How many here think an SF L4 is a must for all flashaholics?

[machoamigo]

I'll have to agree with you guys, I know that the L4 has its own place in flashlight kingdom but with so many new improved and efficient flashlights out there it is starting to lose its place. :shakehead

 

[Supernam]

Honestly for me, the only thing keeping me from buying one is the runtime. I can manage using primaries if the runtime was at least 2 hours regulated. Think of it as $1/hour with Titanium CR123's.

 

[daveman]

I do believe SF actively tries to improve their products, so the current primitive (relatively) state of the L4 should not be expected to last too long.

 

[yaesumofo]

When you need the KL4 and are using it in a moment of need the last thing you are worrying about is run time. Believe me if you need the wall of light you just need it. Forget run time. If you find yourself really concerned get a body which will accept a larger LION battery and throw the head on it. That is what I did with 2 of my KL4's And you know what?
I have never ever come close to draining one on a single usage. The KL4 just doesn't lend itself well to jobs with Long run-times.
Just get one. It will either become a collectors item because Surefire cancels it or you will dig it. Failing that you can sell it to another CPF'r who wants one or another one.
You really can't steer wrong on this one.
Yaesumofo

Honestly for me, the only thing keeping me from buying one is the runtime. I can manage using primaries if the runtime was at least 2 hours regulated. Think of it as $1/hour with Titanium CR123's.

 

[paulr]

It's a classic light and the McE2S tailcap turns it into a two level. I guess for someone on a mission of collecting the important milestones of flashaholism, it's a must have. It's also still a very functional light. But I've gotten by without one and don't seem to be suffering from a lack of flashlights.

 

[xiaowenzu]

To the OP: No, the SF L4 is not a must for flashoholics.. there are needs that are more important such as food, water, air and shelter. Having said that, the L4 is certainly a 'WANT' on many flashoholic's mind. :naughty:

 

[grnamin]

The L4 is what got me into modding some Surefires. Not being content with the beam (donut) I learned (with the help of some members here) how to open up and mod the KL4 head. My love for the L4 evolved into carrying a Vital Gear F2 with a WE drop-in and a Surefire G2Z head mated onto an Aleph 2x123 body via an E2C adaptor with a Malkoff P60 drop-in. My wife has the KL4 now with a Vital Gear FB1 driven by the driver board from a KL1 and a U-binned Lux III.

 

[warpdrive]

I really like my L4 and have NO regrets keeping it. It will remain one of my favorite lights alongside the Novatac. If and when something that comes along with the same beam pattern, THEN I would say it's not worth buying anymore, but so far, it doesn't overlap with any other light that I own.

 

[big_erb]

I LOVED my L4 for many Years, and YES I think it is a must have.. Its LED is completly outdated now, and I was using other lights.. Until I recieved my SSC P4 modded head.. now its at the top of the list again! More than 100 lumens and about 2 hour runtime..

 

[lightr07]

I would say A2 First. Then an L4. I do plan on getting an L4 sometime this year but i think the A2 should be higher on a "new" flashaholic's list.

 

[TrevorNasko]

IMHO the e2e (or e2 if you can find one) is more a must have than a l4 for both a historic value and for general use. While the l4 was an incredible light for its time its a bit outdated and pricey when so many brighter more inexpencive options are available. I have many fond memories of my l4 but would not buy one today. I suppose it all depends on why you want to buy it.

 

[Unclemonkey]

Love my SF L4 it's my EDC light. Needless to say, its there when l need it. Who cares about run time? batteries are cheap. As far as price, hey you get what you pay for. I've dropped my light so many times yet it lights up just like the first day I clicked its switch. It's a workhorse, tank, etc. The choice is yours. Aloha-Monkey:thumbsup:

 

[easilyled]

Who cares about run time? :

A huge proportion of us do. Maybe 80%.
I'm sure a poll would show this.

 

[GarageBoy]

It was a must have for me, in L2 form. Love the wide flood in low

 

[yaesumofo]

While this MAY be true.......

The Seoul emitter, while it is more efficient, and runs cooler at the same drive current. The problems lay with the fact that the Seoul emitter and LUX V emitter have little in common. The beam would be completely different. The LUX V and the KL4-s special reflector were designed to work together to create the very unique beam pattern of the KL4 head.
So a simple emitter swap while it may produce interesting results the charm and quality of the Original KL4 beam would be lost.

I suspect that SureFire spent alot of time and money in researching the KL4 optic system. It still produces a fine beam by an standard.

Don't you think that if all that was necessary to achieve good results, was a simple emitter swap, that SureFire would have done just that by now?
I do.
Maybe they are working on a second generation version. Maybe not.
Maybe they are waiting for the emitter technology to evolve to a point where they produce an emitter which will produce a beam similar to the LUX V emitter that those emitters which are available today.
It may take a little while but I am sure a suitable replacement will come to market. In the meantime we wait and enjoy the KL4 just like it is..One of many flashlight (heads) which warm up when used.

Yaesumofo

I would have agreed maybe a year or two ago.
Its just that if there was a Seoul emitter in the KL4 head, it would have
about twice the run-time for the same brightness without heating up
nearly as much.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

My personal opinion is that an L2 is better than an L4. I don't mind the bit of extra length but others may like the shorter body of the L4. But whether it is L2 or L4 they are definitely top contenders for must have, so long as you are able to afford the $150+ price tag.

 

[FlashSpyJ]

I hesitated at first before I got my L4. I wanted a wall of light, and I couldnt find any other that produced that in the form factor and size like the L4. And you can play lego with it! I thought it was kinda expensive but It really is a nice little light! It really fulfileld my needs for the type of light I was looking for when I bought it.

EDIT: I´d say buy it if it fulfills your needs, and there isnt any other that does that better.

 

[FASTCAR]

L4 was a "Must have"..in 2004
Now its a $150 paperweight

 

[ampdude]

The L4 is a tactical floodlight for indoor or close range use. I had one a couple of years ago and really did not like it at all, found my incans to be much better lights.

 

[jumpstat]

To me its a great design and I had one before the Mule PD took over. If the KL4 head runs cooler, definitely be a killer, unfortunately heat issues was the only issue that I see wrong with the KL4. It doesn't fare well in a hot country. Major + attribute is the Output pattern in a small form factor, and its well made also.....