that I carry) can be found here

Novatac had obsorbed HDS at one time and Henry from HDS was working for Novatac building and designing these lights. The HDS is THE BEST non-custom light out.......bar-none. IMHO.

Novatac recently got a finished a couple government contracts one of which is supplying lights to the SAS.

Just something to consider. Also, with these lights, when it says 85 lumens they mean 85 lumens. Not more, not less, just simple 85 lumens. :)

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bzdog

Note, while Clipse has noted the 85 lumen version to be closer to your price target, there is also a 120 lumen version.

If you run the brighter light at one of the lower output modes you will get increased runtime.

-john