The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium Made a Bold First Impression
The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium arrived, and my initial impression was, “This thing is serious.” Surefire is known for its rugged, reliable lights, and the EDC2 promises to deliver a powerful punch in a compact package. This isn’t just another flashlight; it’s a tool designed for those who demand performance and dependability in every situation.
I needed a light that could handle anything from navigating a dark campsite to searching a large property during a security check. My old light, a generic LED model, simply wasn’t cutting it anymore; the beam was weak, the battery life was terrible, and I didn’t trust its durability. The promise of 1200 lumens and Surefire‘s reputation for quality drew me to the Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium.
Unboxing the light was a satisfying experience. The heft of the aerospace aluminum body felt reassuringly solid in my hand, and the Mil-Spec hard anodized finish gave it a professional, no-nonsense look. The knurling on the body and tailcap provided a secure grip, even with gloves.
Compared to my old light and even a couple of other EDC lights from Streamlight and Fenix I’ve used, the Surefire felt noticeably more robust. I chose the Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium because of its combination of high output, compact size, and the reputation of Surefire for building lights that last. I was excited and optimistic, hoping it would live up to the hype and price tag.
Real-World Testing: Putting Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium came during a night hike in the local hills. The low setting was perfect for navigating the trail without blinding myself or others. When I needed to check out something further down the path, a quick press of the tailcap unleashed the full 1200 lumens, easily illuminating everything within a considerable distance.
The weather was damp, with a light drizzle, but the Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium performed flawlessly. The knurling kept the light securely in my grip, even with wet gloves. I had no issues, and the light inspired confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of near-daily use, the Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium has proven its worth. I’ve used it for everything from checking under the hood of my truck to navigating a power outage during a storm. The finish has held up remarkably well, with only minor signs of wear on the edges of the clip.
Maintenance is simple: I just wipe it down with a damp cloth occasionally. I haven’t experienced any issues with the switch or the LED. Compared to cheaper lights I’ve owned, the Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium is in a different league; it’s far more reliable and performs consistently.
Breaking Down the Features of Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium
Specifications
- Output: Dual-output: 5 lumens (low) and 1200 lumens (high). These outputs provide versatility for various situations, from close-quarters tasks to long-range illumination.
- LED: High-performance LED. This virtually indestructible LED provides efficient and reliable light output.
- Lens: Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens. The TIR lens shapes the light into a versatile beam with both throw and spill.
- Body: High-strength aerospace aluminum body with Mil-Spec hard anodized finish. This makes the light incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and corrosion.
- Switch: Fully press tailcap switch. The tailcap switch allows for easy one-handed operation and momentary or constant-on activation.
- Battery: Two 123A lithium batteries (included). The included high-energy batteries provide long run times and reliable power.
- Clip: Two-way clip. This clip allows for flexible carry options, either bezel up or bezel down.
These specifications translate into a light that is both incredibly powerful and incredibly durable. The high lumen output is genuinely blinding on the high setting, while the low setting is perfect for tasks that require less light.
Performance & Functionality
The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium performs exceptionally well in all situations. The beam is clean and consistent, with a good balance of throw and spill. I can easily identify objects at a distance, while still maintaining situational awareness in my immediate surroundings.
The only real weakness is battery life on the high setting. 1200 lumens drains the batteries relatively quickly, but this is to be expected with such a powerful output. It definitely meets expectations, and even exceeds them in terms of build quality and reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch; the light feels solid and well-balanced in hand. The knurling provides a secure grip, even when wet. The two-way clip is a nice touch, allowing me to carry the light bezel-up or bezel-down depending on my preference.
There is a slight learning curve with the tailcap switch. It takes a little practice to quickly switch between the low and high settings, but after a few days, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium is built to last. The aerospace aluminum body and Mil-Spec hard anodized finish can withstand significant abuse. I’ve dropped it a few times on hard surfaces, and it hasn’t shown any signs of damage.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean. The light is also designed to be easily disassembled for battery replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium comes with two Surefire 123A lithium batteries and the two-way clip. There aren’t many other customization options for this light. Surefire focuses on providing a complete, high-performance package right out of the box. Aftermarket pocket clips might be compatible if they match the screw placement.
Pros and Cons of Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium
Pros
- Incredibly Bright: The 1200-lumen high output provides exceptional illumination for various situations.
- Extremely Durable: Built with aerospace aluminum and a Mil-Spec hard anodized finish for long-lasting reliability.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt without being cumbersome.
- Versatile Dual-Output: The 5-lumen low setting is perfect for close-up tasks, conserving battery life.
- Reliable Surefire Quality: Surefire‘s reputation for excellence ensures a dependable product.
Cons
- Pricey Investment: The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium is at a premium price point compared to competitors.
- Battery Consumption on High: The 1200-lumen output drains batteries relatively quickly.
Who Should Buy Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium?
Perfect for: law enforcement, security professionals, serious outdoorsmen, and anyone who needs a reliable and powerful everyday carry light. The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium is ideal for those who prioritize quality, durability, and performance above all else.
Who should skip this product? If you’re on a tight budget or only need a light for occasional use around the house, there are more affordable options available.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Extra Surefire 123A batteries are a must.
Conclusion on Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium
The Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium is an outstanding light that lives up to the Surefire name. It’s bright, durable, and reliable, and it has quickly become an essential part of my everyday carry. While the price is higher than many other EDC lights, the quality and performance justify the investment.
I would absolutely recommend the Surefire Everyday Carry 2 Dual-Output 5/1200 Lumens LED Aluminum Black CR123A Lithium to anyone looking for a top-tier EDC light. If you demand the best, this is it. Don’t settle for less; invest in a light that will last and perform when you need it most.