UK 2L

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jenks

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Dec 28, 2002
Messages
42
Location
vancouver,bc
I know there are other people out there that feel the same way...
I think this is a great "tuck away" emergency light that does what it does very well and quietly (underrated) at the same time. I keep hoping that with 123s becoming so much cheaper that these should drop in price to what the AS2 is.

Anyone have any connections with UK that might know more? I'd love to pick up a few more...
Jenks
 
I've had several of them over the years and they are great. I do feel they are overpriced these days. I don't think UKE is marketing them very hard though, and there aren't any really similar lights competing, so maybe not enough price pressure. I've been hoping Princeton Tec would come out with some 123 powered lights. Meanwhile, you could check out the PT Rage, $8.95 from TTS including batteries (four AAA's). It's roughly comparable.
 
I carry a UK 2L in the pocket of my coat at work every day. I like the fact that it is non-metallic (won't set off the metal detector), small, simple, and reliable. Not quite as powerful as some other 2x123 lights I have, but the batteries last longer. It is a great little light.

-Keith
 
I like them. Simple and reliable. Light and small. Good compromise between brightness and runtime. I have a few stashed in my floater coats, parkas etc.
I just don't think they should be more expensive than Streamlight TT 2L though...
 
Yes, these are great. I've bought a bunch through the years.

However, the lamp on these were MUCH better about 6 to 10 years back. The lamps back then were much more even/smooth (polished reflector), brighter, and more durable. No, I'm not imagining this. About 2 years ago, I picked up a bunch of lamps for the 2L and they were much less durable and the beams were way less focused, and also more 'ringy'. I had a few that died after a couple of hours or after one simple drop. I sent a few back and they replaced the lamps (bulb/reflector integrated unit) but those were no better.

One more note: I have an early 2L and the bezel was clear plastic instead of the current rubber coated. At the center of the lens is a protuding clear cylinder which extended towards the bulb. This gave the lamp a more focused beam too. Weird - never saw another flashlight like this but I still have this one and it works well.

Moses
 
After all these years the 2L is still unique; there simply is no other light quite like it.

Moses, current lamps (also fit UK 4AA and Mini Q40) are usually #480. The reflector is black on the outside with "480" in yellow. These lamps are focused differently from the inconsistant ones you mentioned. They have an intense, very narrow diameter hotspot with a relatively narrow moderately bright surround. Quite an impressive beam from a 2x123 2:45-3hr light but a bit narrow for my taste.

Still, a tiny, 2.6oz, waterproof, bright, long-burning, non-conductive, virtually indestructible light is a valuable addition to any Flashaholic's light arsenal.

Brightnorm
 
I'm a 2L supporter as well (glad to see some of the other regular 2L supporters here also!). Love the simplicity and ruggedness of the light, as well as great runtime as well as being waterproof. No doubt they're still kinda overpriced for something so simple (they're going for around $35 over here in M'sia), and a price drop would be a big welcome. Heck, I don't even care if they sell it without the batteries, so long as they just drop the price!! Let's keep our fingers crossed! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
The UKE-2L is in my rucksack I take to work each day. Hardly ever have to use it but it's there just in case.

I got mine because Brock told me to. I'm on my second set of batteries since I got it a couple years ago.

Al
 
Brightnorm,

THANKS. I'll look to get some new versions of the bulbs based on your recommendation. I've just about given up on the 2L because of my bad bulb experiences. Thanks for your good info.

BLessings,
Moses
 
Moses, Just so you know, even the 480's show a degree of inconsistancy, though nothing like the old ones.

BN
 
Moses:
Give up on the 2L!
Send them all to me so you won't be bothered with them anymore.
Glad I could help /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
jenks
 
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