Should I wait for the newest version of the KL1?

[TimB]

Hello everyone,

I'm still fairly new here, so please forgive me if what I'm asking is common knowledge...

I'm interested in...o.k., obsessed with :-) getting a KL1 head for use with my E1E or E2E. I haven't really decided which light to put it on yet, but I'm leaning toward the E1E.

My question is do you folks think the newest version of the KL1 is worth waiting 6 weeks for, or will the most recently manufactured one with the scalloped bezel and high dome LED be satisfactory?

I already know the standard CPF/Flashaholic response would be to buy both of them :-)

Cane someone with a recently produced high dome KL1 give me a brief review?

Also, who currently has the high dome KL1's in stock?

Thanks,

Tim

 

[Mrdi]

Yah?

 

[KevinL]

E1e, E2e, depends on how you want to carry the light. I EDC my combination in a pocket, on the keyring, so the E1e fits a little better. I trade off runtime however, it's about 2 hours of light compared to the 4+ hours that the E2e will give you. If you expect to need the extended runtime (without reloading) then go for the E2e.

I was quite concerned about getting a bad tint, but mine has turned out well, nice and white. High dome with NX05 optics, and it's not the new design. I believe the high dome does increase your chances of winning the 'Luxeon lottery' (tint, etc.). SF rates the light as 15 lumens, same as the stock E1e MN01 lamp, but as mine goes, I may be lucky - mine is significantly brighter than an MN01 in side-by-side comparisons. Brighter hotspot AND brighter spill. Of course this is a subjective comparison because I don't have instrumentation any more sophisticated than the normal human eyeball (and a myopic one at that..)

Got mine from 'jcciv' here on CPF a few months ago, you may want to PM him and ask if he has any more.

 

[tylerdurden]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

Where did you hear that the new KL1 will ship in six weeks?

As far as I know, the new KL1 should perform the same as the current one, the differences are just on the outside (cosmetic). Has anyone heard differently?

 

[McGizmo]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

Hi guys,
There will be a noticible difference; all I'll say. If you have any doubt, you might want to wait.

 

[Size15's]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

I continue to wait.

 

[K-T]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/popcorn.gif

 

[83Venture]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

If Al is waiting you may want to take a "wait and see" approach.

 

[TimB]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

Tylerdurden,

I got my information direct from Surefire. I e-mailed them yesterday about availability of the new KL1's and the response I got was that they should be available "within 45 days", so I was estimating about six weeks...may be a bit longer as we all know sometimes anticipated delivery dates get pushed back a bit.

From what I have read, the old style KL1 used a 1 watt LED, and the newer ones will use an underdriven 3 watt LED. I gather this is a good thing and will result in better performance?

Thanks to everyone for your replies...

-Tim
P.S.

I'm think at this point I'm going to do my best to hold out until the new version of the KL1 becomes available. I admit that I'm in danger of giving in if a high dome KL1 comes up for sale for a good price in the B/S/T forum though :-)

 

[tylerdurden]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

The newer KL1s are using high domes, but it's not clear (to me, at least) if they are Luxeon-I or III. Either way, I don't think it matters much; the main benefit of the III is the better tint control due to the phosphor-depositing (not sure if this is the right term) process, which I gather the newer Luxeon-I gets as well.

Someone mentioned a rumor that the new KL1 would have the X200 optics (reflector?), I am certainly in no position to know if this is true or not, but if it IS true, it would be worth waiting for IMO.

 

[TimB]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

If it had a reflector, that would be even better! ...now I just hope I can hold out and resist the little voice inside my head telling me to buy one of the currently available KL1's anyway. After all, they're going to be collector's items, right? :-)

 

[tkl]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

Reflectors are far better than optics.

 

[Aloft]

Re: Should I wait for the newest version of the KL

I've got two "old style" KL1's, both on E1E's. It's a great little light, I'm very happy. If you get a chance to pick up an older (i.e., still available) KL1 for a good price, it's worthy of consideration. But if the price is the same, or even too high (opinions will vary on exactly how high this is), I'd wait. However, Surefire seems to sometimes state shipping delays in "dog years", so 45 days might actually be 315 days /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif