I got my E2 a week ago from Arizona Gun Runners for $49.00. Battery pack/light for $35.00 (12 Duracells). Spare 8x battery for $12! Check them out. The E2 price was a sale, but they still may be having it (?). (I heard about it on this forum and bought it.)
Nice light, too. Whiter (bluish) than my 8x, but the 8x has a bit more range (yellowishness could be the year old lamp assembly in it too). My old 8x batteries are probably kinda weak from some overcharging or overusing as well. I might get a smartcharger soon to cure this.
Still, if you really can't afford a SureFire, try the Streamlight Scorpion. Comes with 2 batteries and a spare bulb. Bulbs run about 5 bucks at most (compared to SureFire's $9 to $18 dollars), and the Scorpion can be found as low as $33.00. Beam is about as bright as a small SureFire but not as "perfect," which is okay for a non-perfectionist! The rubber cover does wear out over time, but mine is five years old and still quite usable. I'll need to replace it within the next year or so due to cracking around the endbutton.
If you are dirt poor, get a LumiLite "Z-Lite." About five bucks, 2AA krypton bulb and very sturdy. About as bright as a 2C MagLite, without the price or bulk. Also rubber covered. I have to mention LumiLites because I have a LumiLite fetish. Sorry, but I can be real cheap as well as appreciating SureFire perfection and Streamlight cheaper okayishness!
Illuminatingly yers,
Karl
