27LT?

[Buffalohump]

I'd like to hear from guys who own or have owned a 27LT - with the emphasis on the current version of the light (which is the one I am looking at).

Likes and dislikes? Is this the best 2 cell CR123a LED light out there or a mere status symbol to make your friends green with envy?

Let's hear it people! I tried the McLux III PD but found the PD awkward to use. Now I'm thinking the simple twisty action of the 27LT might suit my five-thumbed hand better.

What are the advantages of this light over the single cell PD? Does it shove out a lot more light? Runtime is obviously longer. Is the beam shape noticeably different?

Can I hear it from 27LT owners? But please, I want an honest assessment - 'warts and all'. I have to make my mind up once and for all. I can't keep hassling Don with my picky little issues - the man has lights to build! :grin2:

(BTW I have checked out the FAQ thread about this light.)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Kiessling]

It is not the best 2x123 light on this planet as such a light does not exist :D ... but it is a damm good light if the user interface sits well with you.

It is brighter thn the PD, it throws further, the beam (spill) is more concentrated and also throws further whereas the principle beam shape is similar style ... meaning a good sized spot, nice corona gently fading into a bright and concentrated spill. A very useful beam that is gentle on the eyes and makes great use of the spill as it still shows up in low mode and throws well in high mode, thus enlarging the field of vision greatly.

Runtime is not longer but about the same as the PD as it drives the LuxIII harder (we're talking the LuxIII version, right?)

The light has some other things worth mentioning:

- it is relatively rough and has sharp edges
- it is heavy
- it is tough as hell

bernie

 

[Buffalohump]

Thanks Bernie,

Yes, the current version that Don has right now (UX1K). Not the 5 watt from the Shoppe (budget doesn't stretch that far)...

I was also considering the Aleph-19 Cree-XRE 2x123 from the Shoppe. But that doesn't have the two stages, right? Although they describe the switch as two stage. Does this mean it offers momentary on?

There's also the HD-45 but I would prefer something I can carry on my person with relative ease.

There doesn't really seem to be much competition for the 27 LT that I can see...

Also, will I be able to find a bezel for this light? The bezel really adds that finishing touch IMO.

Hey, I'm a flashaholic! :grin2:

 

[Kiessling]

The HD45 is considerably larger in the head area, true.

Bezels for the 27LT ... there's the option of using bezels designed for the Aleph1 lights that do fit but look "too small", and ten there's yaesumofo's bezel, but he didn't make that much of those IIRC.

I am not up to speed on the A19 offering coming from the Shoppe, but if they say "2-stage cap" it "might" be a cap with the McE2S module offering 2 stages like the typical 2-stage Alephs (working like the SF L1, L2 and A2). But I don't know for sure.

bernie


27LT with mofo bezel:

mofo bezel business end:

27LT and U2:

27LT, HD45 and PD:

Corona and spill comparo:

EDIT: all lights with U-bin LuxIII at 917mA; all lights except the 27LT with the same Light Engine, so there's the lottery between the 27LT and the rest of the group. Also ... the hotspot is blacked out and is of course of different brightness for all those lights, so what you see in that pic isn't an indicator for total flux (lm) either

Here's another:

 

[Buffalohump]

Thanks for those beamshots and other pics, I have seen a lot of them before but not grouped together like that.

I think it's a definite advantage to have the two stages, especially if you are running primaries.

The bezel adds to the light quite a bit aesthetically - is it a simple matter to instal that oneself?

 

[jch79]

Yep - just unscrew the existing bezel ring (sometimes using your fingernails works, otherwise a stiff piece of plastic, like an old credit card, cut to size works for me), and screw the Ti bezel on! Voila!
john

 

[WAVE_PARTICLE]

More beamshot comparisons HERE.


Great light! Awesome reflector!

You'll love it!


:thumbsup: WP

 

[Danintex]

Surprised TXtrouble hasn't chimed in, but I love mine. The twisty can be quite stiff at first but smooths out quickly. I ended up taking one of the double O-rings off to make it easier with one hand. Clip is very nice, beam is perfect (a bit on the green side) and it throws extremely well. Besides, if you decide it's not the "right one" someone else will buy it off you...

 

[kit]

I was also considering the Aleph-19 Cree-XRE 2x123 from the Shoppe. But that doesn't have the two stages, right? Although they describe the switch as two stage. Does this mean it offers momentary on?



The A19 2x123 is a two stage using McTc tailcap, momentary on on low and if you press deeper it goes on high, like a PD. Twist to low then continuous for high. I had one and sold it. :) Its one crazy bright light!

 

[yaesumofo]

The 27LT is a good tough flashlight.
Look around the BST for a mofo bezel and buy one on the secondary market . In fact in my opinion that bezel is overkill. The light is so tough out of the box that it is quite amazing.
It handles pretty much the same as the PD except it is much heavier and it doesn't have a PD.
I almost always ask the person who asked these questions:
What are you going to use it for? How will it be used? Is it an EDC? The 27LT is a largish flashlight. It doesn't fit in the pocket that well. Holster carry is what I would recommend. Try Concealco. They make amazing stuff and I don't think Art of the hide has a holster for the 27LT.
The lxiii /27 mm reflector combination is great!! Maybe one of the best combinations out there. Don has the drive tuned perfectly for great lumen output and run time.

I only made and sold 55 of the mofo bezels so you will be lucky to find one. I have got to say that it makes an already totally Beefy flashlight even more so. It really is over the top. As I said before this light is so tough out of the box it doesn't need a Titanium bezel.

Overall I would recommend the 27LT for use in rough conditions where the extreme heavy duty factor is a matter of life and death. The 27LT is the kind of light I would own if I were a heavy construction worker or maybe a demolition worker. I am quite sure that the 27LT could easily be run over with a car or tractor and it would still function.
The bottom line is this the 27lt is an extremely heavy duty light. I would say that it is over built for 95% or it's users. The Mofo Bezel put it even further over the top.

It worries me when you say the pd was difficult for you to work. they both have the same twist on with 2 levels feature. I sort of think if you had a problem with one you may have the same problems with the other. If the issue is related to the twisting and not the Pd's piston activation.

I mentioned holster carry for the 27lt because I find the clip to not work well for the way I work and carry lights. In fact I have the 27LT in my bailout bag and never carry it on my person. This is a great bailout bag light Load it with 2 fresh cells and it will be ready to go at a seconds notice for years to come.
The Aleph-19 Cree-XRE 2x123 may be a better choice for you if you are looking for sheer output. That light is just not in the same league as the 27LT when it comes to being heavy duty. I don't know if the Aleph-19 Cree-XRE 2x123 has 2 levels either.
Good luck making a choice.
Yaesumofo

 

[:)>]

You can't go wrong with this light. I highly recommend it. More output and less throw with the Lux V version. More throw with the Lux III version.

-Goatee

 

[fnmag]

I can only echo what previous people have stated. I love this light. Over built and very bright. It is in fact a classic light. It is built to be used. Unlike many owners, I prefer the WWOT for the amount of spill it provides but that XX1T has great throw. A light like this should probably not be bought on a whim. A lot of thought went into the design and manufacture of this light and it shows in the real world. Newer lights will come and go but this light will never let you down. Lastly, there is always pride of ownership. Ek se! Cheers.

 

[lrp]

I use primarily for hunting because the two beams are perfect imho, I use the low 95% of the time. I'm not into beams and colors as are most here are but for me it is the perfect light and I've not seen a sturdier or more quality light anywhere and I run mine on a protected 17670 and have a John Willis holster for it. If you think a SF is a solid you ought to see the 27LT!!

 

[straightblast]

I would love to have that bezel.

I have had my 27LT for a few days now. It is the light that goes with me. The ONLY thing negative I can say about it is that the tail end has a somewhat sharp ridge to it. It is kinda like most 1911's, it would benefit from a bit of a "melt" job.

You gotta be insanely picky to find anything negative to talk about with this light though. On a 1-10, I give it a 10---for my use. It is not a dainty lightweight light, it is exactly what I wanted.

 

[X Racer]

I love this light ! I cannot imagine anyone not liking this light...

 

[Buffalohump]

Thanks for all those contributions, I am still thinking hard on my choices...

:goodjob:

 

[Buffalohump]

I can only echo what previous people have stated. I love this light. Over built and very bright. It is in fact a classic light. It is built to be used. Unlike many owners, I prefer the WWOT for the amount of spill it provides but that XX1T has great throw. A light like this should probably not be bought on a whim. A lot of thought went into the design and manufacture of this light and it shows in the real world. Newer lights will come and go but this light will never let you down. Lastly, there is always pride of ownership. Ek se! Cheers.

Jislaaik! Ek het nie geweet dat hulle kan Afrikaans praat in die Amerikaanse woedstryn nie!

:lolsign:

 

[BrightIdeaOSU]

It is generally excellent. Battery station has a pelican case designed for the M6 that happens to fit the 27LT perfectly, and makes a good solution for carrying the light and spare batteries in your pack. As for pocketability, I've never tried to put it in my pocket, I slip the (best I've yet seen) clip in the pocket and carry it proudly on the outside.