SureFire E1B Backup

With LED technology seemingly improving by the minute, I am always on the lookout to make my daily loadout lighter and smaller without sacrificing utility. Recently, Hilton sent me Surefire’s E1B (thanks Scott!) and after a couple weeks of carrying and using it, I can see why it is Hilton’s choice in an EDC plainclothes flashlight.

The E1B is a powered by a single CR123 lithium battery and pushes out up to 200 lumens of light. A two stage pushbutton on the tail cap selects between 5 and 200 lumens. Runtime is reported to be 40 hours at 5 lumens and over an hour at 200 lumens. I haven’t run mine long enough to wear out the battery. Light output, however, is clean and what we have come to expect from SureFire. The handheld is short and lightweight, and the clip makes it pretty convenient to carry. The head of flashlight is a little big for some carry applications (like dress clothes) but for day to day carry in cargo or utility pants it is fine.

A twist of the tailcap will give you constant on at either output level, depending on how far you twist. As I would expect, the quality of manufacturing is evident in the product. If you’re carrying something bigger, consider the E1B to streamline your load out.

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About Tim Lau

Tim Lau has over a decade of experience as an end user, armorer and instructor. He has worked for several well known firearms training organizations, and holds multiple firearms instructor certifications. He owns and operates 10-8 Consulting, LLC, which provides industry consulting services as well as marksmanship and specialized firearms training to qualified civilian, law enforcement and military personnel.

5 thoughts on “SureFire E1B Backup

  1. Thank you Tim for putting out some more information on light sticks that are out and coming. A light to me and my group is just as important to carry as extra mags.I wish and hope more readers to this great site that you and your team of professional practioners have put together, read I get what you guys are doing for the combative arts community by putting out information about products such as these light sticks.
    Thank you.

  2. Great light! I have been carrying one since they came out. I got mine in Coyote Brown. This year they are saying it’s the new black. I had to pay $10.00 extra for it. Call me crazy. One CR123 is great. I use the K2 charger for the batteries. It saves me a lot of money.
    It’s great for EDC. Not to big and 200 lumens wow!
    Anybody on the fence , it’s very comfortable to carry.
    An Emerson or Strider, EB1 Back up and my trusty Robarized Glock with 1 extra mag. I also forgot my Tampon. You never know when Aunt Flow or Rosie is going to stop by. LMFAO!
    Seriously it’s a great light.

  3. Excellent light. I carry one daily for off-duty and use it as a back-up to my SF U2 Ultra when on duty. Only modifications to mine was replacing the standard tail cap switch with one off an E2D to allow for greater purchase of the light and lesson the chance of it slipping out of my hand if wet/bloody. I believe mine is the 100 lumen model. Had it since they were first made available.

    As for all these lumens these days, I remember starting off with 60 lumen 6P’s on carbines years ago. Some guys were still running 2 or 3 cell Maglites on theirs…

  4. Correct, this year’s 200 lumen model has a large 22MM bezel and the model is EB1. Simliar lights, prior to the 200 lumen model, have a smaller bezel, are 110 lumens or less, and are E1Bs.

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