Is the Surefire L2 Lumamax Flashlight the ultimate flashlight. Here's a pic of it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190010909526

I gues there is not such a thing as the ultimate flashlight. It all depends from what's important to you. Throw , flood , regulated , battery easy available , runtime etc are all very important.

But the quality of surefire lights is very good <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You might also look at the SF U2 which has more levels of brightness, and the HDS Systems Ultimate 60 (or the unobtainium U85).

The HDS "Ultimate" line have programmable level settings and are more efficient than the alternatives. However, the L2/U2 are probably somewhat brighter than the U60 or U85.

My personal EDC light is a HDS U85 w/2x123A battery pack, carried normally with a lithium-ion 17650 rechargable (same size as 2x123a), and a set of 123A spares.

I have mine set so the primary light level is 60 lumens instead of 85 for monster runtime, but I can still access 85 lumens with the press of a button.

http://www.navitsky.org/lights/hds/

-john

I own a Surefire L2. It's an awesome light, I use it every day. It has great regulation, and it's BRIGHT. It will completely illuminate a dark room, and outdoors at night it is amazing at close-medium range. At those ranges it illuminates things better than my car's high beams. It's also built like a tank, very durable and waterproof. It's seen a great number of falls and some pretty hard use, and the most that has ever happened has been a few small scratches - nothing that would ever affect its performance. I have to say I highly recommend this light.

I have the SF L2 and I love it. It is a bit longer than other lights in it's class. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably go with the shorter L4 and spend a little extra to get an aftermarket switch, I believe it's called the McE2s, that enables two light levels.

But it works great, and I use it all the time. It helps that I'm using 14650 Li-Ion rechargable batteries in it. They've probably paid for themselves twice over since I've been using them.

I have an E1e with a KL4 head. It's definately my favorite flashlight. Small, bright, 1 C123 battery, durable, and the list goes on and on. Surefire makes a good product.

I have the SF L2 and really like it. It just puts out a wall of light. You can't go wrong with it.

I also have the HDS ultimate 60XR. A surprising light, it's small enough to carry everywhere and puts out an amazing amount of light for its size. Made here in America and build quality is on a par with Surefire. I also love the extra levels of light to choose from. You can have it on a lower level without destroying your night vision. The low level of the SF L2 will still have you covering the head with your hand and filtering the light with your fingers.

The HDS Basic42 is on sale to clear out that model before the intro of a new model. There might be some left out there and is the best deal out there for a premium flashlight right now. Still has 4 levels to choose from but not programable like the Ultimate. Go to candlepowerforums.com and look under the manufacturers header. Warning: don't look around that forum too long, they'll have you spending all your hard earned on things that bright the night.

What about the L1? I was looking at the L2, but thought the L1 might be the way to go. One battery, and the difference in the output...I'm forgetting now, but do people have opinions on L1 versus L2?

I have an E1L that has become my EDC for office days. The standard G2 pouch holds it and an extra 123 battery. The only *2* that I have is the A2, so it's not the comparison that you are looking for, but I really like the E1L. It puts out a lot of light for a 1 battery light, and no need for an extra lamp to carry.

I believe the EL1 reflector/lens has been changed by SF so that it's all throw (spot) and no flood. Lot of people reported it's almost useless for round the house stuff because of that. Look under LED header on candlepowerforums.com or do a search on that sight. Total flashlight nuts have done a lot of testing and reviews on pretty much every flashlight out there. (I guess I'm kind of a flashaholic myself.)

I've got 4 different Surefires and a bunch of other flashlights. I said it earlier and I'll repeat it again, I'm really blown away by my HDS Systems Ultimate 60XR. Very useful different light levels and TOUGH. Again, on candlepowerforums.com you can find pictures of an HDS that's been used as a destructive demo at trade shows. People are allowed to throw it across the room onto concrete floors. The flashlight is totally beat to crap but still keeps working. Now I'm waiting on a SS bezel with slots in it so I can put in some tritium vials. That way, I'll always be able to find it in the dark.