E01 VS LD01... Which is the better buy?

[Stirling3749]

I'm a little torn on this one and was hoping someone here with experience with both models could weigh in on the topic.
The most obvious difference at first glance is the price but I don't mind paying the extra cash if the LD01 can REALLY outperform it's cheaper counterpart.

The intended use here is EDC, probably only for a few minutes at a time, just to find something or do small repairs/adjustments.
It might get a little wet but not likely dropped, I plan to have it attached to me with a length of 550 cord or something.

[gunga]

Where are you located?  I'm in Vancouver, BC, can help you out if you decide you want an L0D (cheap).  This is basically the previous model of LD01, the modes are better spaced, it has strobe and SOS (good or bad, depending on your point of view).

ANyways, to your question, the E01 is a low dollar light with 1 mode, and really ugly purple tint.  That said it is also very dependable, runs well on alkaline, lasting around 10 hours before dropping to a dim moon mode that can be helpful for many hours after that.

The LD01 (and comparable L0D) is much brighter, has flexible modes, and much nicer tint and beam.  It is more generally useful, but will not be as long running as the E01.  Both are very well liked, depends on what kind of light you are looking for.  The LD01/L0D work better on nimh or Lithium batteries because alkalines ar enot good at high current drain (they die quickly on high mode).

The LD01/L0D will be more flexible and potentially more useful, but the E01 is steady and dependable.
Keep in mind the LD01/L0Ds are also quite solid and have had a large following.

Performance for $ is better on the E01 (around $15)  vs the LD01 (Around $35 - 40 ish), but again, that is full retail.

[Gareth]

I had this same dilemma a couple of years ago and went for the L0D (or LD01 as it would be now) over the E01.  I've had absolutely no reason to regret it since and think it's well worth spending the extra cash.  There are enough fans of the E01 to make me believe it's a very handy light as well though.

[Blackbeard]

Not sure what you mean by "better buy", but there is about a $25 price difference between the 2. Ldo1 is also slightly longer, but much more versatile and much brighter with a better tint, I sold my Eo1, really doesnt compare do the Ldo1.

Also look at the Itp A3 eos, which is cheaper but just as good as the Ldo1

[asupernothing]

i can't necessarily compare the two as i only have the ld01. but that being said, it is a fantastic light.
i prefer the fact that it starts out on medium brightness and i find the control and versatility of the light very useful.
i carry the light clipped onto the leather sheath for my ChALX. in addition while i do agree with people that LiION batteries would be ideal for the light, i use alkaline batteries. this is mostly because i have a box of about 350 AAA batteries and don't see the sense in buying more just yet. but i do manage to carry a spare battery in the side pouch of my sheath. i found that this setup gives me optimum versatility and i have no extra trouble accessing either the light or the multitool.

basically if you can afford it i would recommend that you go with the LD01, it does what the E01 can do and then a good bit more.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I had both, but recently gave the LD01 away as I prefer keychain lights to be simple, reliable affairs with a long runtime

Nothing wrong with the LD01, I just prefer my E01

[cncguy]

I studied a lot of reviews before finally deciding on the LD01. I haven't regretted it one minute. The multiple modes are really handy with the high mode being surprisingly bright for such a small light.

[Turnstone]

If you only use it for close-up things the E01 is just fine. Small, reliable, and very hard to break. Not very bright... but good enough for EDC.

[John]

I'm happy know one recommended a mag solitaire as sadly I'd choose this key chain light ,it's brighter and most likely will burn a tad longer,it has a much smaller footprint too 




comparison pic 




Enjoy your LDO1 

[ryan1835]

Only you john only you... 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

 

[AHB]

     

[John]

What no love for England's glory disposable flashlight   the specs  

only 50mm long 2mm dia and weighs...wait for it (it's record breaking news) less than half a gram   powered by one strike(no fiddly switches here)   tint is  sulfide warm   now on to run time one EG disposable flashlight will give approx 10 seconds but wait...this can be extended for eternity if you have plenty of wicks and or paper around,cost negligible you can get a box of 48 EG flashlights for 10 pence  

Oh and here's what sold me   unlike the technological flashlights we see today these can actually start fire to keep you warm and a aid to cooking as well as see in the dark   the Match a true flashlight for survival IMHO    

[Stirling3749]

Well after much consideration I'd decided to get...neither!
The Preon Revo from 4sevens seems to offer the best of both worlds, it has everything I want PLUS a pretty good runtime on the lowest setting.
I know there's some debate about little AAA LEDs with multiple settings but I don't have a problem cycling through settings even if I rarely use some of them.

Has anyone ever used this light? I'd love to hear from someone with first hand experience.

Gunga the offer is very tempting as I'm located on the island but with my 7 day work weeks lately I'm not planning any trips to the mainland for awhile.
Even know I'm going with the 4sevens one I have a brother who could use an L0D. I'll let you know when I'm out there next and if you still have it maybe we can work something out. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Has anyone ever used this light? I'd love to hear from someone with first hand experience.

No, but it's been talked about

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,22273.0.html

I'd like to hear your thoughts when you get it please mate

[gunga]

I just sold my L0Ds, but may have an E01 available if you pop by.  Good choice, I'd buy a Revo too once they come in neutral tint.


 

A cheaper choice is iTP or Maratac, but the Revo looks like a winner.

[Paul]

The EO1 is a better flashlight as a keyring  due to the size and a better price....and for what you pay for them I'd just get one. The olive color one wears/distresses nice on yer keys and looks very cool. Your uses seem to require the LD01 and this would work nice on a length of para and well out performs the EO1.

'Wall Hunters' don't like the purple tint to the EO1, but in ECD use you don't notice it.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

The EO1 is a better flashlight as a keyring  due to the size and a better price....and for what you pay for them I'd just get one. The olive color one wears/distresses nice on yer keys and looks very cool. Your uses seem to require the LD01 and this would work nice on a length of para and well out performs the EO1.

'Wall Hunters' don't like the purple tint to the EO1, but in ECD use you don't notice it.