E3 arrives soon

[brightnorm]

After spending some time with my KL1 and KL3 in various configurations I felt disatisfied with both, the KL1 for its relatively limited runtime of about four hours, the KL3 for its formidable bulk and similar runtime on a standard SF 2x123, and the very large heavy combination it created with the 9P.

I realize that many Flashaholics care mainly about brightness and are relatively unconcerned with runtime, but since my EDC lights double as emergency lights I have to consider both. I believe that the best solution to this
situation will be Doug Speck’s universal holder which can be almost all things to all Flashaholics. I will use it to create an “E3+KL1” which hopefully will be the near equivalent of a 9P+KL3 in a much smaller, lighter and EDC’able package.

Below are some crude comparison charts containing measured figure mixed with eyeball approximations and “E3” estimations.

WGT.. (REG)… …KL3………KL1……LNGTH (REG).….KL3…..KL1

9P…….6.7oz……..8.4oz………X…………6.5”…………….7.5”……X.

6P……5.3oz……..6.9oz………X…………5”……………….6”……..X

G2…....4oz……….5.8oz………X…………5”………………6”….….X.

E2e…...3.2oz………X………..3.3oz………4.75”……………X……. 5.”.

“E3”..…X…………X………...5oz*.……….X……….……....X…….6.4”*
.
.

BRIGHTNESS…..KL3……….KL1…….RUNTIME……KL3……KL1

9P…………………10…………X………………..………6hrs+…….X

6P…………………9.7 …...……X………………………..4hrs+…….X

G2………………...9.7…………X………………….…….4hrs+……..X

E2e….……..………X………….9.3……………………….X……….4hrs+… ….

“E3*…….…………X………….9.6*.……….…………… X……….6hrs+*

MAXIMUM BEZEL DIAMETER: KL3 = 1.6”*………KL1= 1.1”*

* Estimated

A quick comparison of the 9P+KL3 and the “E3”+KL1 will demonstrate the dramatic difference between two similarly performing* lights.

9P+KL3 weighs 8.4oz, is 7.5” long , 1.6”* bezel diam
“E3”+KL1 weighs 5oz* is 6.4”* long , 1.1”* bezel diam.
The 9P/KL3 is 70% heavier and 21% longer than the E3/KL1.

To put the 9P+KL3 length and weight into further perspective consider that the 9P with 2.5” SRTH turbohead is 7.75” long and weighs 8.6 oz. T

I am hopeful that the “Speck E3” will make a worthy addition to my (and your) collection. One problem that remains is to find a flapped nylon belt holster for the forthcoming light. Any suggestions will be gladly welcomed.

Brightnorm

 

[Alan]

For the size only, KL1 does beat KL3 in no time. If you drop KL1 with bazel first, its LS/driver would carry great stress from batteries. KL3 does minimize this impact. I'm not saying this advantage justify its extra bulk or not, it's good that SF provides CHOICES for different users.

For instance, I think turbo head on a 6P is ugly and bulky. Some users do find that its advantage does justify its bulk. I even heard that some members request turbohead on E1. Choices, choices .....

For me, I did cancel my UBH for my KL1 and keep my order of KL3/C3. I would be happier if SF build the internal spring for KL1 like KL3.

Alan

 

[brightnorm]

Originally posted by Alan:
.......Choices, choices .....
Alan

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Agreed!

Brightnorm

 

[brightnorm]

Originally posted by McGizmo:
Alan,

The shock load from batteries in a drop will be transfered from the plastic anode cup to an Al bulkhead in the head for the most part. There is a stiff anode lead to PCB but again, especially with the new anode cup, I think the KL1 would fare well.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I've dropped cellphones many times, but would you believe that I have never (yet) accidently dropped a flashlight.

Brightnorm

 

[McGizmo]

Alan,

The shock load from batteries in a drop will be transfered from the plastic anode cup to an Al bulkhead in the head for the most part. There is a stiff anode lead to PCB but again, especially with the new anode cup, I think the KL1 would fare well.

- Don