Right around 2009 a picture and description of the new Surefire LX1 was published in the new (at the time) product catalogue. We waited, and waited, and posted, and waited some more ...and it never happened.
So, I finally got tired of waiting on the fabled LX1 and made a version of my own. With an old LX2 head, a new driver, a HiCRI 3500K domeless XP-L HI, some help from a couple of other Surefire models, and some Lumens Factory parts, I made a LX1 ...ish
The XR-E emitter in the LX2 was always a thrower (by 2007/8/9 standards). You could easily light objects at 150-175 yards with its laser beam like little hotspot. The LX2 had just the faintest hint of spill. Tint on mine was pretty neutral white, no green or blue color shifts. Great old Surefire. Even today, Surefire exudes quality. There are very, very few production lights that give the same feel of overall quality as a Surefire.
Putting a LX2 head on other single cell bodies has alway been a fun, wish-filled trip down Surefire fan-boy memory lane, but always ends the same way. After looking, wishing, thinking, and looking, and wishing, and thinking some more, the LX2 head, goes right back on the LX2 body.
It's been outdated for years, it's single mode only on any body other than it's own, and it's laser beam hotspot isn't great for anything closer than 20 yards. It is a nostalgic light that was great in its own right and it's own time. But, it's probably one of the best looking lights that Surefire has ever made. It's visual design is as amazing as it always has been.
Surefire came out with the EDCL1-T a few years ago, almost certainly, with the intention of fulfilling the expectations of those who longed for the unreleased LX1 and nodding to the L-series heritage. While the EDCL1-T is a good light, it's not what the LX1 would have been. The EDCL1-T's head diameter is larger, body is longer, tailcap is smaller (yet still incompatible with other models), and the excellent visual design aspects are all lost. The function of the EDCL1-T is great, but if you wanted to put out another "gas-pedal" UI out in the modern age of flashlights, why not go back to the future anyway (which was the LX1)? The 2009 styling of the LX1 was very ahead of it's time. It fits in better with "modern" lights than the "EDC" series. Yeah ...yeah, I know, this horse has been beaten to death a few times in the last 12yrs. But, I still have to say it. I'd still buy a LX1 if Surefire released it tomorrow. I'd buy four or five of them!
Anyway, on to the pictures!
I am kicking around the idea of maybe having a few actual "LX1" bodies made. I'm pretty sure it can be pulled off. I'd still really like to have the full package!!
