OT...Arc LS vs Surefire E1e

dynaryder · #1

Just picked up an Arc LS second from their webstore. Now I wish I'd saved the money I spent on the Surefire E1e.

This thing is tiny,almost keychain sized. With the flat end cap it's really not a whole lot bigger than a C cell battery. Light output is most impressive. It's slightly brighter than the Surefire w/the KL1 LED conversion,and it's also noticibly whiter w/a wider beam. Just shooting across my apt it seems it have the same range,but I'll have to wait until it's dark and I can try it out in the park. It's fully regulated w/battery life listed at 2hrs at full brightness(vs 1.5hrs for Surefire) and another couple of hrs dim in 'moon mode'. I have experience w/Arc's AAA light,so I'm willing to take their battery life claims as honest. It's got the same HA coating as the E1e and it's waterproof. It came w/a clicker tailcap;push lightly for momentary light,click it in all the way for steady on. I also picked up the flat end cap. It's twist-on only,but makes the thing even smaller and lets it stand on end.

This was a factory second,and this is noticible when you look at the Lexan lens. It has streaks in it which look really bad,but don't effect the function. The beam is totally smooth,no lines or rings. The flat tail cap is also a second,but for the life of me I can't find anything wrong w/it. It's marked 'LSL-P',which I believe means I got a low dome premium model. I've no idea what the diff is between the high and low dome models(anyone?),but the premium means I lucked out and got a brighter one. The light was $60(the flat cap another $14.95). It has no warranty,but you get a 14 day satisfaction guarantee. I'm gonna mess w/it for the next week,but so far I anticipate keeping it. If you're willing to chance it,I'd highly recommend one of these for anyone looking for a decently priced tactical light. Or you can shell out the extra dosh for a regular one w/warranty for about $115. Their website is store.yahoo.com/flashlight/,scroll down to 'Factory Closeouts and Specials' for this one.

First pic is a size comparo w/a Mini-mag,Surefire E1e,the Arc-LS w/clicker tailcap,and an Arc AAA. Second shows how tiny it can be w/the flat end cap next to a Navigator. As I said,it's almost keychain size.

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Ken Lau · #2

Hey Dynaryder,
As I understand it, the difference between the Hi and Low Domes on the LS models is the that the hi domes have a better range and a tighter "focus" - if that's the right word. I have ordered the AAA LE as well as the LSH-P. Can't wait.

Ken

scolby · #3

The ARC LS is very small. A comparable package, the E1E with LED conversion head is a bit longer and IMO, make quite a difference in terms of ease of handling. That said, I prefer the lanyard ring on the ARC to the clip "divot" on the Surefire. I happen to prefer the appearance of the Surefire, FWIW. Depending on how/where you pick these up, the Surefire should generally cost less (second's not included). Lighting performance does not appear to be significanlty different.

dynaryder · #4

The Surefire is more expensive because you have to purchase the LED head separately. I paid like $65 for the E1e and another $40 for the KL1. Wish they'd made a straight LED unit(they do now,the L1). Like I said,my Arc is whiter and has a wider beam,but it's the premium model. Don't know what rank LED's Surefire uses.

Tried both out in the park. Surefire throws a beam out just a touch farther,but Arc is wider. I like the Arc's clicker tail better too. You don't have to twist for constant on like the Surefire. Thinking about selling the Surefire on eBay and getting one of their new Aviators. They seem like the best of both worlds. 3 LED's for close up and power savings plus a long range incandescant all in one.

sam the man.. · #5

Thanks for the ARC-LS review! Thinking of adding one into my arsenal of lights... <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

The Cool · #6

Thanks for the top review dynaryder.

I'm going to buy another Arc now from gearoutsidethebox.com!