Surefire choices

[knightrider]

I was in need of a new flashlight again. Lost the Arc I had for only 2 weeks, fell out of my pocket . I was glad it wasn't any of my precious Spyders that got lost, that would be much worse to me. Losing it so fast without getting to use it hardly at all bummed me out. It was clipped to my pocket and it had a nice lanyard attached.

I decided I would not buy another tiny light that I would probably also lose. So Surefire was an option I looked into. The L1 Lumamax seemed like a good choice so I took the plunge and ordered one. Bigger, brighter and less easy to lose with stronger clip and larger size.

Does anyone have any experience with the L1? Did I make a good decision for a general light that won't be used for defense?

[knightrider]

Here's a pic of it. It's a little shorter than a AA Maglite. Has a bigger stronger clip - I better not lose this one! I'll be kicking myself really hard if this one goes missing. *I did not take these awesome photos.

[JD Spydo]

Well Brother you don't have to tell me how painful a loss can be. It's been less than 2 weeks that I had the North Missouri wetlands eat one of my plain edged Merlins . I know what you mean about the Surefires being small and easy to lose. I have 2 E2d defenders and I have misplaced both of them a couple of times.

But if you want one that will give you great service and a size that is easy to keep track of then I highly recommend the SUREFIRE model 9an. It is a rechargable that comes with a charger and 2 batteries. I really like my 9an and the only gripe I've got about it is that I wish the rechargable battery would last a bit longer minute wise. But I am exploring possibilities to remedy that.

Now if you want a LED flashlight SUREFIRE has another model I have called the L7 which is also a rechargable and comes with virtually the same set up as the 9an. That's my 2 cents

[knightrider]

Loosing things is no fun at all. A pe merlin would be a tough loss, I feel for you.

I looked at the L7 and liked it. The price difference is a little too much for me, but thanks for the advice. Rechargable would be a nice feature that would eventually pay for itself. I hope I don't go through batteries like crazy with the L1.

When I get the L1 I will be attaching a neck loop for carrying. It is a larger light than the Arc but I'm not going to take any chances.

I wonder who will find my little Arc. I hope that they get more use out of it than I did.

[jimbo@stn24]

Am thinking you did just fine with the L1 knightrider. I have one and it is a great, small edc light that only takes one battery per feeding. It gets the most use of all the lights in my small fleet. The low is fine for bumbling around and then you have a decent high for when you need more light. The only downside that some people have expressed is that there is little side spill of light, the TIR optics make it more throw than flood. But in my view, you did quite well, hope you enjoy your new light .

[Irish Lager]

the L1 is a nice light. It has the 2 stage output of 6 and 20 lumens if i am not mistaken on the amount. Also the fact that it has an incredable amount of run time on one battery is a great feature. It is a great choice for edc and should serve you just fine.
J

[Ging]

The L1 is a sweet looking torch, it may run on rechargeables I know the L2 can.

Let us know what you get

[Mr Blonde]

The L1 always gets fair comments on the candlepower forums. I got the L2 and it's my current EDC. I can really recommend a beamfilter/shaper to fix the TIR optic's beam.

Wouter

[ront]

Surefire makes some very nice lights!! I recently picked up a Surefire A2 Aviator light. It is a combination light with both the incan bulb and the LED's. Most of the time, the LED's work just great, but when you want to reach out and touch someone, push the button just a bit harder and it gets alot brighter!!

Ron

[smcfalls13]

You guys and your flashlights Keeps making me want one

Must...resist...

[knightrider]

That beam filter looks really cool. I'll have to see what I think of the shape of light it throws when I get it. I ordered a holster and red filter for it on lighthound.com to protect it. I have always used and enjoyed red filters for flashlights. Night vision is important to me and I hate really bright lights when I'm walking around the house late at night. They also protect the lens and bezel.

[Lockback]

knightrider,

I can second the motion for a beamshaper. I recently acquired an E1L (similar to the L1, but without the two-stage capabilities), and the beamshaper turns the tight beam a nice, even flood for indoor/close-range work.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Knightrider, You did real good with your choice!!!! I have the E1L also as already mentioned it is very similiar to the L1, I also have a KL1 Adapter on mine...I'm just very fond of this light...and I have owned many, I love the idea of one battery as well........You did good guy...enjoy!!!! Doc