Replacing my SF LX2

[JustinFournier]

Hi All,

Some time ago, probably Oct 2012 I placed an order with HDS. By March, or April I can't remember now exactly of 2013 I still didn't have my light, so I canceled my order and bought a Surefire LX2 LumaMax.

Since then, I have been my EDC, but the time has come to replace it. I use the light in all kinds of situations, from going to bed at night, checking on the baby, getting around the hold of large ships in the dark at work, medical applications, and on occasion shooting. I'm thinking of switching my light over to my shooting gear, it has a tactical switch and all, and getting a new EDC.

The main reason I want to replace this one is the cool white light. I need a high CRI bulb.

What else do I need?

I prefer titanium, but if I can't get it, aluminum would work.
Has to be a high CRI bulb. I really want to be able to see fluids correctly.
Deep carry pocket clip, I don't want more than 1" of the light out of my pocket.
Has to be dead reliable.
Max output is not that important.

My EDC knife is a Sebenza 25 since I got it, replacing my Sebenza 21.

Max price is $300. I don't mind getting something a little higher end, if it's exactly what I need and going to work well.

Thanks all!!

 

[JustinFournier]

I've thought some more about it, and I think I will quit avoiding the 18650 and give it a go. It opens up new possibilities. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[TheVat26]

The Malkoff MD2 is as good or even better than Surefire quality IMO. I only have the the standard M61 in mine, but I feel the tint is very neutral. Excellent color rendering, I prefer it's tint over the Surefire incandescent lamp. Haven't tried any of the Malkoff neutral modules, but many rave about them here.

The pocket clip isn't exactly slim and streamlined, but very durable. The rear switch is the perfect pressure with light resistance and very responsive. Will momentary illuminate as fast as you can press the button. The click isn't as loud as most, and has a quality feel. Awesome runtime on an 18650. I use an Eagletac 3100 protected 18650 (red/wht label) in mine with no fitamint or connectivity issues.

 

[skyfire]

send the LX2 to Tana for a nichia mod?

i think the high CRI nichia LED would be ideal. i like warm tints myself, but for seeing different fluid colors, i think the nichia would be best.

maybe a p60 style light? or malkoff MD2 with high/low ring, and M61 219 nichia.

McGizmo also uses nichia LED in his lights. a little more than $300, but if youre willing to spend $300, whats another hundred?
come to think of it, mcGizmo does check all of your preferences.

 

[JustinFournier]

Thank you guys, I will research all your suggestions.

I'm not bound to the switch or features of the LX2 at all, I do like the switch when I'm shooting so I'm pretty comfortable throwing that in my range bag and leaving it there for when I go shooting, Usually 2-3 times a month. I will most likely send it to Tana when I get a new EDC just to get it tweaked to be the best it can. So I would be just looking for a new EDC. Something with a good low setting, I was checking the newborns diaper early this am, and woke everyone up by accidentally pushing the LX2 into high mode :/

The one thing about the McGizmos like the Haiku, it looks like there is a lot of machining done for the sake of aesthetics, and while I appreciate that I want it in my front pocket, I'm thinking all those ridges wouldn't be so comfortable, would I be wrong here?

I looked at the Alpha series from Prometheus at darksucks and they look very good at being what I want, and if they were titanium rather than soft aluminum I would buy a ready made and use it till I decided exactly what I want and get the Alpha Blue-Label. But after dropping my aluminum body LX2 and not hard or far, just about 3 feet to tile, I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a light that is so soft it's going to get dented and have the finish chip off. For $50 sure. Not several hundred. Am I wrong to think titanium would hold up better?

I looked at Downloads pocket rocket 9th run, but I don't like how the clip looks just thrown on, the top end of the clip sits well above the tailcap, so no tail stand, and the finish doesn't go well. I want more attention to detail in a $350 light. Download was quick to respond to me though so props for that. If I didn't want a clip or had a mill machine, I would buy the pocket rocket hands down. Or if I could find someone to do a little customizing to the clip for me like fit, polish and anodize it I would do that. Maybe I will search around for someone who can do that. I would love to have the clip anodized to match the thumb stud on my Sebenza 25.

I put up a WTB post for Macs Tri-EDC Ti but I don't think that will get me far lol, I also tried emailing Mac directly, but don't expect anything there either.

I ordered a EagleTac D25C Clicky Ti Nichia 219 CRI 92 LE 2014. I figure that will give me some experience on the LED and will help me decide where to go forward.
I want to try that compared to a XL-L2 T6-3A, but realize a 4C might be more what I want, till I see them I am just speculating.

Perhaps I can find a light under $100 to try the XM-L2 bin's out on?

Thanks a lot for the help guys.