SF L2 or Novatac 120P

[bondr006]

I am debating over an L2 or 120P, or maybe the 120T. I only have the money for one. What kind of beam does each have? I have an L1, but I am assuming the beam on the L2 is different. I EDC my L1, so the need for another EDC is not imperative. I am mainly interested in the L2 and how it is similar or different from my L1. Is it a thrower or better at flood...or somewhere in between? Is it TIR optic or reflector? Any and all info and descriptions, performance, what you use it for, etc. will be greatly appreciated. I need to be talked in to the L2 because I really think that is what I want. And besides, my L1 needs a big brother. Thanks.

 

[jbosman1013]

The L2 has a reflector with a Lux V LED, it produces a large flood type beam that most like to call the wall of light. The L2 I have has a very different tint, it almost looks green on low but it renders colors better than any cree or seoul I have seen. The runtime on high is not that great but you can have it modded and get 2x the output and runtime. I like the 120P even though I don't own one but if I had to do it again I would still pick the L2.

 

[PetesTactical]

Who mods the L2 and what do they do to it?

 

[jbosman1013]

the member is milkyspit, he uses a seoul U-bin led and 1amp driver board. do a search on his name and you will find some really cool stuff.

 

[NickDrak]

I would hold off for a while to see if Surefire may announce that they are revising the L2 with a Cree or other new LED. (Its just a matter of time) Even in its current configuration the L2 is a great light with an outstanding track record.

 

[yaesumofo]

If you have an L1 an L2 or L4 would be an ok way to go.
The Novatak EDC 120P offers a lot more modes than the L2.
The Beam on the Novatak offers a hot "area" which spreads out. There is no real hard edged hot spot/side spill areas it is a very smooth transition.
The beam is very useful for close in work on the lower (completely adjustable) levels. and has very good utility furter out on the higher totally adjustable levels as well.
IMHO the Novatak is an overall more useful flashlight than the 2 level L2.
I don't know what an L2 costs these days but at $150 the Novatak offers a very good value for all of the features and the Very high quality flashlight.
I say Go for the NOVATAC EDC 120 P.

Good luck.
Yaesumofo

 

[yaesumofo]

I am not sure that SureFire will make this move.
This combination of reflector and emitter is very special. The cree/seoul emitter beam is ver different than the LUX V emitter.
The KL4 and L2 are special lights just as they are.
That is not to say that SureFire will not come out with NEW products with a similar emitter/reflector combination which will product the "wall of light" effect.
Just that I think that if they were really interested in droping in a cree on the L2 or L4 lights they would have done so.
Yaesumofo

I would hold off for a while to see if Surefire may announce that they are revising the L2 with a Cree or other new LED. (Its just a matter of time) Even in its current configuration the L2 is a great light with an outstanding track record.

 

[paulr]

The Novatac is more compact (1 cell) and battery efficient (newer LED technology). I like the Surefire wall of light though, and the simple operation. They are not the same style of light. They don't try to accomplish the same goals, so it's hard to say one is objectively better than the other. You have to decide based on your own priorities.

 

[bondr006]

Man, I can see this is going to be a tough decision.

 

[who]

I have both and use them differently.
The 120P is my current EDC, beautiful beam, fun to play with, among many other things.
The L2 is my current handgun light. Simple to use under stress, low to check safety, ammo, exit… High to clear a room. J

This is just an example, a L1 Cree and L5 with Mc2ES could easily do the same next week.

 

[yaesumofo]

You know what they say around here "buy Both"
Sell the one you can't use. I never can bring myself to that...but do the best you can.
Yaesumofo

Man, I can see this is going to be a tough decision.

 

[EV_007]

I have a few lights I like, but the SF L2 keeps getting used more often these days. The smooth, wide flood is very useful for close-up to medium distances. Its not a thrower, but what it does illuminates, it does it well with an even, broad coverage.

I do not have the Novatac, but used to have the HDS EDC. The tail end stand trick is nice, but the beam of the L2 was smoother and broader, which I like from an LED.

 

[bondr006]

Thanks for the help everyone. Another question to throw in there. What are the differences between the 120P and 120T besides the obvious that the P is programmable. Do they both have tactical switches? Any advantages of one over the other? Thanks...

 

[xiaowenzu]

Thanks for the help everyone. Another question to throw in there. What are the differences between the 120P and 120T besides the obvious that the P is programmable. Do they both have tactical switches? Any advantages of one over the other? Thanks...

They're both tactical forward clickies (unlike most Chinese lights) The 120P tail stands while the 120T does not.. I bought the T-version because it's always very cold where I'm at, so, I wear huge gloves most of the time, therefore the protuding button of the 120T is more suited to my use.. I also like the subtle 'click' sound of it... it's very subtle and satisfying to hear. IMO, both versions are great, whilst the major difference being the 120P is very programmable. So if you want to program the light settings, it's best to get 120P. Otherwise the simple tactical U.I might appeal to you more. I LOVE MY NOVATAC 120T! hehehe

 

[Casual Flashlight User]

If I were you, I would buy the Novatac 120-P and then have your L1 modded by Milkyspit when you can afford it.


CFU

 

[TKC]

My vote is for the Novatac!! They are great lights!! :twothumbs

Don't get me wrong, I like SF lights very much.