New to CPF, and seeking advice

fenix-store
Disciple

Disciple

Enlightened
Joined
Dec 23, 2004
Messages
437
Location
Oregon, USA
Hello.

This is the first time I am posting to CPF. I hope that it is not bad form to start asking questions right away, and I am not asking the very same questions that have been asked before. I did attempt to make use of the search function before penning this.

I am seeking specific advice on choosing a flashlight. This will be my first and likely only "real" flashlight. I currently use Maglites.

The model I have my eye on is the Surefire L2. This seem to be the right light for me, with only a few caveats. Features of the L2 that I do not want to give up are impact & water resistance, dual intensity levels, and the slender head and body. The only gripes I have are that it is a little long, and that it costs more than I would like to pay.

My questions are:

Are there any other lights that I should be looking at, that meet my requirements, are not more expensive, and give similar output?

I know from reading CPF that the rechargeable Pila cells can not be used in the L2. Are there any that can?

Does anyone make a larger head that will fit the L2 and provide pencil beam? I have read that the regulation circuitry is contained in the body and tailcap of the L2, so I have hope that a new head would be relatively easy to make. Similarly, could the stock head be modified with a new, larger reflector and bezel?

Thanks for reading. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
you have a lot more options if you go with the aleph you can change the config of the light to sute your needs if your needs were to change
 
Thank you mrdee3. I will take a look at series. If the base price is really $195, that is more than I can allocate for this. I am looking for something in the $150 range, or of course less.

To clarify the implication of the third question in my original message, I like the "flood beam" of the L2, but would like a pencil beam head as a future option.
 
Another light you might consider is an L4, with an aftermarket 2 level tailcap from McGizmo. This will give you similar two-level functionality to the L2, and the light is shorter, and is able to use rechargeable batteries. Many here prefer it to the L2, although I have an L2, and I really like it. The form-factor is somewhat better. It's still a flood-type light, though.
 
MrBenchmark, thanks for the recommendation. I have already considered that option and passed over it. The extra length of the L2 really isn't a big issue to me, and I would rather have the regulated low power mode of the L2. As I said in my second message, I want the flood beam to start with.

Would either of you care to address my second and third questions?

Pardon me, I did not see [ QUOTE ]
also the aleph3 head will work on the l2 the aleph heads are all compatable with most surefire

[/ QUOTE ]

How can this work? Will not there be two competing sets of regulatory electronics?
 
In terms of a different head that would give you a "pencil beam", or narow beam would be the latest generation KL1 from SF.

Instead of the L2, I would get the L4 now and then get the KL1 head later. I have seen brand new L4's for around $120-130 on Ebay and the KL1 is about $50-60 dollars.

I also concur with others above in that the 2-level switch from McGizmo would make a gread addition to this "platform" and would make it even more versatile.

Will
 
[ QUOTE ]
Disciple said:
MrBenchmark, thanks for the recommendation. I have already considered that option and passed over it. The extra length of the L2 really isn't a big issue to me, and I would rather have the regulated low power mode of the L2. As I said in my second message, I want the flood beam to start with.

Would either of you care to address my second and third questions?

Pardon me, I did not see [ QUOTE ]
also the aleph3 head will work on the l2 the aleph heads are all compatable with most surefire

[/ QUOTE ]

How can this work? Will not there be two competing sets of regulatory electronics?

[/ QUOTE ]

You are right - it can't work. The electronics in the body of the light mean you need an LED head built especially for that light. AFAIK, no such replacement head exists for the L2. FWIW, I really like my L2!

I don't know much about rechargeable 123's, so I'll leave that for someone else.

Other things you could consider.
1. You could buy a McGizmo tail-switch, E2E body, and couple that with a KL4 head. This is sort of like the L4, except that you'd be easily able to add an Aleph head for throw later, at least if I understand how the Aleph system works. (I believe it's all "E" series compatible.) I think jcciv (Surefireparts on ebay) sometimes has E2E bodies available.

2. Buy the L2 now, and then get an Aleph, or something else, later for more throw! This is the CPF way! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif (A less expensive throw light would be the Inova T3 - this is a great light!) My favorite light when I want some throw right now is my SF L6. So when I'm out hiking, I usually carry it and the L2.

3. You might look at the Nuwai QIII. It's a small, easily carryable light that has a great compromise between flood and throw. And it's relatively inexpensive, so if you decide later you need something better, it's not like you blew a bunch of money.

Well, that's a couple of ideas anyway. Maybe some of the real wizards here can come up with a few more ideas for you!
 
[ QUOTE ]
wquiles said:
In terms of a different head that would give you a "pencil beam", or narow beam would be the latest generation KL1 from SF.

Instead of the L2, I would get the L4 now and then get the KL1 head later. I have seen brand new L4's for around $120-130 on Ebay and the KL1 is about $50-60 dollars.

I also concur with others above in that the 2-level switch from McGizmo would make a gread addition to this "platform" and would make it even more versatile.

Will

[/ QUOTE ]

Those are really good points! The new KL1 is a pencil beam if I've ever seen one...
 
As MrBenchmark said, very good points wquiles. Thanks.


You are right - it can't work. The electronics in the body of the light mean you need an LED head built especially for that light. AFAIK, no such replacement head exists for the L2. FWIW, I really like my L2!


I don't know how many L2 owners there are, or how many of them would be interested in such a mod, but a replacement L2 head also using a Luxeon 5 should theoretically be simpler and less costly than one for the L4. I see other such projects here, I can hope that someone skilled will share my vision.


Buy the L2 now, and then get an Aleph, or something else, later for more throw! This is the CPF way!


The lack of a narrow beam head for the L2 will not stop my purchase. If I can plan enough to bring a spare head, I can bring another light, but it wouldn't be as nice. The CPF way, eh? Isn't the other CPF way to mod it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif


You might look at the Nuwai QIII.


According to FlashlightReviews.com the Q III rates a 19 for Overall Output, while the L2 rates an 89, on their scale. I'd rather put my dollars toward the L2.

Thanks again all, I do appreciate the help.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Disciple said:
Isn't the other CPF way to mod it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif I stand corrected!
 
One question to add, with a mind toward future upgrades.

Will the L2 physically accept heads for the L4 and E series, in terms of threading and so forth?
 
I have been waiting for the Inova T4 myself... I hear they go for $87 online and use a Luxeon III running at 1 amp (4 watts) Rechargable Lithium-Ion batteries, waterproof, idiot-proof and should throw a very long way.

Any idea when they are coming out? They were supposed to be out already...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Disciple said:
One question to add, with a mind toward future upgrades.

Will the L2 physically accept heads for the L4 and E series, in terms of threading and so forth?

[/ QUOTE ]

It may, but the problem is, the L2's head is a passive LED - the electronics and the 'smarts' are in the body. That means that even if the heads are physically compatible, you could encounter some unpredictable effects because of the electronics being mated to the wrong head. I have no idea what you'll get, at best no light, at worst, who knows.

If you want to play with the Surefire modular system, the L4 is your best bet. The L4 has all the electronics in the head, so you can interchange between the Aleph system, the KL1, E-series heads, and so on. If you need a two-stage for the L4, there is the McE2S Aleph tailswitch for low and high beam. If you need modularity, this is it.

The L4 will be <$150, and you can add the $40 McE2S later when you feel you're up to it or if you feel that you need it.
 
BentHeadTX, I'll take a hard look at that light. To save that money for something else would be splendid. Thank you.


Kevin thank you too, but I am already aware of that issue. To quote myself, from above: "How can this work? Will not there be two competing sets of regulatory electronics?"

I still want to know if it is mechanically compatible, because this would make it much simpler to build a special head for the L2, using an Aleph 3 head kit for example.

The arguments for the L4 are very good, but not yet persuasive. I know I want to two level light right from the start, and the L4 path to simply costs more. Also, I like the regulated low level mode of the L2, as that is the mode I will use most.

I am still waiting to hear if any rechargeable batteries will fit the L2 (as said before, I know the Pila cells do not).
 
I did a quick search on the Inova T4. I think that light is simply too large. The L2 is manageable, but I don't think I could carry that. I want something I can EDC.

I could get the T4 for hiking, and a Q III for EDC, but I'm not sure it is up to the task. I would like whatever I EDC to also be able to serve as a "tactical" light; bright enough to "blind" and durable enough to serve as a last-ditch impact weapon and not fail.

For the time being I will continue to seek a one light solution.



Edited to add: FlashlightReviews.com lists the T3 with an Overall Output of 28 on their scale, while Inova rates the light at 85 lumens. Compared to Overall Output of 89 and MFR rated 100 lumens for the L2, I have to wonder how bright the T4 will really be.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Disciple said:
Edited to add: FlashlightReviews.com lists the T3 with an Overall Output of 28 on their scale, while Inova rates the light at 85 lumens. Compared to Overall Output of 89 and MFR rated 100 lumens for the L2, I have to wonder how bright the T4 will really be.

[/ QUOTE ]

Since I've got a T3 and an L2, I'll just say that the L2 puts out a great deal more light than the T3 does - it really illuminates an area. However, it has relatively little throw. So at any kind of distance the T3 will seem much brighter because it's light is focused into such a tight hotspot. The T3 is pretty darn bright, by the way! And at range, practically speaking, it is brighter, despite the fact that it produces less total output. But there's little sidespill. So trying to spot something at range with an L2 will not be that effective, despite it's much higher overall output. Likewise, trying to change a tire with a T3 or T4 will really suck. (You'll get one glarey bright hotspot on the tire, and nothing else!)

Another example: My L2 has 15 lumens of output on low, same as my KL1 head according to SF. But the hotspot of the KL1 is dazzlingly bright compared to that of the L2. No contest, it's not even close. But the L2 on low lights up the entire room, while the KL1 lights up just the hotspot.

If you are going to use the light on low most of the time, the L2 is a really good choice, I think.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
A new 18500 light from my bits and pieces
Replies
3
Views
311
sween1911
sween1911
R
Seeking bright EDC light
Replies
18
Views
3K
jabe1
J
J
New Mod Day, Sofirn SC21 Pro w sw45k and Pebbled Tir
Replies
0
Views
319
jon_slider
J
D
Seeking subjective feedback from owners of EagTac D25C2 Mini (neutral white).
Replies
8
Views
889
DaveTheDude
D
J
New Mod Day, Wurkkos WK03 swap to 660nm Red with Pebbled Tir
Replies
0
Views
374
jon_slider
J

Latest posts

Top