Solarforce L2 impressions (Cree R2 5-mode)

Candle Power Flashlight Forum

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DHart said:
You should get AW protected 18650 cells because those are about as good as it gets... but no reason to toss out the freebie blue ones that come with the lights... use 'em... they work. And when the day comes when they don't, then toss 'em (er... recycle them).
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Thanks, I'll do just that.

supasizefries said:
I think people's experiences with the included battery varies to an extent. So far, the blue unprotected battery that came with my L2 has yet to fail for me.
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That's good to hear. I guess that I will need to watch the blue one pretty close while recharging to not overcharge it.

Black Rose said:
I think I am the only one to pipe up so far about getting a bad cell.

Considering that Solarforce Store sent me a replacement R2M drop-in with memory for free, I'm not going to complain about getting a bad cell that was basically free to begin with.
I'm using AW 18650 and 17670 cells in the L2s anyway.
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I wouldn't complain either.

Thanks guys for the battery info.

Hugh
 
My L2 arrived yesterday! (second one as the 1st one changed ownership.. i forgot to mention that i took 30euros from the wallet not 30$ -its about 40$, not bad for light i paid 25dollars)

but with this one i have a small problem with. the battery i got with it shows 3.2volts in multimeter but do not light up the L2 (havent dared to try it on more expensive lights that use 18650s yet. if it would somehow fry one of them i would hate myself)

i tried to recharge it. and my DX charger dont recognize it at all.. no red light indicating charging. (other batteries i have work fine in it)

-oh its from solarforcestore too just like the 1st one-

on battery it says:
TR 18650 2800mah 3.7v
The voltage of full charge and cut-off discharge is 4.2v and 2.75v

that would mean its trustfire (tr) and protected right??

its different to the blue trustfires i got from DX that it doesnt say Trustfire in bold letters in it.


**Otherwise the flashlight is just as nice as the 1st one! works great and looks awesome.
 
NonSenCe said:
but with this one i have a small problem with. the battery i got with it shows 3.2volts in multimeter but do not light up the L2
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Unless I'm missing something, 3.2 volts is generally considered flat as a pancake for this type of battery.
 
down low yes. but dead empty as far as i know is at or under 3.0v.

(so have i noticed with my other batteries. the blue trustfires have died in my TK11 at 2.80-2,85 just as the protection circuit suggests.)

and the previous L2 worked fine at 3v. (i like to test my lights how they behave 🙂 )

but the charger dont even start to charge at all this one that came with the solarforce. it behaves like there is no battery there, or its fullycharged. (which my multimeter says it aint)
 
NonSenCe said:
down low yes. but dead empty as far as i know is at or under 3.0v.

(so have i noticed with my other batteries. the blue trustfires have died in my TK11 at 2.80-2,85 just as the protection circuit suggests.)
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Maybe it's a bad cell, but bare in mind the minimum voltage the module requires may be higher than that at which the cell's protection kicks in.

If you have a look around the battery forum, it seems generally accepted that 3.5v is flat. I realise this may allow a safety margin though.
 
The drop-in needs 3.7V under load to power up.

The battery does not have enough voltage to light it up.

Since it won't even charge, it seems to be worse than the one that I received that was bad.
 
Re: 5-mode memory

Perhaps this is old news, but I'll share it anyway. Here is the solarforcestore's response to my question about memory with the various pills:

---------------------------------
Dear George

The SolarforceStore has sold 30 pcs in total without memory. It is an error from the manufacturer.

We will sell 5-mode with memory only in the coming order.

The bulbs are the same with Solarforce Label or Super Bright label, they are from the same factory.

Thank you

Raymond
------------------------------

So there you go - whether they be labeled Solarforce or Super Bright, all multi-mode versions should have memory going forward.

With that out of the way, I'm very much looking forward to jumping on the Solarforce bandwagon.
 
I purchased six 5-mode L2's in the last month. The first order for a single L2 came without memory - however, Raymond agreed to send a replacement module free. The second order of five L2's all came with memory.
 
edit: and the faulty battery is in recycling bin now.. i quit on it.

yeah both of mine have been with memory.

memory mode was one of main reasons i chose to take a leap with this light.. as i HATE strobe and sos in general.. but as a car flashlight for accident or distress need the strobe is useful. but i still want my lights atleast to start on the mode where i left it if not low by default. 🙂

next up. i might have to order yet another one and get a warm tint drop in to it.
 
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boomhauer said:
Re: 5-mode memory

Perhaps this is old news, but I'll share it anyway. Here is the solarforcestore's response to my question about memory with the various pills:

---------------------------------
Dear George

The SolarforceStore has sold 30 pcs in total without memory. It is an error from the manufacturer.

We will sell 5-mode with memory only in the coming order.

The bulbs are the same with Solarforce Label or Super Bright label, they are from the same factory.

Thank you

Raymond
------------------------------

So there you go - whether they be labeled Solarforce or Super Bright, all multi-mode versions should have memory going forward.

With that out of the way, I'm very much looking forward to jumping on the Solarforce bandwagon.
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Excellent information.

I agree, Solarforce is a fantastic brand with great products at a wonderful price.
 
i'm using my L2 as an edc but i need a more floody beam- can anyone suggest an inexpensive drop in? i'd love a malkoff but can't justify the cost at this time. thanks 🙂
 
After spending a lot of time looking at all the Solarforce offerings, I think I'm gonna go with a few of the L2GF-R2M (Gun-Metal) 5 modes. Good choice?
 
notsobrite said:
i'm using my L2 as an edc but i need a more floody beam- can anyone suggest an inexpensive drop in? i'd love a malkoff but can't justify the cost at this time. thanks 🙂
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Head on over to DX and check out the MC-E drop in .
Dont forget to do the Al-foil trick to the pill so it heatsinks better , still puts out plenty on medium though - SORRY ..

Its high low + strobe , keep forgetting I moded mine with a new driver .

Still , plenty floody + low mode .
 
fishx65 said:
After spending a lot of time looking at all the Solarforce offerings, I think I'm gonna go with a few of the L2GF-R2M (Gun-Metal) 5 modes. Good choice?
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What batt you gona run ... ? [ Solarforcestore.com no longer lists 18650 bodies , there all CR123A , no mention of 18650 ]

Id recommend 18650 , in which case ask for the 3.7-4.2v 5 mode Pill .

From SFstore :
Uses 2xCR123A primary lithium(included) or 2x16340 rechargeable li-ion batteries
Up to 300 lumens of current regulated output (LED module)
Input voltage (LED module): 3V-8.4V

Or

Uses both primary lithium(included) or rechargeable li-ion batteries
Up to 300 lumens of current regulated output (LED module)

No mention of 18650 -
 
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