Coming from a E1L review, we’re pretty sure we’d be quite impressed with the E1E, considering we are still at a SureFire bias. This thing is cheaper at only $79 retail—because it only has a maximum rating of 15 lumens and 1.5 hours run time. The olive drab scheme, well, let’s just say we can’t get enough of it. The E1E is a tad bit shorter at 3.4″ and lighter at 2.2 ounces (than the E1L).

The E1E comes in two versions: E1-BK and E1-HA version, which stands for black anodized and hard anodized respectively.

Below is an inspiring review from an expat in the Middle East.

“The Surefire E1E I own probably gets more use than any other flashlight. It is not bright enough for defense, running about 15 lumens, but as a handy go anywhere flashlight it is superb. I have carried mine for hour long patrols in the rain in Japan and all over the middle east and it has never hiccuped. And if it did I know from experience that Surefire’s customer service is second to none. You will pay more for this light then an el cheapo from the local superstore but what you get is a good run time and utter reliability. It won’t fall apart of fail you when you need it most, the only down point this light has is the bulb which like all bulbs burns out eventually. Surefire has remedied this with their new LED version though. You can’t go wrong with this one.”

In olive drab…

The E1L by SureFire, although a little outdated, is still a nifty little light using only 1 CR123A battery. If you’re into that form factor, the E1L is still one worth considering. Settings giving out 3 and 45 lumens, weighing only 2.8 ounces and measuring 1×4 inches, the E1L offers a lot for an everyday carry. It has a regulated output, and can last 8 hours 30 minutes at 48 lumens, and 8 1/2 hours at 45 lumens.

If you are into the whole “Made in U.S.A. mentality, then this little SureFire is the way to go. Made exclusively at Fountain Valley, California, the E1L is tough, made only of top-notch aluminum. These days, $139.00 retail for a 48-lumen flashlight is probably not the way to go if brightness is your primary consideration, but for durability and dependability, you can’t go wrong with the E1L.

It comes in black and olive drab, with the latter becoming a more popular “rarer” choice. It comes with a pen-style clip, and a crowned head usually called “skull crushers” for their tactical possibility.

By the way, being as this is part of SureFires E-series, you can switch the head and body of the E1L from other E-series lights.

Actual photo