Battle of the EDC champs – $39.99 Streamlight 1l-1aa vs $150 Surefire edcl1-t long term review

good review! I feel like you missed the part where SureFire is compatible with the whole e-series ecosystem, meaning you can change the head to any other e-series SF thrower or floody head, or you can get a Malkoff VME head and use any drop-in you'd like, which is – in my opinion – is a far superior selling point.

I find the Surefire is a bit slick

I own 3 of these streamlights and one of the surefire lights. The streamlights are convenient for working because if I lose it I can replace it cheaply. The surefire is definitely my go to EDC.

I’ve heard that it’s highly unadvisable to use 14500 or 16340’s in the 1L-1AA. I guess it will burn out the light?
Does anyone have experience with these battery options? Thanks!

Though they both tie in points, certain points are far more important than others.
Weight and size (especially being so close) are almost negligible, where as reliability, durability and build quality are immensely important.

Not that it really matters for the final category, value for money the Streamlight wins hands down. I will still buy a SureFire over a Streamlight every time. I'd rather buy one expensive flashlight that will last me a lifetime, than shop for a new cheap flashlight every time they break down. Even if I'll pay more for that one flashlight than all the cheap ones put together.

tajam bersinar

can't decide to go with the microstream or the protac 1l-aa

Hmmm most people will probably prefer the cool temperature to the Neutral temp?? 🤔 I would have to beg to differ on that one -mainly considering the demographic of users who would actually be willing to shell out a bill and a half for a small EDC pocket light which would primarily be "flashaholics" or hardcore users which a quick glance at any of the flashlight forums/groups online will quickly show the trend change over the last decade or so. So much so that cool tints are almost scoffed at. Also streamlight's (mediocre at best) "ten tap" programming ties with surefire's classic beloved gas pedal switch?? Strongly disagree with you there just due to the fact that the longevity of the streamlights switch isn't even comparable to the gas pedal switch for the simple fact that it's simpler not really much to it in way of moving parts which is most likely NOT what failed on your light in the past. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And one more note I found kinda odd was that you consider the streamlights poly-cell capability as a fault rendering it slightly less reliable.. I look at it as the complete opposite. How could more cell flexibility possibly equate to less reliability??? I have a feeling one day in the future your thoughts and feelings will shift to (or back to) the surefire… Just sayin. Otherwise great video, definitely interesting to hear other people's feelings towards gear.|\|

Great review!

Thanks a lot for this video

The Streamlight is made in China on US designs. I have a couple of the 1l-1aa (black & tan) and both are programmed to high only. 1 click and it's on, 2 clicks and it turns on then off, neither has ever has gone into low on a double click, so I'm not sure what happened with yours.
I'm curious if you have consodered/compared the Macrostream with this SureFire?
I may be old school, but I also have 2 30-year-old 6P's (one is converted to a 9P), and a 15+/- year-old G2. I prefer them for serious tasks or crowds I expect to get unruly.
The 1l-1aa's I use for things like walking the dogs, walking to my favorite pizza place 4 blocks away, running to check for something in the car at night, etc.
I carry a Microstream in a Vanquest pocket quiver more or less from waking up to getting in bed for the mundane 'dammit I can see in there' moments.
Great reviews/videos!

Maybe its the camera but I have seen this in other reviews to and read it in forums. The newer Surefires have a terrible greenish tint. The Streamlight still gives small lightoutput from a AAA that is done and dont have enough energy for the remote control!

I have both… a well as some other brands. Surefire EDCl1-t has a wider spill (see more area) AND a brighter hot spot (further reach). Streamlight just plain works, and the ten tap programing is nice for switching roles. Personally, I keep the Streamlight for emergencies that require more general tasks, and the Surefire for other roles. That being said, my EDC for general stuff evolved into the Macrostream… I actually miss it when I rotate "nicer" lights for carry.

Cloud Defensive MCH seems also a good choice, a contender for Modlite Handhelds.

So having modlite the new “king”
Of lights with such high candela. Why would you choose to carry the 1laa over the 18350 OKW/plhv2?

I've been looking to upgrade to something bigger than my usb microstream for when I'm not wearing a button up shirt with pocket. These two look awesome. Do you have any experience handing the Haley Strategic D3FT? It also looks around the same size but with the plunger ring for different grips.

Nice Video!
I love my SureFire Backup MV

Great comparison. I have owned a few Malkoffs and Surefires, including a Surefire L1 with a "gas pedal" switch which I dislike because the spring is too strong. Love my dual fuel Streamlight 1L-1AA and Protac 90. I carry other tools and am an old codger so ease of pocket carry (weight and size) is very important. Thanks for the video!