SureFire E2D LED Defender Flashlight Max-200 Lumens E2DL-BK Review

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(More customer reviews)This has become my second Surefire flashlight in 13 years. Ironically, Surefire seems to make such a dependable, durable, and well-designed piece of equipment that I can not be the frequent customer I should be. Prior to this I owned a 9N flashlight, but the bulb assembly finally broke and can not be replaced.
Enter the E2D LED.
I was first impressed with the smallness of this flashlight. It fits very nicely into my hand, and equally so in a pocket. It feels very light. The double-tap activation switch works well, and I believe it to be a great bit of practical design. I do not miss the "twist" type of activation switch from my previous Surefire. Switching from High to Low power on the E2D LED does take a bit of practice, but once you get your timing down, it's not a consideration.
The full-power brightness of this light is awe-inspiring. I still feel almost blinded when initially firing this light up. I sometimes squint to overcome it. Seriously. The lower lumen setting is more than adequate for most night-work, but I can see the effect of shining the full-power light into someone's eyes. The light cast by this flashlight is smooth, even, and far-reaching.
The ruggedness of the flashlight is good. The lens is well protected and sturdy, and the light has yet to fail due to mechanical defect. I've had it for roughly 6 months now, and it has become an almost daily-use tool. Incidentally, I am still on the first set of batteries.
My only gripe with the flashlight is that the tail-cap prevents "flat-thumbing" the activation switch. It's hard to describe, but you have to almost reach your thumb over the tail cap wall, and point inwards ever so slightly to activate the switch. For momentary activation it's no problem, but to click the light on permanently takes some finesse. This is by no means a problem overall, but I figure I have to find some flaws, right?
In the end, this flashlight is well worth the initial high cost. If it lasts the 13 years that my 9N did, I will consider the cost to be a steal, actually. The powerful brightness of the flashlight, the ergonomic feel, and the fact that it has an incredibly technical (almost Star Wars) like look makes this the best flashlight I've owned.
This is one mean piece of equipment, and will surely last through some high abuse.

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