* P60 Flashlight List {host}

[Black Rose]

I'm a bit biased, but the 18650 capable Solarforce L2 lights are a good compromise.

They are affordable yet very well built for the price.
They are also compatible with a lot of Surefire add-ons, which many consider to be a bonus.

 

[Forgoten214]

Looking to enter the p60 drop-in market, but of course that means having a host. Does anyone have any suggestions for the most flexible medium host that could be used with the largest range of drop-ins? I have a few every-day lights I use right now but I'd also like to have something like this, hot-swappable, for things like UV and different LED warmths/output/throw, etc. Probably four or five drop-ins, eventually. I was thinking an 18650 battery form factor, if that is going to be compatible with most of the stuff out there.

Is there anything close to a "best-of" in the P60 host field? I intend to do my own legwork for the research but there's a HUGE list of components out there and some pointers would be great! Thanks for your time.

Price range?

 

[Forgoten214]

Surefire G2 or 6P.

If you want something less money then Solarforce L2.

Deree CL1H V4 is MY favorite P60 host.

 

[Black Rose]

Surefire G2 or 6P.

They are not 18650 capable, unless you get the 6P bored out.

They would work with a 17670 cell though.

 

[Forgoten214]

Yes you can bore it out. Its pretty simple to bore it out actually. There is a thread on here somewhere that shows you how to do it.

Is the G2 capable of being bored out?

Both the Solarforce and Deree are both capable of 18650.

My Deree also has double O-Ring seals on every contact point and easily can be swapped between every P60 host. Also lens is easy to change. Removable pocket clip and HAIII type Black. :)

These features are what makes my Deree my favorite P60 host.

 

[Phyltre]

Price range?

I'm a pretty big fan of investing in things, so really I'm open to recommendations regardless of price. If I need to set aside some paycheck chunks for a month, I'll do it. :laughing:

 

[Forgoten214]

I'm a pretty big fan of investing in things, so really I'm open to recommendations regardless of price. If I need to set aside some paycheck chunks for a month, I'll do it. :laughing:

Oh I see, Well if you don't care about price then the Surefire C2 is probably the overall best P60 host. C2 or M2.

My Deree CL1H would be my favorite choice that is non Surefire.

 

[Phyltre]

Oh I see, Well if you don't care about price then the Surefire C2 is probably the overall best P60 host. C2 or M2.
.

Would the M2 accept the 18650 without modification?

...Ah, nevermind. Apparently:

"If you have any plan to use LED drop-ins in the M2 then you may as well forget about it and get a C2. The M2's shock isolation thermally isolates as well and LEDs need all the thermal relief they can get."

(said someone in a C2 versus M2 comparison thread.)

 

[Forgoten214]

Would the M2 accept the 18650 without modification?

Nope :(

Surefire doesn't like it when people use other batteries than theirs.

So they try their best to force people to use Surefire branded batteries.

 

[Phyltre]

I guess I'm going Deree then. Is there any danger choosing between the different CL1H output level selection choices with their different models as far as drop-in compatibility goes? Or does that only apply to the factory drop-in that comes with the light?

 

[Forgoten214]

I guess I'm going Deree then. Is there any danger choosing between the different CL1H output level selection choices with their different models as far as drop-in compatibility goes? Or does that only apply to the factory drop-in that comes with the light?

The drop ins have different options. Some are regulated for 1 cell only. Some are regulated for 2 cells but have semi regulation for 1 cell. (Like the Malkoff M60 vs M30 drop in).

But host wise it doesn't matter, The CL1H host is bored to take 18650s and will fit 2x123 1x17670 ect. So depending on the drop in is what matters. You can buy a CL1H host without any drop in. (Everything you need to run the light except without the drop in). Or you can buy a full flashlight and swap in a different drop-in. :devil:

Deree host alone costs around 45 dollars from Flashcrazy/flashlightconnection.com Not 100% sure on his host price. But the full flashlight is around 75. (With drop in).

 

[SFG2Lman]

The drop ins have different options. Some are regulated for 1 cell only. Some are regulated for 2 cells but have semi regulation for 1 cell. (Like the Malkoff M60 vs M30 drop in).

But host wise it doesn't matter, The CL1H host is bored to take 18650s and will fit 2x123 1x17670 ect. So depending on the drop in is what matters. You can buy a CL1H host without any drop in. (Everything you need to run the light except without the drop in). Or you can buy a full flashlight and swap in a different drop-in. :devil:

Deree host alone costs around 45 dollars from Flashcrazy/flashlightconnection.com Not 100% sure on his host price. But the full flashlight is around 75. (With drop in).

solarforce L2 will do all this, and you can get the combo kit (flashlight, holster, batteries, and charger for the batts) for about $38 on ebay and it comes with a single stage R2 drop-in definitely another option. Again its up to what you want to pay and the quality you want. All lights will function, its just a matter what you like the looks of and what you want to pay for in terms of quality.


EDIT: some kits come with a single 18650 battery and charger and some come with 2x RCR123 and respective charger you'd hafta look closely. (I ordered the 18650 version and was sent the 2x RCR123 batts and charger, I emailed the seller and he said i could keep the RCRs and he would send me the 18650 and respective charger, free!) so their customer service is also good.

 

[Forgoten214]

Yes the Solarforce L2 is a nice option. The L2 is also bulkier and has no pocket clip. Quality is abit less. But still pretty good for the price. And the Solarforce L2 is type 2 hardened. Deree is type 3 hard coat.

Solarforce L2 is a great choice for the entry level P60 host.

 

[Phyltre]

Alright, I think this will be my last question in this thread:

Assuming 1x18650, what specifications will I need to shop for when looking for drop-ins to make sure I don't over/underpower them? Anything in particular to watch out for?

(Also--woooo, finally got my avatar in a semi-complete state of awesomeness! :D After only three years of being a forum member!)

 

[Forgoten214]

Alright, I think this will be my last question in this thread:

Assuming 1x18650, what specifications will I need to shop for when looking for drop-ins to make sure I don't over/underpower them? Anything in particular to watch out for?

(Also--woooo, finally got my avatar in a semi-complete state of awesomeness! :D After only three years of being a forum member!)

I'd go with a Malkoff M60 and use 1x18650. You will get about an hour of high and several more hours of declining output. A semi-regulated output is what I prefer. Because then you can always use 2x123 or 2x18650 down the road while still maintaining the ability to use 1 cell. Unlike if you use a drop in that is regulated for 1 cell only you cant use 2x123 or 2x18650 because you will overpower it.

Deree 1SM-2 drop in will be semi regulated like the Malkoff M60 on 1 cell but maintain ability to use two cells fully regulated.

 

[Forgoten214]

Oh yeah and with the Deree you can get an extension to run two 18650s if needed.

 

[SFG2Lman]

malkoff is always a great option but dereelight makes some 2.8-4.2V drops as well with the R2 LED. I think at least the 3SD is perfect for single cell operations

 

[Black Rose]

The L2 is also bulkier and has no pocket clip.

Actually, the Solarforce L2 does have a pocket clip now.

jake25 worked with Solarforce to get it produced and it is now for sale on his site and listed on the main Solarforce site.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I have a CL1H V3 and it is a DANDY P60 host! That will take 18650!

 

[Forgoten214]

Actually, the Solarforce L2 does have a pocket clip now.

jake25 worked with Solarforce to get it produced and it is now for sale on his site and listed on the main Solarforce site.

yea i know.

For extra money. the clip quality isn't that great anyway. Also has huge Solarforce letters on it for advertisement. Not my style. For 38 dollars for the Solarforce "KIT" you can pretty much get a Deree CL1H host. The charger and batteries made by Solarforce aren't that great. But they are better than most I guess.

I prefer the Deree host. but if you cant afford the better quality of Dereelight get the Solarforce.