Modularity: the universal light?

[gcbryan]

I know there are some accessories for 6P and 6P clones that extend their usefulness.

It seems that, in many cases, it's a matter of being close to a complete system but not quite.

Solarforce does a decent job I guess but it's not complete either.

Does there exist a 6P clone (P60 host) where you can choose crenelated vs tradition bezel, OP vs Smooth reflector vs TIR, in a programmable body where you can choose to have or not have strobes with all the usual drop-in emitters.

I don't think you can find such a Solarforce host without a credulated bezel or without strobes. There are other brands but they still have strobes, you can get more expensive drop-ins without strobe (sometimes, when available) but it can get expensive buying what you don't want, taking it out, replacing it with more costly drop-ins.

I haven't seen every option offered that is available out there however.

I would think that this would be a good market for Solarforce since they offer so many choices as it is.

What have you found to be the best system for future upgrades and just to be able to customize a light the way you like it in general?

It's not like a flashlight is all that complicated and there are not even that many different options possible in the first place. People argue over strobe or no strobe but a manufacturer doesn't have to make that choice if they offer a programmable interface. It can't cost that much as it's available in a $20 Akoray K-109.

 

[TriChrome]

No programming choices, but the Lumens Factory Seraph line is a decent budget setup for a 6/9P clone.

Their sets will commonly come with a 6P body, extender to make it 9P, a clicky switch, twisty switch, round bezel, crenulated bezel... all for around $50.

You can buy other extenders for even more cells, they offer an optional D36 head, a LED Turbohead (KT4 style), an adapter for C to M heads... then you have their entire line of Lumens Factory bulbs to choose from. LED, icandescent, single mode, multi-mode, etc.

 

[sol-leks]

I was thinking of the seraph too. I really enjoy the knock-off version I have so I've been considering getting the real thing at some point.

 

[baterija]

I don't think you can find such a Solarforce host without a credulated bezel or without strobes. There are other brands but they still have strobes, you can get more expensive drop-ins without strobe (sometimes, when available) but it can get expensive buying what you don't want, taking it out, replacing it with more costly drop-ins.

You can get a smooth bezel ring for the Solarforce. The disadvantage is that the bezels aren't 6P compatible. You can also get the hosts without an included drop-in. The Solarforce 3 mode dropins don't have blinky modes either.

 

[^Gurthang]

+1 on the LF Seraph series. I'll be posting a "luminosity death-match" comparison of the SP-6 and the SkyRay / UniqueFire R5[clone] soon. Got the measurements and the pics, just gotta get everything hosted and brush up on my HTML.....

 

[bshanahan14rulz]

I have a solarforce 3-mode drop-in, great those!

I also have the SS bezel ring. I only use the crenelated when I go play in the woods.

Solarforce also has extension tubes, various heads including a lantern head, clips, a lanyard ring...

it's modularity is its greatest feature =)

I just got a regular L2.

Eventually, I'm having a green monochromatic coherent point-source collimated thrower drop-in custom made to fit in my various p60 hosts. Tested the light engine, and it can hit stratus clouds :devil:

Edit: I will say, though, that there aren't enough P60-sized drop-ins that utilize TIRs.

 

[Paul_in_Maryland]

I'm waiting on two accessories from Solarforce:

- a 1AA extender to turn their 2AA L2R into a 3xAA (and even into a 4AA)
- an adapter to allow their C-type tailcaps to fit and work--reliably--on their AA bodies

A pure 3xAA body would also be nice.

 

[march.brown]

Eventually, I'm having a green monochromatic coherent point-source collimated thrower drop-in custom made to fit in my various p60 hosts. Tested the light engine, and it can hit stratus clouds :devil:

Sounds like a green laser ... That's the latest thing in zapping Prostate problems ... Don't know of anyone up there in the clouds waiting for the operation though ! ... Be careful not to aim at aircraft as it's illegal.
.

 

[shark_za]

I agree with the Solarforce AA suggestions.

I really enjoy the L2 and Seraph products and mix and match them in all sorts of combo's. The only thing lacking is small EDC carry lights.

Today my Seraph SP-6 is in my backpack loaded with CR123 primaries and a single mode Lumens dropin.
A L2 body with extension is running my Seraph turbo head in 2x18650 configuration with a Solarforce tailcap, its my bright P7 yard sweeper.

My wishlist is simple, a forward clicky based on the L2-S1 and a similar sized one to match the L2P in HAIII. The 3xAA is not a must for me but a reliable adapter to use C-type tailcaps would be a winner.

I really like modular setups and apart from the L2 and Seraph my favourites include the Fenix LD10/20 (awaiting PD20 parts), iTP C7/8/9 and the Quarks. (123,AA,AA^2,123^2,18650)