MG L-Mini II review

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He sold out the first batch of the Q3 version, and the manufacturer was having trouble finding more Q3-5C's. However, I believe they located some, and he will be getting a second batch. You can check the marketplace thread on the L-mini II for more info.
 
Played with flashlights tonight and thought I'd share this to show how my L-Mini Q3 beam looks as compared to other popular lights. Unfortunately, my L-Mini R2 hasn't arrived yet, so it's not included.

BeamshotsGroup.jpg
 
This light is really starting to appeal to me, think I am gonna have to get one. I really wish it did not have a memory I like to start in low mode but since its only three modes it don't take much effort to change a mode or two before turning it off.

Can someone describe the included holster or give a link to some pics. Is it a flip down top or open top?
 
jhc37013 said:
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Can someone describe the included holster or give a link to some pics. Is it a flip down top or open top?
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It's a flip down top w/ Velcro. Pretty small. It won't accommodate the light with the turbo head on it. The flap won't close. 🙁
 
I received my L-Mini II Extreme R2 from Bryan today. Output tests (ceiling bounce) put my two Minis at:

Q3 emitter 4.6 EV
R2 emitter 4.9 EV

Keep in mind that a difference of 1.0 EV represents a doubling or halving of output.... so there's about a 30% increase in output going from the Q3 to the R2. This is a noticible difference in use.

When used outdoors on farther subjects, the R2 version clearly offers greater illumination and a bit better contrast. I love the warm tint of my Q3, but it will serve better indoors as a ceiling bounce night light in the evenings, whereas my R2 version will be the clear choice for outdoor use and subjects at any distance. It's a luxury to have both.
 
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I installed a deeper, black boot (from DX) in one of my Minis and it makes activation a lot easier, though precludes tailstanding. Also... with the longer central stub on the inside of the boot, I cannot use the slightly longer Trustfire 2400 mAh black/red cells as the light is constant on with this new switch boot. But the slightly shorter AW 2200 mAh protected cells works just fine with the extended boot.

I keep the standard boot on my Q3 model as a nightstand ceiling bounce light... wonderful, warm glowing light during bedtime reading and such.

The R2 version I use for going outside on the property or taking on roadtrips and such. If I had to choose one or the other (Q3 vs. R2) I would take the R2 for sure... for the greater output and higher contrast - most useful when outdoors.

These are phenomenal lights.. I love the small form factor, very long runtimes, and three levels, tailstand if you want it too. Awesome utility in a light for a relatively low price.

Still haven't tried the turbo head... don't really feel the need for one, but I'm sure I'll go for one sometime. :ironic:
 
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DHart said:
I installed a deeper, black boot (from DX) in one of my Minis and it makes activation a lot easier, though precludes tailstanding. Also... with the longer central stub on the inside of the boot, I cannot use the slightly longer Trustfire 2400 mAh black/red cells as the light is constant on with this new switch boot.
Click to expand...
Does the new boot prevent the retaining ring from being screwed in as far as the standard one?
 
Black Rose said:
Does the new boot prevent the retaining ring from being screwed in as far as the standard one?
Click to expand...

I'll have to double check if the retaining ring is as deep as it can go.

Yes, the black/red protected Trustfires are awesome cells... got one in an L2 R2-M as we speak. The other is in my nightstand Q3 L-Mini.

EDITED TO ADD:

I trimmed the center post of the boot a little more... that made the difference; now I have a Trustfire protected 2400 mAh in each of my minis. Gotta LOVE the runtime with this combination of light and cell!
 
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I was curious to see the difference between the Q5 WC of the stock version of L-Mini II and a R2 WH in the same flashlight. So I replaced the Q5 of my L-Mini II by a R2 WH.
Here is the result:

Q5 WC:
L-Mini_II_Q5_exterieur.jpg


R2 WH:
L-Mini_II_R2_exterieur.jpg


The R2's power is below the Q5's, but the tint is quite better and makes the colors nicer.
 
Hmmm... wondering how the R2 WF in my Mini compares to the R2 WH... looking at the CREE chart, it looks like WF will be a bit bluer and WH a bit yellower. I need to do a beamshot to compare with my beamshot collection above.
 
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Dude84,
The R2 version is actually on the left. Have you notice the beam pattern of the R2 is little bit less ringy? I guess that kills the extra few lumens due to deeper reflector.

Justlux,
Thanks for sharing your experience Jessica.lovecpf

recDNA,
Using the same driver, L-mini II with MC-E emitter doesn't produce more light than the Q5. That's why I don't want to offer the MC-E version.

Dhart,
Thanks for the efforts of taking all those beam shots.

Lermite,
I also like the R2 WH yellowish tint myself, more than the WC tint. The only problem with WH tint is some of them could be very greenish.
 
Well, I was definitely impressed by this thread so I ordered me an r2 mini (my most expensive flashlight yet).
Bad news for me though, when it arrived (real quick btw) i noticed a dark spot near the center of the hot spot. I had to set it to low and stare at the r2 emitter for a while til my eyes adjusted. Then, I noticed some smudges on the glass covering the emitter (no biggie, I could just clean that), but I also noticed that a dark spot was actually on the emitter itself.
seems where one of the tiny wires enters the yellowish area, a small (i mean small) dark spot is clearly visible.

I don't have a way of testing the amount of light coming from the flashlight, but it is clearly the dimmest r2 I own. In fact, all of my p4 flashlights clearly give off more potent light.

I knew the l mini 2 wasn't going to knock my cocks off (as far as output), but I feel that something is wrong with the one I got.

Does anyone else have the same problem?
 
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