I am thinking about adding a light to my personal defense list. This would be something that I would slip into a pair of shorts or a coat pocket. As with my knife and gun, the light would have to be comfortable and compact for me to carry it. In terms of my expectations for using it, I want something that could blind someone for even just a second so I could either get away or go for my gun. The SF E1E looks very attractive. It is a full 1.2" shorter than the E2E. However, the E2E produces 4X the amount of lumens than the E1E. Now, I know what 60 lumens looks like - I have a G2 Nitrolon and a Z2. My question is, how bright is 15 lumens? Will it have the desired effect? Is there an alternate option on the market that is as compact as the E1E and maybe a better bargain. I don't mind paying for qaulity, and I sure do like SF's, but i don't want to waste bucks either.
Best "small" personal light?
- Thread starter rock jock
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http://www.hdssystems.com/EdcBasic.html
You said nothing about cheap.
I have an E1L that I carry every day. It is just a Surefire E1E with the KL1 LED head. It puts out around 25 or 30 lumens in a very tight beam. Not tactical bright but in a darkend area would definitely knock out somebody's night vision.
I also have an Inova T1 that is about 30 or so lumens as well. Cheaper a bit bigger but also a great light.
Chris
You said nothing about cheap.
I have an E1L that I carry every day. It is just a Surefire E1E with the KL1 LED head. It puts out around 25 or 30 lumens in a very tight beam. Not tactical bright but in a darkend area would definitely knock out somebody's night vision.
I also have an Inova T1 that is about 30 or so lumens as well. Cheaper a bit bigger but also a great light.
Chris
I'm gonna put this link down...
www.candlepowerforums.com
It's your bankruptcy for following it...
I carry as EDC a little pocket rocket built by a guy there. It's called the 'Lionheart." You get like 85 lumens for 90 minutes out of a light slightly bigger than your thumb, and it has a built in dimmer for longer runtimes (or looking at things close by without blinding yourself). I think on low it runs about 2 weeks (straight!) before needing a charge. Downside? about 250 bucks.
God knows what they're building over there now!!
www.candlepowerforums.com
It's your bankruptcy for following it...
I carry as EDC a little pocket rocket built by a guy there. It's called the 'Lionheart." You get like 85 lumens for 90 minutes out of a light slightly bigger than your thumb, and it has a built in dimmer for longer runtimes (or looking at things close by without blinding yourself). I think on low it runs about 2 weeks (straight!) before needing a charge. Downside? about 250 bucks.
God knows what they're building over there now!!
Sneaky, that light looks VERY intriguing. However, I am concerned about long term reliability and warranty service from a homemade device. Also, I really want something with a push-button tailcap.
I have owned the E1, 3P (also 15 lumens, but no longer made), E2 and E2e.
The E1 (and 3P), at 15 lumens, are not enough to "blind someone", even for a second. If you want a small Surefire for those purposes, I recommend the E2e.
Sneaky and cslinger have posted regarding small lights that can produce much more than the E1e's 15 lumens. I've never seen those lights before. They look very nice. Might have to get one with the tax refund.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
inexpensive is an Inova X1, it has a momentary on push button rear cap and twist for constant.
cost $20 and it has the second AA battery in it since Sept 04.
Not necessarily blinding but bright and focused real tight so it could be avoided.
Not great but works for me.
it is 4" long and .75 in dia, made fron aluminum.
cost $20 and it has the second AA battery in it since Sept 04.
Not necessarily blinding but bright and focused real tight so it could be avoided.
Not great but works for me.
it is 4" long and .75 in dia, made fron aluminum.
Not bright enough for what you want, although if it is a LED, it'll be more blinding than a brighter incandescent.
Candlepower forums is a great place to ask questions. Also see http://www.equipped.org/SS_2005_LEDFlashlight_Review-1.htm -- and there are other reviews on that same website.
pax
tac. light
Just take your time, in research and finding the one that will work right, and in your budget... the CPF...is a good start...but, you must be quick, when a nice lght comes to the site....it is gone QUICK. Find one that is 2x123, 2 AA.... 2 batteries....and with the rear tailcap. You can find a good used surefire E2e for great prices sometimes.... there is an ad at this site....(for sale section)..for the E2e.
Just take your time, in research and finding the one that will work right, and in your budget... the CPF...is a good start...but, you must be quick, when a nice lght comes to the site....it is gone QUICK. Find one that is 2x123, 2 AA.... 2 batteries....and with the rear tailcap. You can find a good used surefire E2e for great prices sometimes.... there is an ad at this site....(for sale section)..for the E2e.
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