PDA

View Full Version : TNVC LED Conversions for Surefire E2e and G2 Nitrolon



Dutch
1 January 2009, 15:09
http://www.tacticalnightvision.com


I was asked several months ago to do an evaluation for Victor Di Cosola of Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) on the replacement/upgrade LED Conversion flashlight heads for the Surefire E2e and G2 made by Surefire. Being a bit of flashlight junkie, I jumped at the chance to try out something new for the two lights I work with most on the range and while on duty.

I carry the Executive Elite E2e in my pocket as my daily carry light and the G2 Nitrolon has a permanent home on my duty belt while on shift. The upgrade for the E2e came in the form of a complete replacement head while the G2 had a replacement lamp assembly.

The E2e head replacement head model # LED-CONVER-E2 screwed right into place on the body of the E2e. With the 1st push of the tailcap I knew I was going to enjoy putting my light through its paces. The head assembly is slightly larger than the OEM head, though noticeably so for a short time as I found it didn’t change its foot print in clothing. It is more of a silver color rather than the standard anodized grey of most Surefire lights. The head is smooth and has scalloped cuts along the sides and the leading edge of the head, so even standing face down you can see small amounts of light spill out. The spec sheet indicates light output to be 220 lumens for a length of 2 hours. Unable to measure lumens myself or tell you exactly how long I have had it on, I would not doubt this from the amount of use/abuse it has received. The construction is outstanding! I have dropped, bumped, and banged the light numerous times and each and every time it has stayed on or produced light when required.

The G2 lamp assembly model #Q5 LED Drop-In Lamp is also an absolute snap to install sort of a “plug and play” deal. I liked the fact the assembly slipped right in with no need to cut, or trim anything for proper fit and function. I store the original assembly in my gear bag so “just in case” the worst was to happen I have another lamp with me. Though with it being said, the absolute abuse this light takes and keeps going is a testament to a solid build. The spec sheet for this light indicates light output to be 256 lumens with 2+ hour run time.

As a side story I will tell you I like to have my guys do a gear check prior to working. One of my guys broke out his standard G2 to check the batteries and they didn’t work I took out my “upgraded” G2 and gave him my batteries and took his. He thought I had really lost it as I was putting his dead batteries in my light, though he was stunned when the light kicked on and gave off a nice solid beam of light. We had a talk about how LED’s need less juice to run than standard bulbs. Even with the tired batteries my light was putting out better light than his with fresh batteries. My guys and I both like the light pattern provided by these heads and lamps. The pattern is a solid “spot like” beam with more than sufficient side spill over to illuminate a large area. The light is bright white which seems to provide a clearer less “hazy” picture over distance. The final bonus is when I have left the light on for an extended period of time and then setting it down, it doesn’t burn a hole in the truck seat, desk, or hands.

My overall impression of these two products is outstanding! I have never heard guys or myself grumble about having too much light when working nights. These units ensure you have as much light available on hand as is realistic to carry on ones gear.

The testing of these lights was extensive the photos will show you the wear and tear they were exposed to. These lights have traveled with me from the Hoh Rain Forest on the Olympic Peninsula to the stony beaches and rugged slopes of British Columbia. The three months these lights spent under review did not find them sitting on my desk, were spent time working. The photos are not representative of what the heads look like fresh from the box but from use. Sorry I didn’t get them to the photographer early enough.

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_7688%201028%20WEVO.jpg

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_7713%201028%20WEVO.jpg

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_7703%201028%20WEVO.jpg

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_7700%201028%20WEVO.jpg