New L1...not so sweeeet (for me at least)

[V8TOYTRUCK]

I've been waiting to get my hands on a new KL1/L1 with the new optic system and the LuxIII. After getting the QIII and somewhat disappointed in the performance output with 123s I hoped the L1 would really show me what a LuxIII can do. I knew before buying it there was going to be a lack of spill, but I thought it was going to be a serious thrower /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif it throws ok, but if I remember correctly my old SLGI threw farther. At say 30 meters the L1 is just a little brighter than my TW4, and the TW4 lit up a whole lot more backyard. If the X200 is like this I rather have a KL4 in front of my weapon. To me if a light can't really reach out for a long distance, it would be better suited to close range tasks with a flood beam. Its like the Inova X1, it throws, but it doesn't throw with enough power for me.

I'd say its only a little brighter at long range than my SL Jr LS, with way less spill.

However, I do like very long runtimes in low you can get with it. I will most likely sell it after I compare it to my KL1 that is coming in about a week or see if I can trade it for a HDS Basic 42. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Pwdrkeg]

My SL 2L 3 watt Luxeon is brighter and has more spill
than the L1, however, it has 2 CR123A batteries, is
larger and heavier. I like the L1 for its overall size,
weight, light output, and throw. This combination
works very well for my EDC light. Considering all
these properties, I find the L1 an excellent piece of
equipment general needs. Each individual has different
needs, I think whatever works, do it.

...... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

 

[Phil_B]

V8,if you don't like the L1 and want to sell it, would you drop me a PM?
Thanks either way,Phil. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Size15's]

The KL1/L1 TIR Optic produces a very different beam to the X200A.
The X200A drives the LuxeonIII like twice as hard, and it's beam is much tighter.

 

[V8TOYTRUCK]

Pwdrkeg, if you found your perfect EDC then great! I didn't mean to trash your thread or poke fun at it. You like yours for your reasons, and I expected more out of it. For me, the A2 or the L2 would be better for general needs. The low beam is pretty tight at close range and for my uses the wide beam of the A2 and L2 low work much better. Give the A2 or L2 a spin, you might find it a lot more useful.

While still a good light I think the HDS Basic 42 (whenever available) will be a better choice for me. Its smaller, has more light levels, has a more useful beam, and costs about the same. The only thing I don't like about it is the logo on the side.

 

[Pwdrkeg]

V8TOYTRUCK,

Not a problem ! The L1 was my first Surefire and
fit my needs very well. I was thinking about the
L2, but was set back by the length and that it
wouldn't accept the Pila Li-Ion battery. The Pila
works very well in my SL TL 2L.

As a Flashaholic there will probably be more lights
in my collection as the LED technology gets better.

..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy23.gif