Surefire e2dl ultra

[Illluminator]

Unfortunately, I can't fit any more reviews into my schedule at the moment. I've talked to SureFire about the E2DL Ultra, and it's basically just a brighter E2DL, so we will wait to review the EB2 instead.

Did they give you a release date for the EB2? Also could you buy an EB2 tailcap from Surefire for the E2DL? Will they let you do that for the EB1?

 

[Grizzman]

I don't recall reading anywhere that Surefire stated that there will be a single-mode version of the E2DL Ultra. Since they didn't release a single-mode version of the E2DL, it'd surprise me if they did it for the Ultra.

What I'm waiting for is an Ultra version of the single-mode KX2C head. I'd even buy an entire light, so I could pull off the head and put it onto my newly acquired Viking Tactics VTAC/L4 body.

I can't tell what emitter they put into it. What I can tell is that it doesn't throw a beam like any other TIR'd E-Series I've got (or have ever heard about). I don't know if the huge spill was by design, or a happy accident, and really don't care either way.....it's simply awesome.

Grizz

 

[Robin24k]

Did they give you a release date for the EB2? Also could you buy an EB2 tailcap from Surefire for the E2DL? Will they let you do that for the EB1?

It's release has been confirmed, but without a fixed date because they're concentrating on weapon lights right now, so it could be anytime.

I'm not sure on tailcap purchases, but I don't think an EB-series tailcap will fit the E2DL Ultra if it uses the same tail switch as the E2DL.

 

[880arm]

It's release has been confirmed, but without a fixed date because they're concentrating on weapon lights right now, so it could be anytime.

I'm not sure on tailcap purchases, but I don't think an EB-series tailcap will fit the E2DL Ultra if it uses the same tail switch as the E2DL.

Correct. The E2DL Ultra tailcap is the same as the E2DL. The EB1/2 tailcap will not work.

--------------------

Well the mailman finally came through and my E2DL Ultra has arrived!

It's a really good looking light and one of my first impressions is that it's not as big as I expected. The bezel is exactly the same diameter as the A2L Aviator and at it's widest point, the head on the E2DL Ultra is pretty close to the same as the widest point on an LX2 head.

It's hard to beat E-series lights finished in HA black and this one is superb. The matte finish provides a little touch of grippiness and between the knurling, flared tailcap, and full length pocket clip, there is plenty to hold on to. It's still not fully dark yet but from what I can tell so far, it's going to be special out in the open. I'm glad to see it has the 2-way pocket clip but I'm not yet sure how well it will work as a bezel-down pocket light. The bezel crenelations aren't quite as aggressive as they are on the E2DL but they still look capable of DNA sampling.

Since I was waiting for the sun to go down I set up a quick runtime test to see whether the Ultra behaves like the EB1.

Based on my impression, I would say it puts out an honest 500 lumens at start-up but maintains that level for only a couple of minutes. Then it begins a decline over the next 8 or 10 minutes down to what I would guess to be around 350-375 lumens. It holds that level fairly steady for the next 80 minutes until it drops out of regulation. It continues to taper on down to around 20-25 lumens and holds pretty steady until a hidden strobe mode kicks in, at about the 140 minute mark, and it just starts flashing like a disco light. I shut it off at that point. This was a real quick and dirty test so I may do another one before I do my review this weekend.

It looks like the sun is just about down so I'm going to let my dog take me and the Ultra for a walk!

 

[Psosmith82]

Same thing happened to me. Was suppose to arrive Thursday but now it looks like Monday before I get it.

Same thing here. They sent me a shipped email Tuesday, for Thursday delivery. Didn't leave LA until Friday and i just received it today. Either there were issues with the LA sort or acceptance facility, or Botach didn't actually ship them until Friday. The flashlight is awesome though! Fits in my flashlight holster i have from SOE gear that was used for the original E2DL (sold) although the flap is a bit tight since the head is larger.

 

[Illluminator]

The Fury's XM-L has better regulation for the first hour, averaging over 400 lumens, while the E2DLU has a nice flat curve that maintains regulation for half an hour longer at 350ish lumens. What do you guys like better? I was hoping it would be regulated at at least 80% for about an hour. Are lumens and candela directly related? In that case this light would put out around 13,000 lux during regulation, not too shabby :)

 

[Illluminator]

It would be interesting to get some runtime and lux readings on the x300 ultra to compare the 500 lumen TIR's. Also B&H Photo sent me a notification that they have some in stock. Anyways it says: The beam is focusable using SureFire's Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens system. A collar on the the lamp assembly allows the operator to focus the light output for increased intensity or defocus the beam for broad peripheral illumination. Does anyone know if this is accurate?

 

[Illluminator]

Correct. The E2DL Ultra tailcap is the same as the E2DL. The EB1/2 tailcap will not work.

But someone said the LX2 or AZ2 bodies will fit the head. Ok, so I take it that E-series tailcaps will not fit the EB2 either then. Thanks.

 

[880arm]

. . . . Anyways it says: The beam is focusable using SureFire's Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens system. A collar on the the lamp assembly allows the operator to focus the light output for increased intensity or defocus the beam for broad peripheral illumination. Does anyone know if this is accurate?

It doesn't work that way on mine and there is no mention of it on the packaging. B&H has had that same verbiage in their listings for a few other lights as well. I don't know where it came from. Perhaps it's something that's coming(?)

But someone said the LX2 or AZ2 bodies will fit the head. Ok, so I take it that E-series tailcaps will not fit the EB2 either then. Thanks.

The LX2 and AZ2 can use E-series heads but they have different tailcaps. The LX2 (and A2L) use a tailcap that is unique to them. The AZ2 uses the same size tailcap as found on the P/C/Z series lights.

Of course the EB2 hasn't been released yet but it seems certain that it will use the same tailcap as the EB1, which is not compatible with other E-series lights. You can see some photos explaining why in this old thread.

 

[Illluminator]

Ok that clears some stuff up, thanks. Do you know if this will stitch modes with recoil? Would it react differently on a 2-stage tactical body?

 

[Random Dan]

I'd love to see how well this runs on a single Li-Ion. I'm hoping it works as well as the Fury.

 

[Machete God]

Unfortunately, I can't fit any more reviews into my schedule at the moment. I've talked to SureFire about the E2DL Ultra, and it's basically just a brighter E2DL, so we will wait to review the EB2 instead.

Thanks for replying, Robin! Going by that logic, the EB2 is just a longer, brighter EB1, LOL! Still looking forward to your review anyway!

P.S. Enjoyed your latest UBR Invictus review - you should update that sig of yours ;)

This is what I was hoping for as well. I was not sure if this light was designed with the same idea as the EB1 or if possibly it would work on an LX2 body. I think I will get one and lego it and just put up with the pointy things on the bezel. Maybe its my imagination but it seems like the strike bezel is less aggressive than the old E2DL. Perhaps its just the bezel is larger making the striker look smaller- IDK.

I do recall it being mentioned somewhere that the strike bezel on the Ultra is less aggressive than the E2DL.

 

[DAN92]

Some E2DLU pics:

Excellent, thank you for the pictures and the lighting test, mine is flying to France.

 

[WilsonCQB1911]

Do any of the SF diffusers or filters work on this one?

 

[Sean]

Do any of the SF diffusers or filters work on this one?

Good question. I wonder if any of the 1" filters fit.

 

[Machete God]

Good question. I wonder if any of the 1" filters fit.

I believe they won't, the new 500 lumens TIR heads are wider: 1.2" (or something) compared to the 1" of the E2DL/L1/LX2/E1B.

 

[Grizzman]

I am not able to put my F04 onto my E2DL Ultra without excessive force.

Due to the floodier beam, I don't consider the diffuser to be nearly as helpful as on an E2DL.

Grizz

 

[seattlite]

So...does the E2DL Ultra have the same emitter as the EB1?

 

[Machete God]

So...does the E2DL Ultra have the same emitter as the EB1?

No, the EB1 has an XP-E. The E2DLU has an XM-L (if I'm not mistaken). Am guessing that the EB2 will also have the same emitter, optic and circuitry as the E2DLU.

 

[Vox Clamatis in Deserto]

Based on my impression, I would say it puts out an honest 500 lumens at start-up but maintains that level for only a couple of minutes. Then it begins a decline over the next 8 or 10 minutes down to what I would guess to be around 350-375 lumens. It holds that level fairly steady for the next 80 minutes until it drops out of regulation.

Remember how not that long ago it was claimed that 'SF lumens' were always understated and the claims of competitors were misleading?

I'm sure some folks will think they are getting a $265 MSRP light that will put out 500 lumens for more than a couple of minutes from the SF packaging and ad copy.

Thanks for the runtime plot, I do like the regulation with the quick drop off in the end to tell you it is time to change batteries.

No, the EB1 has an XP-E. The E2DLU has an XM-L (if I'm not mistaken). Am guessing that the EB2 will also have the same emitter, optic and circuitry as the E2DLU.

I would hope the E2DL-U would have the newer more efficient XM-L2, other manufacturers have been using it for a while now. However, the recent EB1 still uses an older XP-E emitter as you mention and SF has been known for using 'proven technology' (i.e. less than current LED emitters). As I commented on another thread, a SF P2X Fury I bought the other day seemed to still have an XM-L rather than an XM-L2.

Since the E2DL-U only puts out 500 lumens for a couple of minutes, is it possible that the emitter is an initially overdriven XP-G2? I put one of these in an 'old' SF E1B, with the Fraen optic it puts out more spill than the original XR-E.

I'd like to wait for the EB2 if it's not going to be too long. I like a small light I can carry in a pocket at work and I'm afraid the subdued E2DL-U crennelations (or castellations, one of the former mods would always correct us on this issue) will still tear the fabric. Will the smoother front ring from the EB1 head fit the head of the E2DL-U to give me a kludge preview of the EB2 perhaps?

After losing the use of a couple of Malkoff MDC's (one lost on the road, perhaps at airport security, the other due to a battery put in backwards), I'm back to carrying the SF EB1. I'd gladly trade a small increase in size for more runtime, spill and brightness. Now, about that greenish tint...:)