What is "special" about a SF L1 with four flats?

[Flashlike]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Surefire L1 with four flats, but I have a couple of questions about it.
Were these originally a 2-stage light? This one has 2 stages, but I'm not sure if it has been modded or not. I think that something is not right with this flashlight, though--because on the high setting it is not very bright at all and the beam is rather bluish.
I tested it with a brand new Surefire 123A battery, so I know that battery wasn't weak.
I rather like the form factor of this older L1 with the four flats over the current model (http://www.surefire.com/surefire/content/L1_large2.jpg).
I've seen them come up in the CPF Marketplace from time to time and it seems like they are very popular. What is so special about them?

 

[270winchester]

for me, if I were to get one the draw would be the form factor and the super low low level. if you put a Cree L1 head on this it shold be a very good combo for some purposes(longer runtime on low and High)

 

[scottaw]

The 4 flats has the shorter head that is the best for the Milkymod ML-1

 

[DaFABRICATA]

As stated before: the Low-low is just about perfect. I also modded mine with a Seoul emitter and a reflector instead of the optic. It is in my grab-n-go bag. I feel the excellent runtime, beam quality, and 2-stages make it a great light.

 

[GarageBoy]

All L1s are 2 stage. They're only 15or 20 lumens on high. Four flats are popular cause they were the early variants

 

[xcel730]

IIRC, the older L1 is 22 lumens high, running off LuxIII emitter.

The newer L1 are 65 lumens high, running off CREE emitter.

 

[Flashlike]

The 4 flats has the shorter head that is the best for the Milkymod ML-1

Yes, I have heard that. I have a newer L1 that I had Scot mod (ML1 x SSCP4 USW0H Smoothie). That is quite an upgrade!!

As stated before: the Low-low is just about perfect. I also modded mine with a Seoul emitter and a reflector instead of the optic. It is in my grab-n-go bag. I feel the excellent runtime, beam quality, and 2-stages make it a great light.

Was that Seoul + reflector mod very difficult? I haven't done any major mods but want to get into doing them.

IIRC, the older L1 is 22 lumens high, running off LuxIII emitter.

The newer L1 are 65 lumens high, running off CREE emitter.

That info does sound correct, now that I remember reading some other posts that were comparing L1 models. That explains why the high wasn't impressively bright on this one, since it is the older model. Thanks for the info!

Thanks to all for your response and informative replies!!

 

[prof]

IIRC, the older L1 is 22 lumens high, running off LuxIII emitter.

The newer L1 are 65 lumens high, running off CREE emitter.

Actually there are multiple versions of the L1. Milky has a threat about this--I believe he counts about 5 versions now. The square sided one is at least 3 versions back now, maybe 4.

I've got a Lux 3 L1 and a cree L1. I believe there was also a Lux 1 L1...check Milky's thread for details.

 

[prof]

Ok, here's the thread with Milky's breakdown. He lists 6 versions, with the cree being most recent.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-151425.html

 

[Riddick]

What happens if you put the L1Cree head on the LuxIII L1 body:thinking:

I mean replace the L1 1.1/22lumen head with the new Cree10/65 lumen head?

 

[Flashlike]

Ok, here's the thread with Milky's breakdown. He lists 6 versions, with the cree being most recent.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-151425.html

Prof--
Thanks for posting the link to that thread!! There is lots of interesting and useful information there. I didn't realize that there were that many "versions" of the L1 that were made.
The one that I have opportunity to purchase has a Serial Number of A00039 which sounds low, so I **think** that it might be a Gen 1. But I'm going to look at it carefully again and find out.

 

[bigfoot]

What happens if you put the L1Cree head on the LuxIII L1 body:thinking:

I mean replace the L1 1.1/22lumen head with the new Cree10/65 lumen head?

From what I understand the older L1's had the circuitry in the body of the light. The new Cree L1's have the circuitry in the head of the light.

 

[Nathan]

From what I understand the older L1's had the circuitry in the body of the light. The new Cree L1's have the circuitry in the head of the light.

No, all L1's have the circuitry in the body. It's just oriented differently on the Cree L1, allowing it to be shorter.

 

[Enzo Morocioli]

First of all, here is a good post by Milkyspit showing pictures of the generations of SF L1's.

Second, what makes the 4-flat L1 special to me is the comfort the body enables me to have when holding the torch in the "cigar grip".. That's where my index lays on top of one of the flats, my middle lays underneath on a bottom flat, and my thumb rests on the tailcap button.. I've noticed that it's way more comfortable than the rounder gen5 body, because the flat surface doesn't put uneven pressure on the part of the fingers that's gripping.

 

[ttran97]

No, all L1's have the circuitry in the body. It's just oriented differently on the Cree L1, allowing it to be shorter.

Nathan is correct...circuitry of L1 and L2 lights are in the body. Circuitry of the E-series lights (E1B, E1L, E2L, E2DL) are in the heads. The L4 (E2e + KL4 head), L5 (M2 + KL5), and L6 (M3 + KL6) also have circuitry in the heads too.

 

[prof]

Prof--
Thanks for posting the link to that thread!! There is lots of interesting and useful information there. I didn't realize that there were that many "versions" of the L1 that were made.
The one that I have opportunity to purchase has a Serial Number of A00039 which sounds low, so I **think** that it might be a Gen 1. But I'm going to look at it carefully again and find out.

You're most welcome!

I'm tempted to collect the L1--get samples of each. Kinda limits other light purchases though.

Good luck!

 

[Flashlike]

I checked out the flashlight with closer inspection today and it is definitely a GEN1. Like I said in my previous post the Serial Number is A00035 which is very low, too. It is in really good condition with no nicks, scratches, or worn HA finish.
Sooooooo tempting to buy this!

 

[Riddick]

Go for it:twothumbs

sometimes you gotta take care of #1

 

[senna94]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Surefire L1 with four flats, but I have a couple of questions about it.
Were these originally a 2-stage light? This one has 2 stages, but I'm not sure if it has been modded or not. I think that something is not right with this flashlight, though--because on the high setting it is not very bright at all and the beam is rather bluish.
I tested it with a brand new Surefire 123A battery, so I know that battery wasn't weak.
I rather like the form factor of this older L1 with the four flats over the current model (http://www.surefire.com/surefire/content/L1_large2.jpg).
I've seen them come up in the CPF Marketplace from time to time and it seems like they are very popular. What is so special about them?

What is so special about them?? That is like saying what is so special about a 68 Camaro. Nothing and everything!!!!

 

[Illum]

Go and read the 4 flat sided A2 thread, you'd get alot more information out of it than trying to make a separate thread.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=163928
Its mainly the ergonomics and the "look" :thumbsup: