Battle of the EDC champs - $39.99 Streamlight 1l-1aa vs $150 Surefire edcl1-t long term review

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1L-1AA - amzn.to/3u1Rc1S
EDCL1-t - amzn.to/3NIVpiL

[@fulee9999]

good review! I feel like you missed the part where SureFire is compatible with the whole e-series ecosystem, meaning you can change the head to any other e-series SF thrower or floody head, or you can get a Malkoff VME head and use any drop-in you'd like, which is - in my opinion - is a far superior selling point.

[@benmarshall5984]

@fulee9999 can you change out the switches? I love the the gas pedal switch of the EDCL1-t but the size and ergonomics of the Haley D3ft. Could I throw the gas pedal tail cap on the Haley D3ft or is it just the e-series heads that can be switched up?

[@fulee9999]

@@benmarshall5984 they should be compatible in size, but the hi-lo doesn't really work with any other head, usually it just gives you a 90% low and 100% high

[@kodyschmautz7799]

Actually the edc1lt is NOT e series compatible or at least the switch is not but I believe the head also is not but I may be mistaken about the latter. Thanks

[@fulee9999]

@@kodyschmautz7799 right, I was mistaken about the tail, I forgot that it's longer so it's not compatible. the head is still compatible all around, with the SF and Malkoffs

[@travislupum]

This is why I love surefire lights I've built a few custom ones but the e series is my absolute favorite

[@Bob-I-am]

Great comparison. I have owned a few Malkoffs and Surefires, including a Surefire L1 with a "gas pedal" switch which I dislike because the spring is too strong. Love my dual fuel Streamlight 1L-1AA and Protac 90. I carry other tools and am an old codger so ease of pocket carry (weight and size) is very important. Thanks for the video!

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Absolutely, and the value is just there. Great choices!

[@NoOdL3z18]

Streamlight is an outstanding value if you just need a simple pocket light that will last a long time. Good for an emergency kit too since it will run on just about any batteries you can find in the house.

[@tylerbeck3806]

I own 3 of these streamlights and one of the surefire lights. The streamlights are convenient for working because if I lose it I can replace it cheaply. The surefire is definitely my go to EDC.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

That’s basically where I have settled as well. How long has the surefire been your go-to?

[@tylerbeck3806]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 since about 2017 I've been running the surefire E1D single cell and just switched to the EDCL1-T in late 2022 because air prefer the tactical tail switch. Still no problems with the old one though!

[@onedirection3510]

I’ve heard that it’s highly unadvisable to use 14500 or 16340’s in the 1L-1AA. I guess it will burn out the light? Does anyone have experience with these battery options? Thanks!

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

I’ve heard people have had problems using the 16340s and 14500s because of the slightly higher voltage. I’ve used the rechargeable cr123a’s but never 16340s. It worked fine with everything I’ve tried but I use a cr123a 99% of the time now.

[@AFGixxeR88]

So having modlite the new “king” Of lights with such high candela. Why would you choose to carry the 1laa over the 18350 OKW/plhv2?

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

It's a lot smaller in pocket.

[@AFGixxeR88]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 yeah it is. That modlite also gets very hot in the pocket if it gets turned on. It’s not a very good task light imo and I think it’s dumb to carry two lights. I have a stilleto in my edc bag, but I’m not carrying two on my person

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

@@AFGixxeR88 can't argue with that, the Stilleto is a great light!

[@AFGixxeR88]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 yeah it is. Just have to comprise. Do you want a task light or a powerful defense light. Even for 10min the modlite gets too hot

[@Gieszkanne]

Maybe its the camera but I have seen this in other reviews to and read it in forums. The newer Surefires have a terrible greenish tint. The Streamlight still gives small lightoutput from a AAA that is done and dont have enough energy for the remote control!

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

I don’t see it greenish in person but fair enough!

[@louie4316]

Not all new Surefire's , I own several. Just this one. I bought this EDCL-1 and I had to do something I've never done before, I returned it. The tint was green..I mean green. Compared to any of the 30 lights that I own, this was embarrassing on Surefire's part. I thought mine might be a one-off but after going through the forums I learned that it's across the board on this light. You really notice it on low, I guess some people don't mind it but having so many lights with a kelvin temp. range of 3000-6200K none of them are a puke green like mine was, having paid almost $200CAD..NO WAY

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

@@louie4316 Great to know! Do you know if that problem persists to the 2t?

[@louie4316]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I don't own the 2 cell version so I don't know. I opted to get the Defender, its fantastic, a swath of powerful light. Nice neutral tint with a somewhat floody beam that can still reach out there.

[@Gieszkanne]

@@louie4316 Do you own the G2X Pro 15/600 lumen version?

[@williamjohnson5968]

Great review. Currently carry rechargeable Macrostream, looking at potentially my first surefire… still on the fence

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

If you’re happy with the macro stream I’d probably skip the surefire’s

[@GehWegX]

Nice Video! I love my SureFire Backup MV

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Hey thanks for the support! Glad to hear the surefire is treating you well.

[@louie4316]

That Max Vision optic on Surefire's line up is next level.. in the flood game. Excellent room/backyard/campsite lighter. I love my Tactician.

[@travislupum]

I've been on streamlight for years just recently I got into surefire lights by buying a m962 kit off marketplace which spiraled into an m3 an m3lt a e1e executive elite and a e1l outdoorsman I've got drop in leds and tritium into my lights except for the already led ones

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Super cool!

[@jamesheffington3931]

The Streamlight is made in China on US designs. I have a couple of the 1l-1aa (black & tan) and both are programmed to high only. 1 click and it's on, 2 clicks and it turns on then off, neither has ever has gone into low on a double click, so I'm not sure what happened with yours. I'm curious if you have consodered/compared the Macrostream with this SureFire? I may be old school, but I also have 2 30-year-old 6P's (one is converted to a 9P), and a 15+/- year-old G2. I prefer them for serious tasks or crowds I expect to get unruly. The 1l-1aa's I use for things like walking the dogs, walking to my favorite pizza place 4 blocks away, running to check for something in the car at night, etc. I carry a Microstream in a Vanquest pocket quiver more or less from waking up to getting in bed for the mundane 'dammit I can see in there' moments. Great reviews/videos!

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

oh man, I'm sure those 6p's are something to behold. Those older Surefire's are built like heirloom pieces. That is awesome! If you ever get the urge, I'd watch a video on your collection!

[@Weo510]

I have both... a well as some other brands. Surefire EDCl1-t has a wider spill (see more area) AND a brighter hot spot (further reach). Streamlight just plain works, and the ten tap programing is nice for switching roles. Personally, I keep the Streamlight for emergencies that require more general tasks, and the Surefire for other roles. That being said, my EDC for general stuff evolved into the Macrostream... I actually miss it when I rotate "nicer" lights for carry.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

I wish the macro stream was usb-c! I’ll wait for gen 2. How much smaller than the 1L1AA is it?

[@Weo510]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 it's noticably smaller, especially in the back pocket. It's about half way between the size of the 1xAA/14500 lights like the Acebeam Pokelit and the SL 1L-1AA.

[@Weo510]

Correction.. the Macro stream has a noticable smaller diameter than the 1L-1AA, but it's a hair longer. Additionally, the Macro stream is much floodier (and distance), so I would consider it more of an everyday task EDC light that can be stretched into other roles.

[@jimmywarren6685]

The Streamlight 1L-1AA will also run on AAA batteries...I tried them in mine and it works fine, but it will have less runtime...but if you need light and have no other choice, it will work by just putting it in and screwing the tail cap down just like with the other sizes of batteries.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

I believe I mentioned that. I also have a video using AAA.

[@tanktopper]

Great video👍 Do you still use 3.6V battery on stream light with no problems?

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Yes!

[@sc6802]

any 1 year flashlight update?

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

This is the update haha. Both are still working great

[@Jaezxc69]

Cloud Defensive MCH seems also a good choice, a contender for Modlite Handhelds.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Absolutely. I will have one eventually, I've been following it's development and release since it was announced. Do you have one? Should I go single output or double output?

[@louie4316]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I have the MCH-EDC Dual mode, I chose this one over the HC because of the superior tint and honestly is has massive throw for a hand held so I didn't feel i need the High candela model . The beam has lot's of spill with a perfect hot spot. The low is perfect for indoor use. This light is very gentle on batteries considering it's high output. there is a thermal step-down over a few minutes to keep the light from getting too hot and increases the runtime significantly.

[@MrSteveb1]

Superb light, I own both.

[@samzilla1050]

can't decide to go with the microstream or the protac 1l-aa

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Can’t go wrong with either. If I can throw a wrench in that by suggesting a third option, split the difference with the protac 1aaa. It’s sweet

[@samzilla1050]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I was thinking of getting the rechargeable 123 batteries from surefire and having them in the protac 1l-aa this way I have decent candela in a smaller package. But that would cost me more towards the $80 end. At that point I should just get the new macrostream usb

[@harrymurray7041]

​@@samzilla1050 I'm looking for tallwchs for 1l 1aa 😮

[@lornelorne5727]

Thanks a lot for this video

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Thank you for the comment! Which one did you go for?

[@lornelorne5727]

I went with the Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA. The battery versatility makes it the obvious choice for me. I'm into emergency preparedness and AA batteries are the gold standard for me. The user interface on the Surefire one seems very nice though.

[@victorvannatter312]

I really like the 1L-1AA. Even though I couldn’t care about the multi-fuel. I like the idea of it. But I agree with you, just use a CR 123 in it. I don’t care for dual fuel because any light made for alkaline, alkalines are so poor in performance that I see no need for compatibility with them. My problem is the build quality. It just……feels cheap. Especially the short tail cap threads. Oh, and the Surefire uses a tir. I’ve gotten to the point now, where I’m really only interested in lights that use an optic. I just like the beam so much more than a reflector.

[@michaelmelling9333]

Great review!

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Thank you sir, I appreciate the support

[@FMDad-dm5qo]

1L-1AA is one of Streamlight’s best products. Great value.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Definitely! Maybe we will get an update some day

[@benmarshall5984]

I've been looking to upgrade to something bigger than my usb microstream for when I'm not wearing a button up shirt with pocket. These two look awesome. Do you have any experience handing the Haley Strategic D3FT? It also looks around the same size but with the plunger ring for different grips.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

It’s actually a bit smaller I think, like the backup. I have not used it extensively but I have handled one. You can’t really go wrong with any surefire but all of them except the titan will feel like giant lights compared to that stream light!

[@benmarshall5984]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 that's a good point. I do end up leaving large EDC items at home that are too big/heavy for office wear.

[@vp2747]

How do you like the new EDC1-DFT?

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

It’s not out yet is it?

[@scottburns5242]

The Streamlight and Surefire batteries are the same, they are made by Panasonic with a branded label.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Great to know, thanks Scott!

[@DamionJR4923]

I find the Surefire is a bit slick

[@xrazx1269]

tajam bersinar

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Thanks

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Though they both tie in points, certain points are far more important than others. Weight and size (especially being so close) are almost negligible, where as reliability, durability and build quality are immensely important. Not that it really matters for the final category, value for money the Streamlight wins hands down. I will still buy a SureFire over a Streamlight every time. I'd rather buy one expensive flashlight that will last me a lifetime, than shop for a new cheap flashlight every time they break down. Even if I'll pay more for that one flashlight than all the cheap ones put together.

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Hey, fair enough! I'm carrying the EDCL1T today, I just prefer it. So I understand where you're coming from.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I carry the E2D Ultra. Amazing flashlight, though you have to double click to get the low setting.

[@MrSteveb1]

Go with Cloud Defensive or Modlite, both are built like tanks and literally turn night into day. Very expensive, especially the Modlite but worth every penny. Buy once , cry once

[@MrSteveb1]

I carry my Cloud Defensive MCH HC or my Modlite PLH-V2, built like tanks and will last many years. Buy once , cry once

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

@@MrSteveb1 The mod light is significantly bigger in pocket. I have an OKW, PLH and PLHv2 with 18350 and 18650 bodies. It's a chore to carry with my wardrobe. I haven't gotten a chance to try the Cloud yet.

[@kodyschmautz7799]

Hmmm most people will probably prefer the cool temperature to the Neutral temp?? 🤔 I would have to beg to differ on that one -mainly considering the demographic of users who would actually be willing to shell out a bill and a half for a small EDC pocket light which would primarily be "flashaholics" or hardcore users which a quick glance at any of the flashlight forums/groups online will quickly show the trend change over the last decade or so. So much so that cool tints are almost scoffed at. Also streamlight's (mediocre at best) "ten tap" programming ties with surefire's classic beloved gas pedal switch?? Strongly disagree with you there just due to the fact that the longevity of the streamlights switch isn't even comparable to the gas pedal switch for the simple fact that it's simpler not really much to it in way of moving parts which is most likely NOT what failed on your light in the past. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And one more note I found kinda odd was that you consider the streamlights poly-cell capability as a fault rendering it slightly less reliable.. I look at it as the complete opposite. How could more cell flexibility possibly equate to less reliability??? I have a feeling one day in the future your thoughts and feelings will shift to (or back to) the surefire... Just sayin. Otherwise great video, definitely interesting to hear other people's feelings towards gear.|\\|

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate the pushback. First point - Most people I know prefer the cooler lights. A lot of people buy $40 lights that would never buy a $150 light. No one I know that is addicted to specific light temperatures is buying streamlights, or surefires. They are buying custom $800 flashlights or the brand new, most cutting edge Chinese lights, or even modding their own. Second - Yes, because ten tap programming is very useful in a different way. I have personally had surefire's fail just as often as streamlights and I have had sample sizes close to a dozen at this point. The reliability thing between the brands really doesn't still apply. Ten years ago, sure. But now days, nah. Everyone is having massive problems since 2020 with QC, no matter the name. Third point - The multi-cell is a detriment to reliability because if you use a longer battery as a primary for too long, it cause the light to fail and or flicker in a few of my test cases. I believe I stated that in the video but it's been so long I can't remember. After primarily running AA and AAA for a long time, cr123a would flicker my light and I had to get it replaced. Final point - I don't think my opinion will change at this point, both of these lights are old enough that the new versions will be replacing them shortly. I think the Streamlight is a better buy. I'd rather have three 1L-1AAs to stash around than one EDCL1T. That said, I personally prefer the Surefire and I don't have to just have one. So I have a bunch of both. I have The surefire in my pocket right now actually.