Difference between SF L4 and L5?

[joshwang]

Ok, guys, here comes a newbie question.
I've been looking at the lumens of SF LEDs recently and i notuced that the L4 nad L5 are pretty identical. Both use 2 batteries and have an output of 65 lumens, now here comes the question, why does the L5 have 30 more minutes of runtime?/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif Then why not just make both with a runtime of 180 minutes?

 

[Hoghead]

I think the L4 & L5 use the same circuit so any difference in runtime would just be a matter of the vf of the Luxeon and which batteries you use.

Here are some of kj's runtime plots for the L4 & L5 .

Take a look at kj's runtime plots in the Review Forum for more runtime plots.

If you're trying to choose between buying a L4 or a L5, I recommend that you consider:

size, the L4 is a lot smaller

beam shape, the L5 has a tighter beam

heat, the L5 being larger has more metal to absorb heat

I have both and I much prefer the L4. I like the beam of the L5 better, but the L4 still wins because of size.

 

[Aloft]

Can't say why the runtime is different, but I own an L5 and it has very good throw for an LED. My impression from reading the forums is that the L4 is more of a "spill" light. The only LED lights I've seen that can compete with the L5 (and in fact, beat it!) in throw are the Electrolumens LED lights. Surefire's own L6 (a 3 cell light) looks virtually indistinguishable from the L5 as far as throw, and is only slightly brighter to my eyes.

 

[cy]

Size is the difference. L4's body is much smaller. it's very simular to difference between E2E and M2.

E2E uses the same body as L4 and M2 uses the same body as L5. naturally reflector is larger on L5/M2

 

[Emilion]

L5 is better, it has throw and nice side spill. If you use a belt pouch, it is easy to carry. My L5 has been my EDC for 1 year until I recently change to the KL1 with FB1 (1 cell body by Vital Gear).