Is a split E necessary?

[fluteloopscereal]

As you may already know I'm currently looking for a step up flute. I realized that my current cheapo flute has a split E, which actually surprised me since it's meant to be a beginner model flute, but the flute that I'm considering right now (a Jupiter JFL1000RB) doesn't have a split E.

What I'm asking is should I look for another flute with a split E or does it even matter? I'm only a sophomore in high school and as far as I know, I'm not looking into a career as a flute player.

[pied_piper]

The split E has one purpose: it makes the third octave E a little easier to play. Is it helpful? Yes, for some. Is it necessary? No. I do not have a split E on my flute and I get along quite well without it. I do however have an E facilitator (sometimes called a donut because of its shape). The E facilitator is a donut or crescent shaped insert that is placed into the tone hole of the second G key. Its purpose is the same - make the third octave easier to play. The nice thing about the E facilitator is that it can be easily retrofitted onto any flute without a split E. The cost is usually less than $100 and often around $80 to get it installed. Any reputable flute technician can install one.

[fluteloopscereal]

Thanks! I think I'll go without for now, but I'll consider that for the future if I find high E harder to play (which I don't currently, I think I'm addicted to high notes ).