I now have several Pelican M6 LEDs, and two Surefire L1 Digital Lumamax.
Despite the higher price (over $100 for the Surefire, although I only paid $79 due to a sale), the beam color and pattern is clearly inferior on the Surefire. One L1 has a bright purple beam--its actually kind of pretty, but for a "white" LED there is no excuse for such a color tint. The other L1 has a blue-purple hotspot with green corona--exceptionally "ugly" beam IMO. The beam also has slight rings and blotches in the corona--probably due to optics rather than a textured reflector.
OTOH...all but one of my Pelian M6 LEDs have exceptionally white beams. The one that is not exceptionally white, is still very white except when compared side-by-side with another Pelican M6 LED (it has a slight green tint). All have excellent beams (no rings, blotches, etc).
Construction-wise, the Surefires feel more well made, no doubt about that. But, to place such a POOR/INFERIOR bin luxeon into such a well made light is silly, IMO.
If Surefire puts nice white luxeons in the L1, it will be a winner. I LOVE the two stage switch and ditigal regulation.
Until Surefire does, I'm going to keep stocking up on more Pelican M6 LEDs....they are such great lights (especially in terms of beam quality and color) for the price. Can't wait till the 3 watt Pelican M6 LEDs come out.....
BTW....Is there actually a reason WHY Surefire is using inferior LEDs in the L1?
Despite the higher price (over $100 for the Surefire, although I only paid $79 due to a sale), the beam color and pattern is clearly inferior on the Surefire. One L1 has a bright purple beam--its actually kind of pretty, but for a "white" LED there is no excuse for such a color tint. The other L1 has a blue-purple hotspot with green corona--exceptionally "ugly" beam IMO. The beam also has slight rings and blotches in the corona--probably due to optics rather than a textured reflector.
OTOH...all but one of my Pelian M6 LEDs have exceptionally white beams. The one that is not exceptionally white, is still very white except when compared side-by-side with another Pelican M6 LED (it has a slight green tint). All have excellent beams (no rings, blotches, etc).
Construction-wise, the Surefires feel more well made, no doubt about that. But, to place such a POOR/INFERIOR bin luxeon into such a well made light is silly, IMO.
If Surefire puts nice white luxeons in the L1, it will be a winner. I LOVE the two stage switch and ditigal regulation.
Until Surefire does, I'm going to keep stocking up on more Pelican M6 LEDs....they are such great lights (especially in terms of beam quality and color) for the price. Can't wait till the 3 watt Pelican M6 LEDs come out.....
BTW....Is there actually a reason WHY Surefire is using inferior LEDs in the L1?