Surefire E2L LED Flashlight

Surefire is the premier maker of flashlights. This has output of 60 lumens and about 3 lumens-conservatively rated- light is not cold blue but a warmer natural white-no hot spots-even beam and its very very light-aluminum and light lithium batteries-much less than a minimag light or 2 AA plastic pelican using alkalines on high its brighter than a 4d cell maglite-far brighter than any headlamp-LED or incandescent-has a great lock out position twistable on off cap that will absolutely prevent accidental discharge, and when you twist it to operate mode -then the sturdy push button is all you need-(alone this button without the lock out would likely be 99 percent reliable)-end push button alternates between off and low and high--light starts in low mode-as bright as many LED headlamps in medium mode-bright is what makes this light unique-great and penetrates darkness better than many incandescent lights and most LEDs-this light has good 'spill' that is it is not a narrow spot beam-it gives good side lighting as wellit uses 123 batteries-which give almost 100% output until dead, with the light's internal micro processor (part of its price and performacne) -the 123 batteries are easy to find cheap on line $1-1.75-expensive in a retail store 2 for $10 or more -so plan on buying some on line-it has a non removable body clip-could be usd on a hat brim but not advisable -clip has a place where a very thin cord could be threaded as a lanyard-what this has that headlamps dont is a very good bright LED light-one that you might actually be able use for emergency downclimbing or route finding in the dark-not swallowed in the wild like other lights (no less this small)-but you need a hand free to hold it (or some other rig to secure it to your head)-even my petzl duo with multi leds and bright super incandescent doesnt come close to this -for around camp surefire may be overkill-if you need a really bright light occasionally-its great-absolutley weather proof and tough-each light is factory tested-so quality is part of what your paying for -not an issue-surefire is primarily military police gear-olive drab or black IMHO is not the best color for camping-hell to see if you drop it and then need to find it-easily blends with ground in the day and harder to see at night-remedied by bright plastic tape or, if you can bring yourself to do this to such a nice piece of gear, glow in the dark paint-fits in a pocket nicely (so its always with you) (btw the one cell version is identical in every respect with only minimal less run time-so if you like small, theres little tradeoff)the more you use them the more you understand why they are priceynote with prolonged burn on bright -these generate a lot of heat-so you dont leave unattended, standing on the lens, or leaning against a nylon wall or sleeping bag, etc.-however this is the true never fail piece of gear--this one doesnt require plan b -and the 123 batteries can sit for ten years - so a very good light for occasional but critical use as well

As a retired Seal I have tested some gear in the past. Always looked for durability and reliability as most important, along with ease of use. This light is both. It will really take a beating and keep going. I bought one for my son (Navy Corpsman with the Marines) before his last Iraq deployment. After more than a year, he is still on the first set of batteries. I bought mine shortly after his and also haven't changed batteries yet. I use it every day. It sits on my nightstand. The batteries are indeed more expensive than standard ones, but you can get 'em pretty cheap at REI or online and they have a great shelf-life. Get one of the battery holders if you plan to travel by air and carry them in your carry-on (until the TSA changes the rules again). The 3-lumen level is mostly what I use, but the 60-lumen level will definitely light up the immediate area. I compared it with my 2-D cell Mag Light and it won. Mine's been wet with no ill effects. It might could use a little better lanyard attach point, but that is minor. This is the flashlight you want to have in an emergency. My wife wants one now, so I know what my dividend is going for this year.

I bought this as a general use flashlight, and it has come in handy in so many situations I keep it with me at all times. On a mountain bike night ride my headlight died and this flashlight was more than bright enough to ride the trails back to camp. It was small/light enough to keep locked between two knuckles and still keep both hands on the handlebar. The low-level setting is good for reading, hiking, or camp tasks. The clip allows it to be mounted on the visor of a baseball hat.

The high level setting helps me sweep the woods at night on rides and hikes. The power is enough to show a reflection off of animals' eyes from at least one hundred yards away.

After numerous drops and crashes on my bike (the light was in my camelbak) it is still running strong with only cosmetic scuffs by way of damage. It survives rain and moisture just fine, although I have not submerged it.

The bottom line: if you are looking for a tough-as-nails light that operates in all conditions, this light is well worth the cost.

If you haven't tried LED flashlights in a while, now is the time to see what they were intended to do. The E2L outdoorsman is an outstanding companion in any low light situation. The light beam is focused and illuminates objects much farther than a standard palm flashlight. The E2L has an incredible battery life on 2 Lithium batteries.

I received this flashlight as a gift two years ago and have used it countless hours so far. Camping, hiking, general travel, hotels, power outages, all four seasons, et cetera.

Get a lanyard for this if you are going to use it where dropping it means loosing it. You will be heartbroken. Also, always have spare batteries available. LEDs do not noticeably dim like standard flashlights. When the juice runs out the light goes off.

I debated buying this for a couple of months reading reviews of approximately 5 flash lights. I just could not think of spending that kind of money on a light well I broke down and said screw it I am buying one. That was about 1.5 months ago and I have yet to change the batteries. I use this daily and carry it everywhere its been dunked under water, sprayed with mud, beat, dropped, and it does not have a single scratch on it anywhere. I am thinking of even buying one to keep in the car. I will never buy another brand of flashlight if you want something that will hold up go with a SureFire

I use this light just about everyday and I have had it for over a year, prior to owning this light I had the SureFire 6P which too was amazing although I lost it. I put both of these lights though some tough times and they don't quit working they are made of solid aluminum and can take a beaten, I have dropped them, smashed them, used them as a hammer even and the light still works. I know they are expensive this is one of those true "you get what you pay for" tools I will never buy another brand of flashlight again Thank you
SureFire for making a quality product!

It's a jolt to pay this much for a "small" flashlight, but the performance is so astonishingly good, I quickly forgot the cost. This is a fantastically built, consistent, reliable, small-enough-to-be-pocketable flashlight with outstanding battery life -- 100 hrs. or so on low, which is fine for most close work. On high, it throws a powerful and flicker-free beam that's more than enough to light up a trail, campsite, work area, or backyard. The smaller, 1-batter version (the E1L) is equally good, and light enough to clip to the visor of a baseball cap. Just an all-around fantastic tool.

I was not that excited to spend this much money on a flashlight but do not regret it all. I have had this for roughly two years and use it often. The beam is focused for use outdoors. Often times Surefires are bright but with a broad beam, useful for clearing rooms in a tactical situation.

This light has held up to everything I have thrown at it. It is bright, light, and compact. If this every goes out I will get another immediately.

if you are familiar at all with surefire products, then you know they make top of the line flashlights. for an LED light, i was impressed with the way this beam projects. also, for the size, the light output is very impressive. the lithium batteries aren't cheap, but hunt around on the internet for the best deal. you can also find a lanyard which is useful for securing it around your wrist or neck. highly recommended for those requiring a super bright, reliable light.

I use flashlights daily for my work every where from in the garage to dark closets, in attics and under the house it is great to have a flashlight that is reliably, bright and keeps working ever time it gets drop smashed and dirty It is about time someone has made a LED flashlight where the batteries dont run out in a couple of hours THIS IS WELL WORTH THE PRICE the last flashlight you will ever have to purchase