If you have both how would you compare an L2 to an L4?

I know they are different lights and I've read the reviews and comments about each one but I'm interested in how a person owning both of them would compare the lights. Which one would you use in different situations? Which one do you like better and why? Etc etc.

Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Luigi.

I don't own either, but I've played with both... As far as performance, they are very similar. On flashlightreviews.com, there is a bit of a misleading 'artifact' in the testing leading one to believe that the L2 is inheirantly brighter than the L4 but I've not found that to be true. Maybe that first 5 or 10 minutes, the L2 on high may be brighter but in general, if you use each for 15 minutes then compare the L4 to the L2 on high, they are pretty much identical. The L2 adds the 'low' capability which puts out a very useful amount of light and in my opinion, the L2 is a 15-ish lumen flashlight that allows for more output when needed.

Unfortunately, the L2 adds substantial length to the L4. The L4 can fit in a back pocket as easily as a Minimag but the L2 is quite a bit longer. Personally, if I wanted a Lux V light with 2 levels of output, I'd get the L4 and a 2 stage tailcap. Plus, then you get to choose how bright or dim your lower level will be.

Where can you get a 2-stage tail cap for the L4?

You can make your own (post #21 here)

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/1205794&postcount=21

Or buy one here
http://www.lighthound.com/sales/aleph.htm

There are usually some on eBay too. E.g.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Aleph-Bald-Two-Stage-Tailcap-SureFire-L4-KL4-KL1-E2E_W0QQitemZ7740526489QQcategoryZ39667QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have an L4 which I really like, due to the "flood" beam.

I HAD an L2 (1st Surefire, some time ago); the L4 is smaller, this one has a much better and whiter beam.

The L2 was very green, on low (luxeon lottery?!) and the electronics, "squeeled" (whined) on low, to me, very annoying. I sold the L2 and went to McGizmo Alephs, only recently puchased an L4, which i would highly recommend.

There are others on the forum, that do like their L2's and perhaps my experience was not "representative"??

jeffb

I have two L4s and three L2s.

I like the L4 with a Pila 168S for my bright EDC. I use my lights at work and also EDC a ARC4x with a RCR123A. I think of the L4 as a small bright flood light. The main reason I use the L4 is because it's small, bright and rechargeable.

The L4 with a two stage switch on low is dimmer than the L2 on low. The L4 with the two stage switch is not regulated on low. The L2 is regulated on low.

The L2s replaced my 3x123 McLux/KL1 and a C3/KL3 as my long runtime emergency lights. In my opinion the low beam is the main use for the L2 not the high beam. I think of the L2 as a long runtime light with the option of going to the high beam if more light is needed.

I did the ceiling bounce test with the L4 and L2 on high. The L2 is brighter, but you have to look close to see it. In actual use I don't think there is any difference.

I have and use one of each. Differences: 1) L2 brighter (on high), 2) L2 much longer bat life on low, 3) L4 much shorter. You can get a hi/lo endcap for the L4, but it's not a clickie, which I prefer. L4 is an area light, doesn't throw very well. Both fine lights.

Remember, low on L2= REGULATION

the l4 is a better package... you can use rechargeables, you can get a two stage tail cap... etc....

more options

I personally like the l4s regulation, but the L2s 2 stages are really practical.

-David

This has me wondering.
So many are stating the regulation, now i am confused.
Which will run longer?

A regulated L2 on low Or,...
A non-regulated L4 with a 2-stage tail-cap?



I guess i am asking this to anyone that has both and has experience with this set up like Hoghead or others.

IF

L2 on low is rated for 15hrs regulated
The 2 stage varies with the resistor used

Thanks GB

So a well resistored L4 may run longer then the L2 on low.

I am trying to figure out, what advantage the regulated (L2) would offer over a (L4) resistored version i guess.

So what is the advantafge of regulation over the resistored (Modded) way?


IF

L4 will work with one or two cells and is fully interchangeable with E series lights. I like others like the convenience of being able to choose runtime or size. My favorite configuration is the L4 on E1e body with a rechargeable 123 cell.

Paul