Anyone have the Underwater Kinetics 2L ??

AZMAN

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Anyone have the UK 2L?? What do you think of it? How does it compare to other lights??
 

Empath

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The beam quality nor brightness of Surefire, the Scorpion and such isn't matched, but the longevity offered by the compromise is superb. It's time tested and a great light.
 

Sigman

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I've got a black one, NIB - opened to test only. I do like it, but have so many other torches...yesterday I wanted to sell it, today I want to keep it...depends on which hour it is I guess. Yes the runtime (3-4 hours) is great compared to a SureFire. It's a handy little package!

Brightguy sells them for $26 plus shipping...worth the price!
 

Joe Talmadge

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I think candlepowerforums people seem to really like the 2L. Note it's a batch of really nice compromises, rather than something like a Surefire.

The 2L is lightweight, inexpensive, tough. Very useful beam compromises for a utility light: 3-4 hours runtime, maybe 30ish lumens (??), beam a bit splotchy but very useable, dive-quality water resistance, twist-head switch.

I really like the 2L, since they're inexpensive enough to buy a few and leave them around the house or car, runtime is long enough that you can afford to feed it, brightness is excellent.

Joe
 

Alan

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I can't be more objective and accurate than what joe described the light. Don't be fool by its plastic look, it's real tough and reliable. It has 2 heavy duty O ring on the bezel.

Alan
 

FNG

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I like mine alot. I keep mine in my car with an extra set of batteries. Great for when you need a long runtime. I used to EDC the 2L before I got my scorpion. Its tiny, about the same size as the E2e.
 

AZMAN

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Many thanks to everyone for the quick responses!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

One other thing.....Does the 2L use the same "head" reflector and bulb as the UK 4AA and the Q40? I thought I read that they did somewhere.
If they do what are the advantages disadvantage of 123's vs AA's?? Do alkalines fade more than lithiums?
 

rycen

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It is me favorite light!Bright compact waterproof long burn Above question: same lamp bezel I use the 4AA with Lithiums as this should provide longer runtime than the 2L
 

Empath

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The disadvantage of course is that the 123 is generally more expensive. The advantage is size, and the fact the a lithium cell has a more desirable discharge curve. You'll notice the wear on the alkalines a lot quicker than lithium.
There are some pretty good deals on 123 cells here lately.
 

FNG

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I get my batteries really cheap so I decided to get the 2L. You can stuff 4 lithium AA's in the others but that usually costs $10 for 4. It only costs me $1 to run my 2L.
 

Joe Talmadge

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123As: allow for a smaller light and better brightness through the life of the batteries versus 4-AAs. In addition, lithium batteries are less susceptible to cold and can go many years with very little self-discharge, making the 123A-based lights very suitable for car and earthquake lights. Downside is, 123As are more expensive, a hair over a dollar a battery ($15 for 12 Surefire 123As), versus around 40 cents per AA. So 2x123A will cost you $2.25 per pop versus 4xAA costing $1.60.

To me, the greatly smaller size and weight, coupled with better storage properties and better discharge curve, makes 123A a VERY easy choice. With the recent price drop on 123As, they are a no-brainer for almost any situation. The only situation under which I'd go with AAs is if I'm travelling the world with my flashlight -- AAs are supposedly easy to find even in 3rd world countries, whereas 123As are not always available.

Joe
 

Darell

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As many others have said: The 2L is a great glove box light. And when you find yourself in a situation where swimming with the turtles seems appropriate - you're SET! I've used mine once on a relatively shallow dive, and loved it. The size is about perfect (no gloves) and the beam is plenty good underwater.
 

AZMAN

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You guys are great!!! Thank you for all the input.

I have some more thinking to do.........I guess I could always buy both.
 

Monsters_Inc

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If you're thinking of getting both, there's a later version of the 4AA AS2 switch, which is a fair bit better than the original. The Q40 "industrial strength" dive light is still with the old switch I believe.
 

flashfan

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2L lights reside in each of our automobiles, plus the "briefcase." In addition to the many benefits noted in other posts, I especially like the 2L for auto or briefcase because of the twist-on feature. Even with "clickies," I feel that the twist-on switch is less likely to accidentally activate the light and drain the batteries.

Regarding the UKE 4AA, I have to admit I'm a little disappointed in the AS2. While the switch is really great, the added feature apparently required a longer light. My original 4AA, which is about ten years old, is "only" about 5.5" long (as compared to 6.2").
 

llvo

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I always use my orange UKE 4AA with 4NiMH AAs.
If you are not going to use the light often, buy a 2L!

It's much smaller and the 123a can store for a long time
Enjoy it!
 
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