Is my SF L1 normal?

[Genesis 1:3]

Just got the SF L1 (cree) as my new EDC, replacing the Fenix P1DCE. Although P1DCE is a good light for its size, it was too much trouble for me to go through the mode selection. All I need is a two stage light like the L1. My intention is to carry it with my SF A2 on a double holster and they should give me the best of both incan and led world, with four light levels. However I must say I was a little dissatisfied with the new L1.

To start with, the beam is not even round. Actually far from it. It has a distinctive donut ring right next to the hot spot, followed by a large spill area, then another donut ring with a yellow/green tint. When I look into the lense from a 45 degree angle, I also see a white cloudy ring on the inside surface.

Is this normal? Could someone please comment on the beam shape, quality etc. Just want to make sure first before I take this to SF. My S/N is A02536

Thanks

 

[Kilovolt]

My L1 (S/N A00717) appears to have a perfectly round beam, the tint being a warm white, warmer than P1D CE but not by much. At a distance of about two meters from a white wall I can't see any artifact or donut and the hotspot melts nicely into the spill area.

Yes, looking at the lens from an angle I can see a cloudy ring that becomes wider and fills out the lens when looking from the front. I believe it is the glass of the TIR. BTW my lens is very slightly frosted.

Just one thought, are you not looking at a white wall from a very (too) short distance? :thinking:

 

[Genesis 1:3]

My L1 (S/N A00717) appears to have a perfectly round beam, the tint being a warm white, warmer than P1D CE but not by much. At a distance of about two meters from a white wall I can't see any artifact or donut and the hotspot melts nicely into the spill area.

I am also seeing it from a two metre distance. When I compare the L1 with P1DCE, the L1 tint is a lot warmer (light cream colour) than the P1DCE. Beam shape is more like an egg (oval with one end being fatter).

I am usually not too picky about the beam pattern, but being a SF (and its price tag), I am this time.

 

[Kilovolt]

I have a rule which I learned when testing my seven Fenixes: never shine a flashlight against a white wall if you want to stay happy.

When on the contrary I walk in my garden or in the woods after dark I never see any artifact, dark ring, cream color, etc.
Even P1D CE features a nice beam and when one can say this.......

 

[planex]

The beam on my L1 is round. If I shine the beam on a surface starting at 2.5 inches or closer I can see a donut hole. There is a slight tint shift from high to low, but it is really a non issue for me. It is a nicely made, compact and versatile light.:thumbsup:

 

[Genesis 1:3]

The beam on my L1 is round.

L1 is a nicely made compact light and I give SF for that. I will take it back to the local dealer to see if they have another one to compare with. My beam shape is definitely egg shape.

 

[Entrekman]

I got 3 E2L's (2Cree and 1 old luxeon)and one has a slightly cool tint and the other has a little green to it and the luxeon is perfect white. But both Cree's have perfect round beam and no doughnut holes. I also have a L4, L5, and L6 I'm very happy with all their performances and I never got a clickie problem either.

I was thinking about getting a L1 Cree for dual stage purpose, but after reading responses from CPFers, I'm getting a second thought on the stability of L1's electronics. Does anyone know if SF has fixed the problem?

 

[Supernam]

Just got the SF L1 (cree) as my new EDC, replacing the Fenix P1DCE. Although P1DCE is a good light for its size, it was too much trouble for me to go through the mode selection. All I need is a two stage light like the L1. My intention is to carry it with my SF A2 on a double holster and they should give me the best of both incan and led world, with four light levels. However I must say I was a little dissatisfied with the new L1.

To start with, the beam is not even round. Actually far from it. It has a distinctive donut ring right next to the hot spot, followed by a large spill area, then another donut ring with a yellow/green tint. When I look into the lense from a 45 degree angle, I also see a white cloudy ring on the inside surface.

Is this normal? Could someone please comment on the beam shape, quality etc. Just want to make sure first before I take this to SF. My S/N is A02536

Thanks

No, not normal. Send it in. I agree that the beam should be perfect considering the pricetag.

Also, can it stay on for at least 20 mins on high without flickering? That's the biggest problem with the Cree L1 at this point.

 

[luminata]

I sent my 2nd L1 back to SF last week becasue of tint/beam quality . I have to say this time they did respond VERY quickly and remembered me and I now have the replacement. Beam is great , tint is great . They have fixed the drop off problem as well. ran for one full primary no probs.

Dont settle. get a replacement even if directly from SF It's a very nice light when you get a good one. . If you get the right REP at SF it's smooth sailing. Ask for another if you arent having success with the one you are dealing with . Just from my personal experience.