After reading the urban disaster threads, I'm thinking that I'd like to supplement my EDC LED lights (currently Nuwai Q3, Photon Freedom x2, and Nuwai AAA, with a new ARC AAA on the way) with a Xenon one for use in smoke, rain, etc.

Any recommendations for something along the size of a Q3? I realize it will have a short burn time at that size, but I really want something pocketable.

In a 1x123A cell size, you pretty much are limiting yourself to the SF E1e (review). It is VERY small and does have some throw, but I think you are better off upsizing *slightly* and look at the SF E2e (review). It is still suprisingly small and packs a lot into a small package.

-john

Yea, you really can't beat the Surefire E1e/E2e. I've got two of each in different configurations and they are my EDC lights.

Thanks guys for the recommendations! After checking out reviews on CPF, I ordered an E2e. Sure hope I can fit that thing in my pocket! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

For those of us on a budget...................

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/product.asp?sku=LOW-614

<img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

The sharp knurling on the SureFire E2e will wear holes in you cloths very quickly. You will have to put something over it to protect your clothes. I have an E2e but switched to a C2 for that reason. I also have the cheaper G2; it is even more pocket friendly. But I have not been able to find a clip for it. I carry the C2 between my belt and pants with the clip over the belt. The belt keeps it pulled in tight and out of the way. A grab of the bezel will get it in operation very quickly.

Note I think this depends a lot on the pocket. I've carried a SF L1 in my front pocket of my Dockers type pants w/o problems for a LONG time. I've also carried a SF E2e in the same manner.

HOWEVER, carrying the L1 in the small pocket of my 5.11 pants (right thigh) quickly started to wear a hole in the pocket. This pocket seemed almost custom made for a light like this.

I've also carried an L1, E2e and M2 in front pocket of (close fit but not tight) jeans. The M2 is very uncomfortable there due to size, but the L1 and E2e were fine. In this case, I think the G2 and C2 would also have problems similar to the M2.

I also suspect carring the L1 / E2e in the back pocket would have caused a wear problem like the 5.11 problem described above. I also think loose fit jeans might wear more like Dockers.

In all, I think there are lots of factors:

1) how sharp are the edges of the light (e2e, l1 sharper than g2, m2)
2) how aggressive is the knurling (e2e more agressive than others)
3) how old is the light? (kurling mellows out)
4) how big is the light (m2, g2 much more bulky than e2e, l1)
5) how tight is the pocket?
6) what is the pant material?
7) what is the location of the pocket? (are you going to sit on it, does the location cause the light to move around a lot?)
8) how heavy is the light?

You get the idea. In the end I think the knurling is a factor, but it is only a factor. In some cases it can be offset by other factors (small size, light weight), or it could go the other way and be a problem.

If it turns out to be a problem, you can also take the edge off by hand. I'd try maybe rubbing it down with mud as a first step.

Just a few thoughts...

-john

Good point. If you are willing to go up in size from the E2e, there are several options out there that are less expensive than the E2e. Note however that these lights are substaintally larger than the E2e and the poster was originally looking at a 1x123A cell sized light.

For other options, the SF G2 comes to mind. Inexpensive and light. $34. This light now comes with a lock out tail cap. The inclusion of this feature really makes this a great deal. Beware however that there are a lot of the old style lights still in the supply chain, so you need to specifically look for a new style light. This is a great light. Sturdy and has the incredible beam quality that comes with the Surefire lamp assemblies.

Then, there is the SF 6P for $65. This is basically the same size as the G2, but is aluminum instead of "plastic".

And of course lots of other brand lights.

-john

I've carried an E2e or E1e clipped to my pocket for a long time and have found it doesn't wear any more then my BM 705/707 or Charge Ti. It did however wear my Dockers dress pants out pretty quick when I would wear it in them, so I guess it depends on the pants.

Interesting, can you describe the pants and carry method in more detail for each case?

My carry method with the Dockers was the light was sitting loose at the bottom of the front left pocket. This didn't cause any wear problem for me.

-john