Should I just get the LF5XT instead of the LF2X?

[Centropolis]

My LF2X is on backorder and it gives me time to second guess myself about the LF2X and maybe adding a little money and get the new LF5XT instead. Right now I don't own anything that will run 14500 properly.

The reason for second guessing the LF2X is that I already have a L0D Q4 that almost all people say will run a 10440 without problem assuming not running on high for a continuously long time. The prime reason for me ordering the LF2X in the first place is that I assume that it runs safer on high with a 10440 compared to a L0D Q4.

Questions that I have in mind:

1) Is it safer to run the LF2X with a 10440 on high compared to a L0D Q4 (10440) on high.....everything else being equal?

2) Do people run a 10440 in a L0D on medium for longer periods of time without much issues (10 to 15 mins.)? Is medium with a 10440 brighter than the high on an AA?

3) What is the longest period time that a person tried running the L0D Q4 with a 10440 on max without going ?

I've read a couple of long threads about the L0D with 10440 but just can't find any info on the questions above.

 

[LED-holic]

Get both!!! I have the LF2X and am planning to get the LF5XT once there are solid reviews and the bugs are worked out from any of those reviews' findings.

Here are my findings with regards to your questions:
1 - yes
2 - seems like it
3 - I don't think anyone has any metrics around this.

 

[Jarl]

1. yes
2. don't know, yes
3. yes, else how would the runtime graphs exist

You need serious cooling for this though (think, spraying water on the light with a big fan blasting it with air)

 

[HKJ]

1) Is it safer to run the LF2X with a 10440 on high compared to a L0D Q4 (10440) on high.....everything else being equal?

LF2X is designed to use 10440, this makes it safer .
But do not let it run a long time at full power!

I do not put 10440 in my L0D, so I can not answer 2) and 3).

 

[Alexi*]

I have the LF5XT. I think the size is perfect. And it's really bright for it's size. It can easily replace an LF2X for most any situation, but u can't say the same if it where the other way around.

 

[JohnF]

I have the LF5XT. I think the size is perfect. And it's really bright for it's size. It can easily replace an LF2X for most any situation, but u can't say the same if it where the other way around.

I have both and disagree. What I'm wearing determines which one to carry. Light shorts = LF2X, long pants = LF5XT (or any number of other lights.)

 

[gunga]

Funny thing is, buy both really applies here.

You are comparing a small AAA edc light, with a much larger AA EDC type light.

I carry an AAA edc with me on my keys everywhere. I keep either an AA or CR123 edc in a bag or jacket.

2 very different lights. So, buy both!

:twothumbs

 

[Centropolis]

I've just charged two 10440s and put each of them in my L0D. One of them makes my L0D flickers. I am guessing is a battery problem. Cheapie Ultrafires off DX.....

Maybe I should go get two AWs....

 

[smg]

I've just charged two 10440s and put each of them in my L0D. One of them makes my L0D flickers. I am guessing is a battery problem. Cheapie Ultrafires off DX.....

Maybe I should go get two AWs....

There have been reports of Ultrafires causing issues in the LOD. The "issues" that I know of are problems running on high for more than ~45 seconds. Maybe the flickering is another related problem with the Ultrafires. Actually, now that I think of it, I think there were reports of more flickering issues with Ultrafire batteries.

I run AW 10440s in my L0D Q4, I have never had any problems, and I have very little flicker on the lower settings. My usage of high mode has never been more than 1 minute and it does get very hot.

To answer your original questions:
1) My short answer is "yes (I think so)". I don't know what the LF2X draws on high, but I suspect it is still greater than the suggested max discharge for typical 10440 cells (usually 2C). I don't think the LED will be ruined in either light, but the battery will probably see a much shorter life and the more serious issue is the risk of a battery fire.
2) a. I have not, but I have read about others doing so. b. I have read that it is, but have not made any observations by myself.
3) I have READ (on the internet, of course) that one guy ran the light for many battery charges, cycling the batteries into the light on high, and had no failures. I will leave it up to you to confirm it, but I think he ran about ten 10440 batteries through the light, on high, in a row.

Here is some info....
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=161778
Informative post by Luminescent:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2243191&postcount=9