Solarforce L2 impressions (Cree R2 5-mode)

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Adding to the confusion about the drop-in labeling: I just got an L2R2 from the Solarforce store. I got the 5 mode drop-in with memory. Here's what I received:

- A very nicely made light.
- A drop-in with a small, silver label that just says "R2", nothing else.
- An "S-O-S" mode that's actually an "S-O" mode.
- A light that, despite being fairly well focused, feels a little less bright than what I was expecting.

Overall, I'm pretty happy, but I do have the nagging feeling that I might have gotten a less efficient driver/emitter than I was expecting. I expected a bigger delta from my cheapie 3xAAA "Handy Cree", DX sku: 13974.

Perhaps I was expecting a little too much, but now I'm trying to figure out if it's worth doing some more quantitative tests or trying a different pill. :thinking:
 
The Solarforcestore is quicker in getting items to your door than DX for sure. My delivery from solarforcestore took about a week, IIRC. And DX always seems to be somewhere around two weeks.
 
Depends on the LED / driver you get ...

I got one where the lowest is 400mA , thats about 6 hours run time .
200mA is around 10Hours +
Just depends on what the LED pulls on each setting .
 
ronparr said:
- An "S-O-S" mode that's actually an "S-O" mode.
Click to expand...

My Solarforce lights also don't have SOS just as your mentioned SOSOSOSOSOSO.

The light I just measured is 900mA Hi, 700mA Mid 350mA Low, making the three modes far to close in output. I'd prefer the main modes were much better spaced just guessing 900mA, 500mA, 50mA, I like a low low.
Drop in = Silver label "SolarforceR2-M" "solarforce R2-M3.7V" engraved below the label.
All tail measurement with a freshly charged 18650.
Norm
 
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Norm said:
My Solarforce lights also don't have SOS just as your mentioned SOSOSOSOSOSO.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if there's a difference, but I'd describe mine as "SO_" rather than "SOSOSO..." because there's a pause after each O. Perhaps it's the same thing and we're just describing it differently...

The light I just measured is 900mA Hi, 700mA Mid 350mA Low, making the three modes far to close in output. I'd prefer the main modes were much better spaced just guessing 900mA, 500mA, 50mA, I like a low low.
Drop in = Silver label "SolarforceR2-M" "solarforce R2-M3.7V" engraved below the label.
All tail measurement with a freshly charged 18650.
Norm
Click to expand...
Thanks very much for your data. Subjectively, the gaps between my modes seems pretty large, but I do realize that there's not a linear relationship between current and perceived brightness. I'll need to pick up a multimeter that's up to the task first, but I plan to test mine now.

900mA seems a bit low to me, but I guess it's consistent with other cheap drop-ins.
 
Just like you guys said, the quality of this light is really awesome! My 5 mode has memory but does have some lag time when turning it on. Unfortunately mine was delivered without the retaining ring, O-ring and lens! I just sent the Solarforce Store an E-mail and I hope they send me the missing parts. Gonna definitely order a few more if they take care of this issue. Wish they would wrap these up a little better before shipping!!!
Update: Very quick response from Raymond at the Solarforce Store! He's gonna ship me the parts my light was missing. Great service!!!
 
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My L2 has the lag on startup, its caused by the switch,which i upgraded i also ordered new ULC lens from flashlightlens at the low price of this light i sure don't mine spending extra on modifications
 
clint eastwood said:
Anyone know the battery life on low-high with 1x 18650 battery?
Click to expand...
My L2 with "Super Bright R2" drop-in pulls 1074mA on High, 460 mA on middle and 75 mA on low with a 4.15 volts (meesured open circuit) Solarforce protected 2400mAh Li-Ion.

With a 3.8v (measured open circuit) Panasonic 1800mAh Li-Ion battery it pulls 700 mA on high, 260+ mA on middle and 55 mA on low.
 
ronparr said:
Mine has a slight lag too, but this is with the switch that came with the light.
Click to expand...


I'm not so sure it is because of the switch. When I put my DX R2 in the Solarforce it fires right up without the lag. The lag is not a big deal but I think it's the Solarforce 5 mode module causing this.
 
3,7-4,2V module runtime graph with 2800mAh 18650 cell from solarforcestore.com (charged once, 36 hours ago). 175 minutes to 50%, after 185 minutes light switched to medium mode.

index.php
 
Been using my new gunmetal 5 mode for about a week now. Very nice torch! Seems well made and very solid. The Gunmetal finish is really cool. Would serve me a lot better if it just had high and low but I can always just drop one of my DX R2's in it to make it a one mode. I still have to say that the quality of my very old 6P is a little better but not by very much. For 25 bucks a pop, I'm gonna order me a few more. Anyone know how long she will run on low and medium with primary 123's?
 
I just ordered a gunmetal L2 from a dealer on ebay. No drop-in $14.99 shipped great price I would say. It's going to be a nice host for a warm M60 flood. Think I might order more for that price.
 
If your looking for a coated lens for your L2 this isn't it http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1766
It appears to be the exact same lens that comes supplied with the L2, it measure exactly the same in both dimensions so it will make a good replacement for the standard lens but doesn't appear to be "Multi-Layer Coated" as stated on the page linked above.
Norm

EDIT: I've spend a bit more time evaluating these lenses and they do seem to be clearer and if you get the reflections on the glass just right they do appear to coated.
 
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Solarforcestore rocks! seriously great price and service.
I emailed and asked for a warm-tint (I said 5a or something warm) with my order (gunmetal 18650 multi-mode r2) from solarforcestore. They wrote back and said my light would ship as requested. my light shipped the next day. $25 for light, stainless steel flat bezel (no striky for me) battery, holster.
As requested, a warm-tint** r2 emittor arrived. It's one of the 'sluggy' ones, with a perceptible pause between mode changes (hi-mid-low-strobe-sos)

I'm very impressed. The light out-throws my jetbeam (IIIproST), and it's a warm tint! Honestly, custom tint's! that's excellent service.

second, the holster i received, ultrafire branded...is amazing. it's the best holster I have. Particular high-lights are the velcro + buttons on front (two bottons on the front, to fit crenelate bezels I guess) And the belt-loop on back, also velcro + button and can be fasened to any fixed belt (molle-type) gear b/c the hoster strap opens. It's leather with balistic nylon.

Contra to other posters, I"m happy the light arrived in an envelope in it's holster. I don't need extra plastic packaging to throw away.

Best,
Linger
 
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requested warm tint with order

I don't know how to tell exactly what bin I have (i don't know this is possible after it has been installed)
I can say this is warm. This emittor is above neutral (white, white) it is a warmer emittor with red / purple undertones.
It's not cool, it's not blue or green undertones.

seriously, i've enough 'cool' and warm tints to compare too.
 
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