L1 Vs L4

[Hitthespot]

I have read some good posts about both of these LED lights. Beyond the obvious listed specs., can someone who has ( or has had ) the latest version of both give me some insight. I can't decide which to go for. Both are small enough, and rugged enough for an EDC for me. How about brightness / spill / throw differences between the two?

Thanks CPF'rs

 

[MikeLip]

Funny you should ask.

I compared the two the other day. The L4 puts out a TON of light. It's a great floodlight. Beam color is not anywhere near as good as the L1. The L1 has a smoother, whiter, tighter beam. The L4 is sort of cool with a donut hole. The L4 puts out more total light. The L1 controls it somewhat better. They both have their place.

I'd love to see a Cree L4!

 

[this_is_nascar]

They are two totally different lights. Narrow beam vs. huge food. 1 cell vs. 2 cell. Large hotspot vs. wall of light.

 

[Hitthespot]

Thanks guys, exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I wish someone had pictures of both in the same scene. Maybe I should wait for the L4 Cree?

 

[ja10]

They are two totally different lights. Narrow beam vs. huge food. 1 cell vs. 2 cell. Large hotspot vs. wall of light.

I don't know if I would call the L1 Cree a "narrow beam". The older L1 was definitely narrow, but I would describe the new one as a good balance between flood and throw.

Here is a link where someone took pictures of both the L4 and L1 in the same setting - http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=176090

 

[this_is_nascar]

I don't know if I would call the L1 Cree a "narrow beam". The older L1 was definitely narrow, but I would describe the new one as a good balance between flood and throw.

Here is a link where someone took pictures of both the L4 and L1 in the same setting - http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=176090

We can agree to disagree. I consider it to be narrow, although broader than it's predecessor, but narrow nevertheless.

 

[Hitthespot]

Thanks Ja10 for posting the link to the pictures. I like the looks of the L1.

 

[light_emitting_dude]

IMHO, an ideal light that would implement the unique characteristics of the L4 and L1 would be a cree Q5 with the ability to focus the beam from spot to flood. Giving the best of both worlds!

 

[BSCOTT1504]

Also, the L1 is a two stage light..low and high. That's a very useful feature in certain situations.

The L1 would probably be best to buy first for a thrower with decent spill!

Then get your L4 for the famous "wall of light". By the way, my L4 has a nice white beam....