Re: Maxtoch X Sword L2Kvn - 2.5 Mcd LEP Thrower PREORDER SHIPS MID MAY
I bought this LEP from Vihn, it’s very nice. I also own (or have owned) a Weltool W4, W3 Pro and Astrolux WP2.
In terms of output, I find it very similar to the Weltool W4 (a little brighter but I also notice that samples vary widely with LEPs, so make sure to get yours tested), in that it’s very bright and has the characteristic greenish in the middle, purple on the outside hotspot. In the LEPs I have handled it seems that the brighter ones are almost always greenish on the inside. Conjecture on my part is that this actually helps candela (like a OSRAM green is brighter than white).
I find the build quality of the light fine. It’s not as “overbuilt” as the W4, and I actually appreciate that. I find the W4 overly front heavy. The L2K is much easier to hold.
1Lumen.com reviewed the L2K as the best LEP on the market right now. I believe it. This LEP is significantly brighter than my other LEPs. More on par with the W4, but I don’t have the equipment to accurately measure them. This is all by eye, viewing objects at 1km and judging.
Another really excellent thing about the Vihn version is he replaces the driver. This means a couple of things that make this LEP a lot better. The programmable VN2 driver solves what made me so angry about the W4. If you used the W4 for signaling (one of the only legit use cases for a LEP) every time you pressed the light would constantly go L H L H L H. It made the LEP useless for signaling morse code.
This version has a driver where you can pick the interface. Turn mode memory on/off. Make it a 7 brightness UI. Turn blinkies on/off. Make it always go to turbo. Your choice.
Additionally the original Maxtoch L2K takes two cells in series. Their driver wants 8.4v. Vihn’s driver is a regular 4.2v, and so you can use the much more continent single cell tube (provided).
As I say, better ergonomics or throw aside, the UI alone makes this the LEP to get IMO.
