SureFire E2L-A

Review: SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman

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SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman – Overview

The SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman is a compact dual-output flashlight designed to provide extended runtime.  Powered by two 123A lithium primary batteries, the E2L-A is rated at 5 lumens for 67 hours in low mode, and 125 lumens for 7.25 hours in high mode.  Output is focused with a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens to provide a tight beam for additional reach while still providing adequate spill for peripheral vision.

As with earlier models in the Outdoorsman line of flashlights, the E2L-A utilizes a pushbutton tailcap which provides momentary operation with a partial press of the button or constant-on activation with a full click of the button.  Unlike tactically oriented lights, such as the E2D LED Defender, the E2L-A always turns on in low mode first, with high mode selected with an additional press or click of the tailcap switch.

The SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman has a MSRP of $255.

SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman – First Impressions

SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman

The body and tailcap of the E2L-A are unchanged from previous versions and feature aerospace aluminum construction with a Mil-spec hard anodized finish and plentiful knurling.  However, unlike the previous versions, the new E2L-A adds the same 2-way pocket clip previously available only with the LX2 Lumamax and A2L Aviator.

SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman

The E2L-A features a completely redesigned head with a spring contact for the positive battery terminal.  Designated as the KE2, the E2L-A head shares the same outward appearance as the KE1 and KE1B heads found on the E1L-A and E2LAA-A respectively.

SureFire KE1, KE2, and KE1B

The E2L-A can be easily disassembled into its main component parts (head, body, and tail cap) which are interchangeable with those from earlier E-series lights.

SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman

Although the E2L-A is slightly longer (0.1 inches) and heavier (0.4 ounces) than previous versions of the E2L, the difference has not been noticeable while using the light.  The E2L-A is comfortable to hold in a variety of positions and the knurling provides adequate grip.

The addition of the 2-way pocket clip allows for bezel up or down carry with the E2L-A fitting comfortably in a jeans pocket.

E2L

E2L-A

Output (high)

60 lumens (6 hours*)

125 lumens (7.25 hours**)

Output (low)

3 lumens (100 hours)

5 lumens (67 hours)

Length

5.4 inches (137 mm)

5.5 inches (140 mm)

Weight (w/ Batteries)

3.7 ounces (105 grams)

4.1 ounces (116 grams)

Bezel Diameter

1.00 inch (25.4 mm)

1.125 inches (28.6 mm)

Manufacturer’s Ratings – * Until output drops to 50%  –  ** Until output drops to 10%

SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman – Performance

The E2L-A produces a beam with a broad center hotspot that is bright enough to easily identify items over 60 yards away.  The spill beam is very broad, although much less intense, allowing for good peripheral vision out to around 20 yards.  The beam tint is slightly cool with a green tint to the hotspot corona and spill beam.

When compared to earlier generation TIR equipped lights such as the E1B and E2L, the E2L-A beam has a smoother transition between the hotspot and spill and has less obvious rings from the optic.  Some rings are visible when the beam is projected onto a flat surface from close range but is a non-issue in general usage.  The spill beam provided by the E1L-A is broader than these earlier lights but is not as intense.

In the following photos, the beam of the E2L-A is compared to a selection of other lights at distances ranging from 40 yards down to 10 yards.  The beams can be compared across the full width of the image using the slider, while additional images can be accessed by using the navigation buttons in the bottom-right corner.

Wooden Swing (40 yards)

Wooden Swing (30 yards)

Wooden Swing (20 yards)

Wooden Swing (10 yards)

Runtime

Using two SureFire CR123 batteries in high mode, the E2L-A provides over 6 hours of full output, followed by a decline to about 11% of its initial output which it maintains until the 7 hour 16 minute mark.  At this point the E2L-A drops to a very low, but usable, level of output which lasted for another 2 hours until I ended the test.

SureFire E2L-A Runtime

Over the course of the test, the head and body of the E2L-A remained cool with its highest temperature being 8 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient (85.5 degrees).

SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman – Conclusions

The E2L-A Outdoorsman is a nice upgrade over prior versions for users who want a little more output or a broader beam.  Designed with efficiency in mind, the E2L-A will not be as impressive, from the standpoint of sheer output, as other higher powered lights but it does its job very well.  With the “more is better” philosophy, people often forget that 125 lumens of output is just as effective today as it was in the past and that “lower” level of output can allow considerably more runtime on each set of batteries.

Due to my typical usage habits I have always been a fan of the tightly focused beams but I have to acknowledge that TIR lenses haven’t always provided the most useful beams for general usage.  The optics used in SureFire’s latest offerings have, in my opinion, greatly improved the general utility of these beams and the E2L-A is no exception.

Strengths

  • Very useful beam with good reach and spill
  • Excellent runtime with 6 hours of full output
  • Parts compatibility with other E-series lights.
  • Addition of the 2-way pocket clip

Concerns

  • There’s not much to complain about with this light.  I did consider it odd that there are no lanyard attachment points for a light that will likely be used for hunting and hiking.  The newer style 2-way clips supplied with the E2DL Ultra have this provision and I wouldn’t be surprised to see these start showing up on the E2L-A

The E2L-A Outdoorsman is compatible with SureFire’s new F04-A Diffuser, F05-A Red Filter, and F06-A Blue Filter.  Visit their mini-review to see more about these attachments as well as beamshots when used with the E2L-A.

Additional information about the E2L-A can be found on the SureFire website.  Share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below or head over to CandlePowerForums and join the discussion there.

Have you ever wanted to know what goes into the production of SureFire flashlights?  Check out our exclusive Behind the Scenes look at the SureFire machining and production facilities in Orange County, California.


SureFire E2L-A Outdoorsman – Photos

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Posted in Flashlight Reviews, SureFire Reviews and tagged , .

6 Comments

  1. Once again GREAT review! I like how you compare it to other lights of the same caliber per say. Putting the L4 in there was very nice, especially since I was considering getting this light to replace my L4. Thanks again!

    • Hello Alexander. I’m afraid I do not own any 16650 cells yet but I have been thinking about purchasing some. If I do, I will test them in the E2L.

      Thanks for visiting!

  2. I have the prior version of the E2L that gives out 60 lumens. Is this newer version really double the output? Mine seems so bright so it’s hard to believe that the new one could be twice as bright and still last for 6 hours.

    • A lot of the older SureFire lights were under rated so it’s probably not quite twice as much, at least on fresh batteries. However, the newer one definitely puts out more light than the older versions.

  3. Any chance you’ll try a 16650 in this light? To me, the output appears the same, but I have no way of measuring it. Thanks.

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