Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body Review

First Thoughts on the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body

The Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body, or EDC1 as it’s often called, promises to be a compact yet powerful lighting solution. Manufactured by Surefire, a name synonymous with rugged reliability and cutting-edge technology, the EDC1 aims to deliver professional-grade performance in a pocket-friendly package. Its dual-output functionality, ranging from a low 5 lumens for close-up tasks to a blinding 500 lumens for tactical situations, immediately piqued my interest. Could this be the ultimate everyday carry light, combining practicality with the unwavering dependability I expect from Surefire?

As someone who has spent over a decade navigating the worlds of outdoor adventure and tactical operations, I understand the vital importance of a reliable light source. Countless times I have found myself dependent on the beam of a flashlight in situations where a failure could have had serious consequences. I was seeking a light that could replace my aging EDC light and be relied upon.

The unboxing experience was exactly what I anticipated from Surefire: clean, simple, and professional. Picking up the EDC1, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The aluminum body exudes quality, and the knurling provides a confident grip. It felt robust and confidence-inspiring. Compared to other EDC lights I’ve used, some of which feel flimsy and toy-like, the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body felt like a serious tool.

I considered several alternatives before settling on the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body. Options from Streamlight and Fenix offered comparable lumen outputs at a lower price point, but ultimately, Surefire’s reputation for unwavering reliability swayed my decision. Initial impressions were very positive and my excitement was justified, given the reputation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body took place during a nighttime navigation exercise in a densely wooded area. The low 5-lumen setting proved perfect for reading maps and navigating the terrain without compromising my night vision. Switching to the high 500-lumen mode when needing to identify distant objects was immediate and illuminating. The beam punched through the darkness, revealing details I would have otherwise missed. I tested it in a light rain and the light performed flawlessly; the grip held tight and water was not an issue.

The EDC1 proved incredibly easy to use. The simple tailcap switch allowed for intuitive operation, even with gloved hands. There was no fumbling or confusion in activating the desired light output. Even better, the two-way clip allowed for multiple carry positions, which made it easy to keep it within immediate reach.

The only initial surprise was the heat generated by the light on the high setting after prolonged use. While not uncomfortable, it was noticeable and worth considering during extended operations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body has held up remarkably well. Despite being subjected to the rigors of daily carry and occasional drops, the aluminum body shows minimal signs of wear. The Mil-Spec hard anodized finish has proven to be incredibly durable, resisting scratches and abrasions.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to keep the EDC1 looking and performing like new. Compared to some of my previous EDC lights, which required frequent cleaning and lubrication to maintain smooth operation, the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body has been a refreshing example of reliable simplicity.

In comparison to previous EDC lights, the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body significantly outperforms in terms of both brightness and durability. Its robust construction and unwavering performance in demanding conditions have solidified its place as my go-to everyday carry light.

Breaking Down the Features of Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body

Specifications

The Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body boasts some impressive specifications:

• Output: Dual-output, featuring 5 lumens (low) and 500 lumens (high). The versatility of two distinct outputs makes this light adaptable to various tasks.
• Battery: Powered by one CR123A lithium battery. CR123A batteries are known for their long shelf life and high energy density.
• Body Material: High-strength aerospace aluminum. This material provides exceptional durability without adding excessive weight.
• Finish: Mil-Spec hard anodized finish. The finish enhances corrosion resistance and protects against scratches and wear.
• Lens: Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens. This lens technology shapes the light into a versatile beam, offering both throw and wide-area illumination.
• Switching: Fully press tailcap switch. This allows for easy, one-handed operation.
• Clip: Two-way clip. This provides multiple carry options, enhancing convenience.

These specifications contribute directly to the light’s performance and overall user experience. The high lumen output ensures ample illumination for a variety of tasks, while the durable construction guarantees long-lasting reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body excels in its primary function: providing reliable and versatile illumination. The 500-lumen high setting is impressively bright for such a compact light, offering excellent throw and ample peripheral vision. The 5-lumen low setting is perfectly suited for close-up tasks, such as reading or navigating indoors, without causing excessive glare.

One minor weakness is the battery life on the high setting. While acceptable, prolonged use at 500 lumens will drain the CR123A battery relatively quickly, requiring frequent replacements. However, this is a trade-off for the impressive output and compact size.

Overall, the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body meets and even exceeds expectations for an everyday carry light.

Design & Ergonomics

The Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both durability and ergonomics. The aluminum body feels solid and substantial in hand, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of daily use. The knurled texture provides a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.

The tailcap switch is easily accessible and provides positive tactile feedback. There is no learning curve involved in operating this light.

Durability & Maintenance

Thanks to its rugged construction and high-quality materials, the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body is built to last. The Mil-Spec hard anodized finish provides excellent protection against scratches, corrosion, and wear.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is all that’s needed to keep the light in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body comes with one high-energy CR123A battery. While not explicitly designed for extensive customization, its standard size and thread pitch make it compatible with various aftermarket clips and lanyards.

Due to Surefire’s overall quality and rugged construction, accessories and modifications are not necessarily needed. A spare CR123A should be considered for longer use.

Pros and Cons of Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body

Who Should Buy Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body?

The Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body is perfect for:

• Law enforcement professionals.
• Security personnel.
• Outdoor enthusiasts.
• Anyone who values a reliable and powerful EDC light.

This product may not be the best choice for casual users who are primarily concerned with budget. Individuals who only need a light for infrequent, low-intensity tasks may find the price point difficult to justify.

A must-have accessory is a spare CR123A battery. It’s also a good idea to purchase a quality holster or pouch for convenient and secure carry.

Conclusion on Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body

The Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body is an outstanding EDC light that delivers exceptional performance and unwavering reliability. While the price may be higher than some of its competitors, the Surefire’s robust construction, versatile output, and trusted brand name make it a worthwhile investment.

The price is justified by the peace of mind that comes with owning a product known for its quality and dependability.

I would absolutely recommend the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body to anyone seeking a top-tier EDC light.

If you value reliability, durability, and performance above all else, the Surefire Everyday Carry 1 Dual-Output White LED 5/500 Lumens CR123A Lithium Battery Black Aluminum Body is an investment you won’t regret. Illuminate your world with confidence!