NOTE: This is an update to the original L1 review. An archive of the old review is available HERE.

To say that the Surefire L1 Digital Lumamax is a general purpose flashlight is akin to saying that a F-117 Stealth fighter is just an airplane. Surefire has put some of the best possible features together into a single device which should serve the purpose of almost anyone needing a general use light. In addition, the L1 has recently been upgraded with a Luxeon III LED and new optics very similar to the new KL1 offered by Surefire. This results in a tighter, brighter beam than the previous version L1.

Since the L1 uses a Luxeon III LED for light, so there is no bulb to blow. The LED is driven by digital circuitry that regulates the output so that a constant level of brightness is provided until the batteries just can't provide enough power, and then diminishing light is provided so you aren't left stranded in the dark. The digital circuitry also supports a two stage tailcap which allows the selection of two levels of brightness. Press gently on the tailcap for a dim light for reading in a tent, general camp chores, checking charts or maps in a dark car or cockpit, or wandering around the house at night. Press in harder and the intensity jumps up a couple of notches for walking afield, inspecting the undercarriage of your vehicle, or checking on that scuffing noise outside your tent.

The body has all the standard Surefire features, including hard anodize Type III coating for durability, knurling for grip, a Pyrex lens for improved light transmittance, and O-ring seals all the way around for water resistance. There are four flat panels cut into the sides of the light, and the pocket clip rests on one of these panels to help prevent abrasion of the user's pocket by the knurled finish.

The bezel consists of a two piece machined aluminum capsule which is permanently sealed. At the front is a recessed domed Pyrex lens very similar to the E2d to protect the new LED collimator optics. The dome does not protrude beyond the end of the bezel, and the bezel end is crenelated to allow light to escape around the edges if it is set down on its face while on. This serves as a reminder to the user that they left the light on when they set it down.

The lens is sealed for water resistance and because it is Pyrex it has better light transmittance properties than the usual plastic lens you see on many lights. This means that more light reaches your subject. Inside you can see the special new collimator optics which produce a much tighter beam than the older optics. The collimator also has a curious effect - the beam produced has a square surround beam - the exact shape of the light emitting layer of the LED. Since the L1 uses a Luxeon III LED, you'll never need to worry about it "burning out" from regular use or impact.

Output is in the form of a tight square-shaped beam with very little sidespill and some rings of light far out in the periphery. The flat sides of the square central beam have a slightly yellowish border. Output from the Luxeon III LED is variable via the two-stage switching mechanism. The first stage of brightness is good for low-light tasks where you don't want to blow away your night adapted vision. The second stage of brightness is quite bright and can illuminate targets at a significant distance thanks to the collimating lens.

   
Beam at one meter at target center and at target edge to show spillbeam (or lack thereof).

Runtime Plot: Surefire states "greater than one hour". Well, 1 hour 45 minutes on high output before it drops out of regulation is definitely "greater than one hour"!

Runtime completed with included Surefire batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Besides having the two stages of brightness that are available by either pressing the tailcap or twisting the tailcap for constant-on use, the tailcap can be twisted backwards to effectively lock out the switching mechanism. This is so that the light cannot be accidentally activated in your pack, briefcase, flight bag, or pocket. There are witness marks on the tailcap and body to help the user recognize the condition of the light.

Surefire has affirmed that all current Surefire lights should be waterproof to about 33 feet/10 meters. This is equivalent to to 1 atmosphere of pressure.

Ergonomics: The L1 is large for a single 123A cell flashlight, but it is smaller than a common 2AA aluminum light. It is a convenient size and very easy to operate with one hand.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

A single 123a lithium cell powers the light. To change out the battery simply unscrew the tailcap, drop out the cell and replace the cell and tailcap. These cells are best purchased online to recognize significant savings over retail prices.

Accessories: Included with this light is the Z60 lanyard. This sturdy nylon lanyard has two spring-lock slides for adjustment and a lobster claw style clip for quick release from the light. It attaches to the light at the tailcap via a two piece ring which fits in a groove in the tailcap itself. The ring can be removed, albeit with some difficulty and some very careful prying. In use I have found that it is extremely unlikely that the lanyard and attachment ring will release accidentally.

What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough, Regulated, Both Bright and Dim light available in on light, Easy battery change, Lightweight

What I Didn't Like: Nothing

Other Things I Noticed: Nothing

Conclusions: In my opinion, this has to be one of the most practical lights for campers, hikers, outdoorsmen, and the like. When it is pitch dark, you don't need much light to accomplish a lot and the L1 lasts a long time on one battery in this low light mode. However, when you need it, the additional output is there for you at the press of a button.

Quick Facts Table: