TechnoBill
Newly Enlightened
The following photos are of a single Solarforce L2p body provided, gratis, by International Trading Company, hereafter abbreviated as "ITC".
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/INTERNAT...__W0QQ_armrsZ1
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The L2p can utilize the same drop-in as that used in the L2i and L2r, which is Surefire 6P & 9P compatible, that was referred to here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=246286. The drop in from the L2i/L2r is being used for these photos.
'His & Hers Solarforce L2 Gift Set':
The L2p has a NON crenelated bezel, and as such I offer for consideration a 'His & Hers Solarforce L2 Gift Set' created simply by ordering an L2i or L2r, and an L2p, then swapping bezels to address my observation, in the L2i/L2r post, that the "Crenelated Bezel Could be the Purse Banisher."
Now I must point out a presumption inherent in my 'His & Hers' scenario. The presumption is that while you are ostensibly giving a pair of "matched" flashlights to the lucky couple, what you are actually doing is giving a pair of "mated" flashlights. The flashlight for the Lady will have as its goal simple utility. An L2i/L2r taking either three AAA or two AA, presumably primaries, with an R2 Cree, will be bright, batteries will be easily accessible wherever it is that women shop, and if it is the L2i, it's proportions will keep it from getting lost in her purse.
The flashlight for the Gentleman will have as its goal A)More Power {Chime in with any electrical engineering stuff that might be helpful please.}, and B)Luring him into our collective sickness. "Here kid, try this. The first one's free." In selecting an L2p for the Gentleman you can opt for either the R2 Cree LED FN01: or an MCE Cree LED FN02: If you choose the MCE LED, depending on the "Geek Coefficient" of the recipient, a pair of good CR123A PRIMARIES and a couple extra pairs will be all that's required to ensure the gift opening experience is... ahem... "detail free"
, thus concealing that 'Her' flashlight is a placebo pill and 'His' flashlight is a syringe full of Heroin :buddies:.
KNURLING; LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT:
The first difference, from the L2i and L2r, that I noticed on the L2p was the classy satin finish. Aesthetically I much prefer it over the gloss finish on the L2i and L2r. The second difference, and improvement in my opinion is the knurling.
L2i~r: The knurling on the L2i and L2r is a diamond pattern that rises to a tip.
L2p: The knurling on the L2p is a square with relatively flat heads, but the upper most surface of these "flat heads" has minute topological variations. Rather than being being flat like a golf course fairway, it has a surface pattern more like a freshly plowed field, with ridges and troughs.
The L2p's pattern offers noticeably more grip. Now keep in mind, this distinction is relative. The L2ps won't leave your hands bloody like an aggressively patterned pair of G10 grips, but compared to the decidedly slippery knurling of the L2i and L2r, the L2p knurling is instantly noticeable from a tactile sense, and is more visually appealing as well.
The extent to which the Hard Anodize III of the L2p contributes to this difference is a topic for the metallurgists to debate, but the feeling 'in hand' of the L2p immediately brings an eyebrow raised in affirmation or a slight smile
.
Close up, high resolution is the only way to get an idea of what we're dealing with here, so I've posted these photos as 'clickable' thumbnails.
Each picture was selected as the best representation of a particular type of knurling although the other type may be included in the frame as well. First a thumbnail link to a large image of the SL2p knurled surface texture:
Next the SL2i knurled surface texture:
Finally, a one to one comparison:
Select the FULL SIZE images, close their spawning windows, then click between the three photos, sl2pknurlsurfacetexture.jpg, sl2iknurlsurfacetexture.jpg, and sl2p2iknurlonetoone.jpg and with just a bit of scrutiny, the difference will become quite apparent! Visually I would have expected the pointed diamond tips to provide greater purchase (grip), but the net effect is that very little "contact patch" from such small knurling is actually in contact with your skin. By contrast, the flat and ridged "plateaus" of the L2p provide a much larger aggregate area of "contact patch." This is one case where only a hands on comparison is decisively convincing (unless you're gullible enough to believe me
.)
Aesthetics Earn an "A+": As you'll see in the photos below, the Solarforce L2p is a very classy and expensive appearing piece of hardware. The satin finish is beautiful and sophisticated. Also of interest is the tailcap which spans just over 3.6 mm of the aft of the flashlight. Where the tailcap and body meet, there is no knurling, forming a smooth band that is echoed at the fore of the body proximal to the head, and again at the tail where the URL is engraved. The overall balance and distribution of knurled, smoothed, and recessed tracks, is very, very understated. The visual appearance of the L2i and L2r is quite acceptable for their price range, but the L2p fitted with the R2 drop-in looks far more expensive than it is. Also the clicky on the L2p is large in diameter, could very easily be selectively controlled while wearing dress gloves, and I don't think would pose a problem while wearing heavy "snow gloves." If I sound impressed with the L2p, it's because I am! Pore over the photos below. It looks every bit as fine in the metal as it does in soft copy.
Vertical Frame of Reference Items:
Left to Right; Surefire SF123A 3v Primary, Sakar AAA 1.25v 1000mAh NiMH Rechargeable, Duracell Alkaline AA 1.5v Primary, Solarforce Li-Ion UNprotected 18650 2400mAh Rechargeable, Crayola (Ferrari Red), Solarforce L2i, English/Metric Measure, Fenix P3D Premium Q5 w/ 'Fenix Store Special' 3 x CR123A optional body, Solarforce L2r, Solarforce L2p, Surefire C3 Centurion, Insight H2x Typhoon w/ Cabela's cover, Pentagonlight 635 nm 28 Lumens (Diffused) low signature, Solarforce Masterpiece, Surefire M6.
Horizontal Frame of Reference Items:
Left to Right; Surefire SF123A 3v Primary, Sakar AAA 1.25v 1000mAh NiMH Rechargeable, Duracell Alkaline AA 1.5v Primary, Solarforce Li-Ion UNprotected 18650 2400mAh Rechargeable, Crayola (Ferrari Red), Solarforce L2i, English/Metric Measure, Fenix P3D Premium Q5 w/ 'Fenix Store Special' 3 x CR123A optional body, Solarforce L2r, Solarforce L2p, Surefire C3 Centurion, Insight H2x Typhoon w/ Cabela's cover, Pentagonlight 635 nm 28 Lumens (Diffused) low signature, Solarforce Masterpiece, Surefire M6.
L2p Constituent Items:
L2p Horizontal View Zero:
L2p Horzontal View One:
L2p Front to Back:
The white on the lower left of the bezel, and elsewhere in the photos are NOT SCRATCHES. They're fuzzacious detritus from terry cloth washcloths I use to wipe down the items.
L2p Vertical:
L2p Head Close Up:
L2p Tailcap Zero:
L2p Tailcap One:
L2r Stock Bezel (on left) L2p Stock Bezel (on right):
Stock Bezels Vertical:
SWITCHED Bezels Vertical:
The gloss bezel on the L2p is conspicuous. The Gentleman shouldn't care.
The satin bezel on the L2r is inconspicuous. The Lady shouldn't notice. :devil:
The interior of the head, body, and tailcap.
As Jason (Jake25 on CPF) has noted elsewhere, the manufacturing facility had problems (scratches on interior of head) with the first batch. The folks in Hong Kong inform me those were the first 200. You may note in other photos above that the serial number on my sample is A0185, and it appears without any observable damage, nor are there any dimensional intolerances as far as I can tell. Here's a thumbnail by which you can access a big honkin high resolution image.
The white stuff on the threads is residual Cosmic Debris from my temporal travels. Apologies to all the "linear existence" folks out there.
FOOTNOTES:
FN01: Voltage Input: 4V-11V, 1 X 18650, or 2 X CR123A. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280412705612#ht_3017wt_955
FN02: Voltage Input: 3-6V, 1 X 18650, or 2 X CR123A. If CR123A, PRIMARIES ONLY http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270473049713#ht_3137wt_955
TBtO~ END OF HTML CODE ~TBtO
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/INTERNAT...__W0QQ_armrsZ1
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
The L2p can utilize the same drop-in as that used in the L2i and L2r, which is Surefire 6P & 9P compatible, that was referred to here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=246286. The drop in from the L2i/L2r is being used for these photos.
'His & Hers Solarforce L2 Gift Set':
The L2p has a NON crenelated bezel, and as such I offer for consideration a 'His & Hers Solarforce L2 Gift Set' created simply by ordering an L2i or L2r, and an L2p, then swapping bezels to address my observation, in the L2i/L2r post, that the "Crenelated Bezel Could be the Purse Banisher."
Now I must point out a presumption inherent in my 'His & Hers' scenario. The presumption is that while you are ostensibly giving a pair of "matched" flashlights to the lucky couple, what you are actually doing is giving a pair of "mated" flashlights. The flashlight for the Lady will have as its goal simple utility. An L2i/L2r taking either three AAA or two AA, presumably primaries, with an R2 Cree, will be bright, batteries will be easily accessible wherever it is that women shop, and if it is the L2i, it's proportions will keep it from getting lost in her purse.
The flashlight for the Gentleman will have as its goal A)More Power {Chime in with any electrical engineering stuff that might be helpful please.}, and B)Luring him into our collective sickness. "Here kid, try this. The first one's free." In selecting an L2p for the Gentleman you can opt for either the R2 Cree LED FN01: or an MCE Cree LED FN02: If you choose the MCE LED, depending on the "Geek Coefficient" of the recipient, a pair of good CR123A PRIMARIES and a couple extra pairs will be all that's required to ensure the gift opening experience is... ahem... "detail free"
, thus concealing that 'Her' flashlight is a placebo pill and 'His' flashlight is a syringe full of Heroin :buddies:.KNURLING; LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT:
The first difference, from the L2i and L2r, that I noticed on the L2p was the classy satin finish. Aesthetically I much prefer it over the gloss finish on the L2i and L2r. The second difference, and improvement in my opinion is the knurling.
L2i~r: The knurling on the L2i and L2r is a diamond pattern that rises to a tip.
L2p: The knurling on the L2p is a square with relatively flat heads, but the upper most surface of these "flat heads" has minute topological variations. Rather than being being flat like a golf course fairway, it has a surface pattern more like a freshly plowed field, with ridges and troughs.
The L2p's pattern offers noticeably more grip. Now keep in mind, this distinction is relative. The L2ps won't leave your hands bloody like an aggressively patterned pair of G10 grips, but compared to the decidedly slippery knurling of the L2i and L2r, the L2p knurling is instantly noticeable from a tactile sense, and is more visually appealing as well.
The extent to which the Hard Anodize III of the L2p contributes to this difference is a topic for the metallurgists to debate, but the feeling 'in hand' of the L2p immediately brings an eyebrow raised in affirmation or a slight smile
.Close up, high resolution is the only way to get an idea of what we're dealing with here, so I've posted these photos as 'clickable' thumbnails.
Each picture was selected as the best representation of a particular type of knurling although the other type may be included in the frame as well. First a thumbnail link to a large image of the SL2p knurled surface texture:
Next the SL2i knurled surface texture:
Finally, a one to one comparison:
Select the FULL SIZE images, close their spawning windows, then click between the three photos, sl2pknurlsurfacetexture.jpg, sl2iknurlsurfacetexture.jpg, and sl2p2iknurlonetoone.jpg and with just a bit of scrutiny, the difference will become quite apparent! Visually I would have expected the pointed diamond tips to provide greater purchase (grip), but the net effect is that very little "contact patch" from such small knurling is actually in contact with your skin. By contrast, the flat and ridged "plateaus" of the L2p provide a much larger aggregate area of "contact patch." This is one case where only a hands on comparison is decisively convincing (unless you're gullible enough to believe me
Aesthetics Earn an "A+": As you'll see in the photos below, the Solarforce L2p is a very classy and expensive appearing piece of hardware. The satin finish is beautiful and sophisticated. Also of interest is the tailcap which spans just over 3.6 mm of the aft of the flashlight. Where the tailcap and body meet, there is no knurling, forming a smooth band that is echoed at the fore of the body proximal to the head, and again at the tail where the URL is engraved. The overall balance and distribution of knurled, smoothed, and recessed tracks, is very, very understated. The visual appearance of the L2i and L2r is quite acceptable for their price range, but the L2p fitted with the R2 drop-in looks far more expensive than it is. Also the clicky on the L2p is large in diameter, could very easily be selectively controlled while wearing dress gloves, and I don't think would pose a problem while wearing heavy "snow gloves." If I sound impressed with the L2p, it's because I am! Pore over the photos below. It looks every bit as fine in the metal as it does in soft copy.
Vertical Frame of Reference Items:
Left to Right; Surefire SF123A 3v Primary, Sakar AAA 1.25v 1000mAh NiMH Rechargeable, Duracell Alkaline AA 1.5v Primary, Solarforce Li-Ion UNprotected 18650 2400mAh Rechargeable, Crayola (Ferrari Red), Solarforce L2i, English/Metric Measure, Fenix P3D Premium Q5 w/ 'Fenix Store Special' 3 x CR123A optional body, Solarforce L2r, Solarforce L2p, Surefire C3 Centurion, Insight H2x Typhoon w/ Cabela's cover, Pentagonlight 635 nm 28 Lumens (Diffused) low signature, Solarforce Masterpiece, Surefire M6.
Horizontal Frame of Reference Items:
Left to Right; Surefire SF123A 3v Primary, Sakar AAA 1.25v 1000mAh NiMH Rechargeable, Duracell Alkaline AA 1.5v Primary, Solarforce Li-Ion UNprotected 18650 2400mAh Rechargeable, Crayola (Ferrari Red), Solarforce L2i, English/Metric Measure, Fenix P3D Premium Q5 w/ 'Fenix Store Special' 3 x CR123A optional body, Solarforce L2r, Solarforce L2p, Surefire C3 Centurion, Insight H2x Typhoon w/ Cabela's cover, Pentagonlight 635 nm 28 Lumens (Diffused) low signature, Solarforce Masterpiece, Surefire M6.
L2p Constituent Items:
L2p Horizontal View Zero:
L2p Horzontal View One:
L2p Front to Back:
The white on the lower left of the bezel, and elsewhere in the photos are NOT SCRATCHES. They're fuzzacious detritus from terry cloth washcloths I use to wipe down the items.
L2p Vertical:
L2p Head Close Up:
L2p Tailcap Zero:
L2p Tailcap One:
L2r Stock Bezel (on left) L2p Stock Bezel (on right):
Stock Bezels Vertical:
SWITCHED Bezels Vertical:
The gloss bezel on the L2p is conspicuous. The Gentleman shouldn't care.
The satin bezel on the L2r is inconspicuous. The Lady shouldn't notice. :devil:
The interior of the head, body, and tailcap.
As Jason (Jake25 on CPF) has noted elsewhere, the manufacturing facility had problems (scratches on interior of head) with the first batch. The folks in Hong Kong inform me those were the first 200. You may note in other photos above that the serial number on my sample is A0185, and it appears without any observable damage, nor are there any dimensional intolerances as far as I can tell. Here's a thumbnail by which you can access a big honkin high resolution image.
The white stuff on the threads is residual Cosmic Debris from my temporal travels. Apologies to all the "linear existence" folks out there.
FOOTNOTES:
FN01: Voltage Input: 4V-11V, 1 X 18650, or 2 X CR123A. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280412705612#ht_3017wt_955
FN02: Voltage Input: 3-6V, 1 X 18650, or 2 X CR123A. If CR123A, PRIMARIES ONLY http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270473049713#ht_3137wt_955
TBtO~ END OF HTML CODE ~TBtO
Last edited:
