Introducing myself... and Solarforce L2 question

[Dontsleeponit]

Hi everyone, I've been reading the forum for quite some time now and can't believe how much good information there is and all of the helpful members. I don't know if the lights or the forum is more addicting

Anyway I bought my first "real" light about two months ago, a Fenix TK10. I originally bought it because it was reccomended. to me as a good tool for spotting defects in automotive paint, for the purposes of correction (high-end detailing). I've taken the light outdoors alot and went camping with it, and its been just great. One thing leads to another, and as I'm sure all of you had experienced, I want more lights :laughing: So far I have picked up a Maratac AAA for keychain EDC, and I have a Nitecore EX10 on the way from 4sevens.

I think I am ready to start off (slowly) with custom lights, or "lego" style lights with a bunch of interchangeable parts. I was thinking of getting a basic bunch of Solarforce L2 parts, and seeing where it takes me. For a beginner, does this sound like a good direction to go in?

What I had in mind...

Basic L2 host w/ head and tailcap
18650 extender (for 2x18650)
SS Bezel
Solarforce LC-5 R2 drop in (5 mode)
Ultrafire WF-139 charge
AW 2200mAh 18650 cells
Lantern head (I think it would be cool)

Basically do you think this is a good starting platform for someone watching their budget, wanting quality stuff, and future expandability? Any glaring problems with these parts? I chose the drop in because I like output levels, and a cheap drop in to start with is OK for me, leaving lots of options for the future.

The drop in says 3-8.4V, that means 2x18650 will be ok right? What kind of performance should I expect from this setup?

Remember as of right now, this is not a light that will need to serve any particular purpose in my life, just one to play with. Sorry if all of this stuff has been covered many times before, but alot of the information I've found is kind of advanced and goes right over my head.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Dontsleeponit]

any suggestions?

 

[Phaserburn]

Yes, 2x18650s are ok for an 8.4V range lamp. You could also pick up from DX:

An incan "15W/7.4V" lamp assembly, to dabble in the incan world using the same host. It is really more like 10W than 15, but a decent lamp for the price to be sure.

Blue label 18650 Trustfire cells (2 for $9). They should be fine for your application (no huge current demands).

I have several SFs and extenders, etc, and use a variety of modules/drop ins with them.

 

[jahxman]

Sounds like a good little kit to start off with....

Just watch out for that "start off with" part.....:welcome:

 

[shark_za]

Thats a real good setup.

Then you will get a single mode LED and want to lose the reverse clicky and and and....

Good luck , enjoy the ride.

 

[bigchelis]

Hi,

You are about to purchase a good lego and the Solarforce R2 drop-in has already been tested at 202 out the front lumens by MrGman.

You can also skip the purchase of the AW 2200mAh cells because you can get the 2600mAh cells made by AW instead. The difference is the 2600mAh cells can handle up to 4.5A of current:twothumbs You will need these new and improved AW 2600mAh cells when you purchase a P60 P7, MC-E, SST 50 or SST 90 drop-in. Since you mentioned your set-up is a starting point it is only time untill you start upgrading to the 500 lumen P60 drop-in territory.

Read post #1 and #3 and you can see what many lights actually make out the front.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=229135

Regards,
bigC

 

[Dontsleeponit]

Ok good to know I'm on the right track... thanks everyone.

bigchelis: I was wondering how much of a difference there would be between the 2600 and 2200. You may have just swayed me towards the 2600s...

Can I use the 2600s in any 18650 light? And I won't see increased output. just runtime right?

Also another quick question, is the T4 (smaller light) "lego compatible" with the L2 and accessories? Is the T4 a p60 style head? It seams like such a good deal for that T4 kit, and I already wanted the lantern

 

[Black Rose]

Can I use the 2600s in any 18650 light? And I won't see increased output. just runtime right?

The 2600 does not have a positive button....it's a flat top battery, so some lights may not work with it.

It will work fine with the Solarforce L2 or any 18650 capable P60 hosts.

 

[jake25]

Also another quick question, is the T4 (smaller light) "lego compatible" with the L2 and accessories? Is the T4 a p60 style head? It seams like such a good deal for that T4 kit, and I already wanted the lantern

T4 is it's own light. Not compatible with the L2 or P60 compatible.

 

[mknewman]

I bought the exact same setup tonight on The Bay for next to nothing. I was able to get everything for less than the cost of a bored out P6.

We'll compare notes in a few weeks.

 

[bigchelis]

Ok good to know I'm on the right track... thanks everyone.

bigchelis: I was wondering how much of a difference there would be between the 2600 and 2200. You may have just swayed me towards the 2600s...

Can I use the 2600s in any 18650 light? And I won't see increased output. just runtime right?

Also another quick question, is the T4 (smaller light) "lego compatible" with the L2 and accessories? Is the T4 a p60 style head? It seams like such a good deal for that T4 kit, and I already wanted the lantern

The AW 18650 2200mAh and 2600mAh both are made by AW and both are black. In the past the 2200mAh cells couldn't handle the higher current loads, but now AW himself told me via PM that the new improved 2600mAh cells can safetely handle up to 4.5A which is the same as the IMR 18650:twothumbs:twothumbs:twothumbs:twothumbs

 

[Dontsleeponit]

Ahh ok the T4 is not a p60 light, I dont know why I was under the impression it was.

And I will defintily be goign for the 2600mAh cells

Thanks for all the help guys!