Advice on KL1

I've got an old KL1 head on my E2L body that is begging for an upgrade. Has anyone tested any newer LED's with the old optics? I don't need anything too extreme but i was considering a nice R2 Cree @ 1A

I'm not against swapping to a reflector if needed..


Thoughts?


The KL1 isn't finned, it must be the version right after that. S/N A000285


Thanks

Here's a few threads with some info:

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/236306

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/168568

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/121944


The short version is to replace the Lux1/3 with a SSC P4 U-bin LED, straight drop-in, works with the TIR, but the beam is round instead of square, still no spill though. Twice the lumens (although it won't look twice as bright to your eyes) with same runtime. A better option is use the SSC P4 + 20mm reflector (IMS 20, Khatod 20, McR-20S) + 22.8mmx2mm UCL lens. This gives a nice traditional spot & useful spill beam.

Putting a Cree XR-E will require more work because the LED pocket on the heatsink is round, not rectangular like the XR-E. You'd have to dremel it out. And none of the reflectors I listed above will work properly with a XR-E. I think you'd need a McR-19XR or maybe a Fraen XR-E reflector for proper focus, but I'm not sure if it will fit in the head because the reflector is so long.

You are correct, the McR-19XR must be cut down to fit.

+1 on AA's comments. SSC reflector is a great mod for the KL1. I think mine has the IMS 20 in it. Much more useful beam. Milky modded mine, used a piglet board so mine is 1 cell only. Have fun!

I have three modded KL1's right now. One with a U2 Seoul and the stock optic, one with an older Seoul and a McR20S and my EDC uses a high CRI Seoul and a McR20S. The stock electronics can run on 3-9V so you get pleanty of cell options. I love this mod so much I gave one to my Mom and she actually uses it everyday:thumbsup:

The two black KL1's I modded actually had a nice tint stock. The green ones all had the nasty blue tint. I was never a fan of the square beam so even just a SSC emitter swap is a great upgrade. For my use a reflector works better so I prefer to swap the optic too. Either way you'll bring new life to your KL1.... Good Luck.