SureFire L6/KL4 vs L4/KL4 --- Interesting

[this_is_nascar]

I've been playing with my newly acquired L6 (thanks to Dan at Tactical Warehouse) for a few minutes outside. It's an interesting light. For now, I'm not going to comment on the size/wieght comparisions. I want to focus strickly on beam and light output.

Most of what everyone has said so far, I've found to be the case. The L4 provides a wider flood of light and the L6 has noticably more throw, with some decent side spill. What I've found to be the most interesting thing so far is the point at which the beam (side-spill portion) actually starts to light the ground. In the case of the L4, holding the light chest high, the outside portion of the beam starts at about 3-5 feet away from my feet. This makes it pretty good for a walking light, since you can see just about everything immediately in front of you. In the case of the L6, that outide portion of the beam does not start until 10-12 feet out. In that 10-12 feet between you and the first instance of light shining on the ground, you're in total darkness. Not being a techno type, I'm assuming this is due to how far the LED sits within the KL6 reflector.

So, all this being said, I'd say the L6 is not a good choice for a walking/running light. Use the L4 to light your immediate path and the L6 to spot those sounds up in the trees or to see whats far in front of you.

 

[MR Bulk]

Unless you angle the L6 a little more downwards while walking? Unless maybe it proves too bright that way...

GOT your little all-metal package yesterday BTW, Thanks Ray, you be da Man!

 

[this_is_nascar]

Thanks Charlie. Man, it takes long for a package to get to you.

 

[grnamin]

[ QUOTE ]
this_is_nascar said:
In the case of the L4, holding the light chest high, the outside portion of the beam starts at about 3-5 feet away from my feet. This makes it pretty good for a walking light, since you can see just about everything immediately in front of you.


[/ QUOTE ]
I used my L4 as a walking light, but it has since then been replaced by the L5. The key to walking at night in inconsiderate dog walker areas is avoidance through early detection. The L5's throw allows me to check the path much farther away than the L4. I imagine that the L6 would do even better in that regard.