csshih
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hi All,
Up is a comparison of a few P60 Hosts -- Solarforce, Lumensfactory, and Dereelight.
This is a quick review that does not cover much.. I'm hoping to have this thread as a place where potential buyers can ask specific questions about the lights. :thumbsup:
Sorry for the badly lit picture.
From left to right: Lumensfactory SP-9, Solarforce L2r, Dereelight Javelin, Solarforce L2p, Lumensfactory SP-6, Solarforce L2i, Dereelight CL1H V4, 18650, AA, AAA, CR123A
Solarforce has been making their L2 host, (a surefire 6P imitation) for quite a long time. Only recently, they decided to finally expand their offering of this host, and create a HA III premium version(L2P), a 3xAAA(L2i) version, and a 2AA version(L2r). This expansion into more convenient formats allows for much more versatility for those who do not want to go into "special" batteries to use P60 lights.
I have always held Solarforce in high regard with the release of the L950m and the Masterpiece, but I never got the chance to handle their more affordable offerings. Jason @ sbflashlights.com was kind enough to ask Solarforce to send out models to me, and I finally got my hands on the L2P, L2i, and L2r. As a first impression, I'll have to say that even at this low price, quality does not disappoint. I am pleasantly surprised.
Solarforce L2p (The Solarforce L2p is compatible with surefire "C" lights. ) 1x18650, 2x123A
The light has a matte finish, and the lettering isn't very bright when compared to other lights.
the threads and exposed aluminum parts are coated with some sort of gold colored finish.
here are a few pictures with the optional clip installed (has to be purchased separately)
the knurling seems to be smoother here, and doesn't offer as much grip as the other lights.
Specifics: There were not too many Hard anodized P60 hosts out on the market, and Solarforce aimed to release a affordable one. I believe they did a good job, but the knurling is too slippery in my opinion.
The light also does not tailstand well, and does not have a forward clicky. I hope Solarforce can fix this problem in the near future.
I also noticed that sometimes when using unprotected 18650s, the battery would not be sufficiently long, and not contact the tailcap, resulting in no light. This I think the light may be slightly too long, and the battery spring isn't long enough. a few magnets at the tailcap fix this problem, though.
Solarforce L2r 2xAA
Specifics: This is a great 2AA light, but I didn't like the feel of the tailcap all that much. Subsequently, I feel obligated to tell you all that my tailcap switch is now not functioning, and I can't get it open, either. the innards appear to have been glued. The light is in a type II black finish, and the knurling is great! I am not so sure how long the knurling will hold up, though, as "grippier" knurling tends to wear out faster than the smooth knurling like the L2p has.. and even more so because it's not hard-anodized. This is a good affordable light for those who have dropins that allow for 2AA use. I find it useful during extended power outages on some dropins.. the 2AA format will run some of them at much lower drive currents (like the thrunite XP-G model), and last a very long time.
Solarforce L2i 3xAAA
Specifics: I'm personally not too keen on this model. This model uses 3AAAs , in a battery holder supplied with the product. The battery holder takes up a lot of space, and a 18650 or 18500 would be much more practical. (the light is even fatter than your ordinary 18650 light) Then again, I'm a flashaholic. The L2i is not made for runtime, but convenience as AAA batteries are widely available.
the switch is a tailstanding reverse clicky.
pics of the solarforces
optional lego cap:
an interesting thing I noticed with Solarforce lights: the edges of the glass are rounded.
Lumensfactory has long been producing high quality dropins for the flashlight community, and they finally decided to expand and create hosts. They call this family of hosts, the "seraph". I am very impressed with the packaging of the lights, and these lights seem to give you the best "bang for the buck".
the 2 hosts are basically the same other than length, so the pictures are combined.
LumensFactory sp-6/sp-9 1x18650, 2x123a / 3x123a
The Lumensfactory hosts come in the best packaging, and includes batteries, a extra bezel ring, orings, lanyard, and momentary switch.
There are double orings at the tail, but not at the head, but there appears to be a slot for that purpose.
When I first got these lights, they had contact issues and would not work properly most of the time. Eventually I got to thoroughly cleaning out the threads, and this helped a lot. There appeared to be quite a bit of residue from the factory, and cleaning them beforehand would have saved quite a bit of time.
The Lumensfactory design is completely different from other P60 hosts available on the market.
Instead of relying on knurling for grip, LF opted for a smooth body, and some strategically placed rubber rings on the light to prevent slipping. Personally, I would have preferred knurling as I tend to drop things extremely easily, but different lights suit different people.
Dereelight CL1H V4 1x18650, 2x123a
this is an older CL1H.. the newer ones have better, brighter, engraving. The dereelight feels the most solid of this bunch. there are double orings at all the commonly opened parts.
Specifics:
Dereelight has been well known for a long time for their high quality P60 host called the CL1H. This is iteration #4. I have not handled the past versions, so I can't comment on them. I believe that they were one of the first to offer Hard-anodized and double o-ringed P60 hosts for sale. These lights also have a build in, yet removeable, clip. Only recently, Dereelight ventured into 2AA/3AA territory with their Javelin.
Dereelight Javelin 2xAA
Specifics:
I believe that this is the only (full production, there are custom lights built by our member fivemega which will take 2AA and a variety of other batteries, also) HAIII 2AA P60 host available on the market at the moment, and it is thus far my favorite host of the lot. The javelin follows Dereelights high quality standards, and has double orings at all common entry points.also available is a 1xAA extender which makes the light indeed feel like a javelin
. This light is very comfortable in hand.
Up is a comparison of a few P60 Hosts -- Solarforce, Lumensfactory, and Dereelight.
This is a quick review that does not cover much.. I'm hoping to have this thread as a place where potential buyers can ask specific questions about the lights. :thumbsup:
Sorry for the badly lit picture.
From left to right: Lumensfactory SP-9, Solarforce L2r, Dereelight Javelin, Solarforce L2p, Lumensfactory SP-6, Solarforce L2i, Dereelight CL1H V4, 18650, AA, AAA, CR123A
Solarforce has been making their L2 host, (a surefire 6P imitation) for quite a long time. Only recently, they decided to finally expand their offering of this host, and create a HA III premium version(L2P), a 3xAAA(L2i) version, and a 2AA version(L2r). This expansion into more convenient formats allows for much more versatility for those who do not want to go into "special" batteries to use P60 lights.
I have always held Solarforce in high regard with the release of the L950m and the Masterpiece, but I never got the chance to handle their more affordable offerings. Jason @ sbflashlights.com was kind enough to ask Solarforce to send out models to me, and I finally got my hands on the L2P, L2i, and L2r. As a first impression, I'll have to say that even at this low price, quality does not disappoint. I am pleasantly surprised.
Solarforce L2p (The Solarforce L2p is compatible with surefire "C" lights. ) 1x18650, 2x123A
The light has a matte finish, and the lettering isn't very bright when compared to other lights.
the threads and exposed aluminum parts are coated with some sort of gold colored finish.
here are a few pictures with the optional clip installed (has to be purchased separately)
the knurling seems to be smoother here, and doesn't offer as much grip as the other lights.
Specifics: There were not too many Hard anodized P60 hosts out on the market, and Solarforce aimed to release a affordable one. I believe they did a good job, but the knurling is too slippery in my opinion.
The light also does not tailstand well, and does not have a forward clicky. I hope Solarforce can fix this problem in the near future.
I also noticed that sometimes when using unprotected 18650s, the battery would not be sufficiently long, and not contact the tailcap, resulting in no light. This I think the light may be slightly too long, and the battery spring isn't long enough. a few magnets at the tailcap fix this problem, though.
Solarforce L2r 2xAA
Specifics: This is a great 2AA light, but I didn't like the feel of the tailcap all that much. Subsequently, I feel obligated to tell you all that my tailcap switch is now not functioning, and I can't get it open, either. the innards appear to have been glued. The light is in a type II black finish, and the knurling is great! I am not so sure how long the knurling will hold up, though, as "grippier" knurling tends to wear out faster than the smooth knurling like the L2p has.. and even more so because it's not hard-anodized. This is a good affordable light for those who have dropins that allow for 2AA use. I find it useful during extended power outages on some dropins.. the 2AA format will run some of them at much lower drive currents (like the thrunite XP-G model), and last a very long time.
Solarforce L2i 3xAAA
Specifics: I'm personally not too keen on this model. This model uses 3AAAs , in a battery holder supplied with the product. The battery holder takes up a lot of space, and a 18650 or 18500 would be much more practical. (the light is even fatter than your ordinary 18650 light) Then again, I'm a flashaholic. The L2i is not made for runtime, but convenience as AAA batteries are widely available.
the switch is a tailstanding reverse clicky.
pics of the solarforces
optional lego cap:
an interesting thing I noticed with Solarforce lights: the edges of the glass are rounded.
Lumensfactory has long been producing high quality dropins for the flashlight community, and they finally decided to expand and create hosts. They call this family of hosts, the "seraph". I am very impressed with the packaging of the lights, and these lights seem to give you the best "bang for the buck".
the 2 hosts are basically the same other than length, so the pictures are combined.
LumensFactory sp-6/sp-9 1x18650, 2x123a / 3x123a
The Lumensfactory hosts come in the best packaging, and includes batteries, a extra bezel ring, orings, lanyard, and momentary switch.
There are double orings at the tail, but not at the head, but there appears to be a slot for that purpose.
When I first got these lights, they had contact issues and would not work properly most of the time. Eventually I got to thoroughly cleaning out the threads, and this helped a lot. There appeared to be quite a bit of residue from the factory, and cleaning them beforehand would have saved quite a bit of time.
The Lumensfactory design is completely different from other P60 hosts available on the market.
Instead of relying on knurling for grip, LF opted for a smooth body, and some strategically placed rubber rings on the light to prevent slipping. Personally, I would have preferred knurling as I tend to drop things extremely easily, but different lights suit different people.
Dereelight CL1H V4 1x18650, 2x123a
this is an older CL1H.. the newer ones have better, brighter, engraving. The dereelight feels the most solid of this bunch. there are double orings at all the commonly opened parts.
Specifics:
Dereelight has been well known for a long time for their high quality P60 host called the CL1H. This is iteration #4. I have not handled the past versions, so I can't comment on them. I believe that they were one of the first to offer Hard-anodized and double o-ringed P60 hosts for sale. These lights also have a build in, yet removeable, clip. Only recently, Dereelight ventured into 2AA/3AA territory with their Javelin.
Dereelight Javelin 2xAA
Specifics:
I believe that this is the only (full production, there are custom lights built by our member fivemega which will take 2AA and a variety of other batteries, also) HAIII 2AA P60 host available on the market at the moment, and it is thus far my favorite host of the lot. The javelin follows Dereelights high quality standards, and has double orings at all common entry points.also available is a 1xAA extender which makes the light indeed feel like a javelin
. This light is very comfortable in hand.
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