Mods. for New Surefire L1

[zlf15]

For those of you who have received the new L1's what modifications would you reccommend. I am somewhat of a beginner at flashlight modification so please explain any modifications in terms of benefits, price, etc. Thanks.

 

[ja10]

One basic mod is to replace the resistor in the tailcap to make the low mode either brighter or dimmer. The general consensus here seems to be that the 10 lumen low is too bright, so when I get a new L1, that will be the first thing I change. I really liked the 1 lumen low of the previous L1.

A more advanced modification would be to put new electronics in the head to bump up the power to the LED. I doubt anyone would be doing that though, since unlike the previous generation, you won't be able to fit two batteries because of the shortened length.

I have a feeling that other than modding the tailcap, people will leave this L1 alone until some new emitter comes out that causes everyone to want to upgrade again (like the Cree).

 

[KDOG3]

I definetly want to mod the resistor in the tailcap for a lower low. Where's milkyspit when you need him? We need that mod!

 

[thermal guy]

could we just use the old tail cap off a L1 on the new L1?:shrug:

 

[MarNav1]

Don't worry, MilkyLabs will be working on it.

 

[PoliceScannerMan]

For those of you who have received the new L1's what modifications would you reccommend. I am somewhat of a beginner at flashlight modification so please explain any modifications in terms of benefits, price, etc. Thanks.

For a Newbie, your on the right track! :twothumbs

 

[ja10]

could we just use the old tail cap off a L1 on the new L1?:shrug:

If the drivers provided the same amount of power to the LED then yes, but I'm pretty sure that isn't the case. The resistor swap is really easy though. The tailcap comes apart without much trouble, then you just desolder the resistor and put in your own. It was much easier than I expected.

I don't think anyone has done it yet, but you could always just get a set of 1/4 watt resistors and see which one gives you the right amount of light. Running at 1000ma, 68 Ohms seems to give off 2 lumens or so. You'd want to go with a smaller resistor value though since the new L1 doesn't drive the LED that hard.