How to Tell Last Version L5 / KL5 from Earlier?

[JNewell]

According to the 2007 Surefire catalog, the L5 got an improved KL5 head for 2007. The upgraded emitter was spec'd at 120 lumens and a longer run time. Is there an easy way to distinguish those late KL5 heads (or L5s that aren't in the packaging) from earlier versions?

 

[Eric242]

They can be determined by the head: the old model is KL5 while the new is KL5A


Eric

 

[DaFABRICATA]

Also some of the KL5's (newer or older I don't know) had different C-M adaptors on them.

One was stepped and the other was curved. I am speaking of the bottom of the bezel where it screws onto the body.

 

[JNewell]

Does anyone know why there's a difference between the KL5A specs and the updated L5 specs?

KL5A: Max output: 100 lumens; Total runtime: 5 hours (SF website)

L5: Max Output 120 lumens Runtime 4.5 hours (2007 catalog)

 

[H2Orower]

Does anyone know why there's a difference between the KL5A specs and the updated L5 specs?

KL5A: Max output: 100 lumens; Total runtime: 5 hours (SF website)

L5: Max Output 120 lumens Runtime 4.5 hours (2007 catalog)

The L5 depicted in the 2007 catalog was never made. Instead, SF "updated" the KL5 head to the KL5A which has the same 100 lumens but with increased runtime. An L5 flashlight bought today from SF would have a 100 lumen KL5A head. 120 lumen never existed except for catalog. Someone correct me if I'm incorrect.

 

[Size15's]

The L5 depicted in the 2007 catalog was never made. Instead, SF "updated" the KL5 head to the KL5A which has the same 100 lumens but with increased runtime. An L5 flashlight bought today from SF would have a 100 lumen KL5A head. 120 lumen never existed except for catalog. Someone correct me if I'm incorrect.

Yep that's correct.

SureFire intended to replace the KL5 bezel with a new bezel - the KX5.
The specs in the 2007 catalog were for this KX5 bezel although the photo in the catalog showed the KL5 bezel because the KX5 proto-types were not ready in time.

SureFire shelved development of the KX5 and it was never released.

SureFire have since decided that there is a place for an L5 in their product range and that they had to do something with it given that they weren't intending to replace it.
Therefore they updated the KL5 with a more current LED creating the KL5A.

It is important not to take the catalogs as tablets of stone. They are aspirational and contain the best information avaliable at the time of print. The catalogs are prepared just in time for the SHOT Shows. At the same time the Engineering Dept. is preparing proto-types of the new products they want to show off at the SHOT Show.
It is usual that proto-type development is done right up until the days of the show and that new products aren't ready back when the catalogs have to be sent off to the printers.

I hope this helps explain things?

Al

 

[H2Orower]

It also seems to me that there is less of a place for the L5 in the current Surefire lineup. Afterall, the L5 in the 2007 catalog was advertised as a 120 lumen "thrower" light. Now they have the E2DL and the KX2C which are both 120 lumen TIR optic throwers in a smaller package than the L5 flashlight. The L5 was/is kinda bulky for what it puts out in my opinion.

 

[JNewell]

Thanks, all.

Comments on throw and center vs spillbeam on the KL5A, compared (say) to the E2DL and L4 (which I realize are almost polar opposites - where does the KL5A fit into that spectrum)?

 

[Aussie Cheese]

Thanks, all.

Comments on throw and center vs spillbeam on the KL5A, compared (say) to the E2DL and L4 (which I realize are almost polar opposites - where does the KL5A fit into that spectrum)?

beam pattern of a novatac(very smooth) with the throw of a malkoff mag dropin