KL3 verses XO3

After years of avoiding it, I've decided to go back to a 123a flashlight, as regulation has vastly improved, with both the XO3 and KL3 being perfect examples of this.

I already have a 9P body, so there's not much difference price wise.

I'll get throw with the KL3, and flood with the XO3.

The only big difference (and it is a factor) is that the KL3 is a 3 cell light.

All opinions appreciated.

What are your needs? How do you intend to use it?

Only comparison I can make at this time is that the X-series lights are too smooth for me sometimes. I like the T-series knurling. I use my T1 all the time and keep the T3 in the car most of the time. But I use my X5 a lot too and keep another X5 in the car, so go figure.

I have both. I have went through the same dilema. Forget Inova in this case. Yes Inova does make excellent lights BUT KL3 is awesome Inova has nothing close to it. Mine is a generation 2. You will not regret it. The XO3 gets 2 hours running and the KL3 gets 3 and 1/2 hours on my 6P. With the 9P body will be even longer.

My advice buy the KL3 gen2


Chris

I'm definitely leaning towards the KL3, as I do value distance over flood, as that becomes a huge issue when it rains.

The light will be for urban walks, parking lots, etc; just to spot goblins before they get too close.

I have an old uk4aa pouch that snugly fit the 9P, and I'm sure it would be perfect for the XO3, though I'm betting the KL3 head would require a larger holster.

Is the KL3 beam wide enough for walking?

For me it is.

I believe there is a generation 3 out as well. Not sure. Maybe wider spot. May want to ask here. By the way you can also get a drop in 3W which would be the cheapest alternative, I have that one also is excellent BUT again KL3 is awesome.

Look for beamshots, search on this forum.

Chris

The X03 is hardly a flood light.

I have both. I'm so impressed with the XO3, that I am considering selling or trading my C3 Centurion with the KL3 head. Yes, I believe the Surefire is a bit better overall, but not when you consider the price difference. Again, this is only my opinion.

Also read the reviews on the http://www.flashlightreviews.com/index1.html for all I suggested.

Chris

The X03 is hardly a flood light.

Click to expand...

What he said...tight spot due to the TIROS thingybob.

I'm lusting after a C2/KL3 set-up at the moment...


CFU

I also have both the XO3 and a C3 with 2nd Gen KL3 head. I use rechargables

either AW 1750 X2 or 150s x2[Old style Pila] or Wolf Eye 150B in the Surefire

Using rechargables in the Surefire KL3 combo will save a lot of money.

JSBurlys carries Pila, Lighthound has AW 1750 and Pacific Tacitial Solutions

carries Wolfeye Products...All of these Merchants have good prices and

great customer service.....William

Has anyone found a decent generic holster for their 2 or 3 cell KL3?

flash99dark said:

I also have both the XO3 and a C3 with 2nd Gen KL3 head. I use rechargables

either AW 1750 X2 or 150s x2[Old style Pila] or Wolf Eye 150B in the Surefire

Using rechargables in the Surefire KL3 combo will save a lot of money.

JSBurlys carries Pila, Lighthound has AW 1750 and Pacific Tacitial Solutions

carries Wolfeye Products...All of these Merchants have good prices and

great customer service.....William

Click to expand...

The KL-3 head also performs well on a single battery with just a little drop in output. I'm running a 17670 in a 6P body. I also run 2xRCR123s when I need full output. I decided not to try 2x17500 since I did not want to get another li-ion size, even though I have a 1-cell extender.

For your application, you can always run primary CR123s in a pinch.

Raven said:

Has anyone found a decent generic holster for their 2 or 3 cell KL3?

Click to expand...

This is what I use, since the KL-3 head is oversized.
http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/Prod.php?TxtModelID=37S

Raven said:

I'll get throw with the KL3, and flood with the XO3.

Click to expand...

Uh... The XO3 is NOT a flood light by ANY measure. It is one of my prized flashlights, but it is strictly a spotter.

The Inova XO3 is most assuredly a spot light with the Tiros optic.