I need Solarforce L2 advice, new to Solarforce and too much to learn.

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

Thinking of going to Solarforce L2 but know next to nothing about them.

I would use 18650 only so no need for cr-123 function.

My questions are:

1. Where is the best place to get them?
2. Do I just buy a host and drop in or are there more parts I need?
3. I want a XM-L two mode or three mode. High, low or hi, med, low.

2

1. I prefer the one stop shop convenience of going direct to Solarforce
2. Host & drop are all you need; plus batteries, of course.
3. They have a 3 mode XM-L with your name on it

Not asked, but…

4. They have some nice combo packages; some even have batteries and chargers.
5. I’d consider getting a drop-in from E1320

3

1. http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com

2. Yes.

3. Buy one from Solarforce or better DICK: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/2707

/edit: curse you cone! :P

/edit: But hawhaw Shadowww :D

4

1. http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/
2. Host/dropin is all you need for basic config, but some people like getting custom bezels, custom tailcaps, custom switches etc.
3. http://www.intl-outdoor.com/xml-u2-p60-dropin-module-p-336.html

5

I get a lot of Solarforce drop ins sent to me to be repaired with burned out drivers. I would look elsewhere for a drop in.
This ones nice.
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-cree-t6-3mode-memory-led-dropin-module-42v-max-p-5178

6

Or if you want to receive it in 3 days not 3 weeks then you can order from lighthound. They have l2 hosts and a drop-in that sounds perfect; high, med, low with memory.

http://www.lighthound.com/Solar-Force-XM-L-Drop-In-3-Mode-37--84-Volts_p_4066.html

http://www.lighthound.com/Solarforce-L2-Host-for-18650-Battery--Body-with-Head-and-Switch-all-Black-Type-2-Anodized_p_2629.html

7

I echo what others have said. This is what I would do.

  1. Buy direct from SF. They ship fast (10 to 15 days to Canada on average) and prices are not marked up like some resellers.
  1. Buy a drop in (intended to be modded) at DX, DD, MF, KD or where-ever. I don’t care where I buy the drop-ins so long as I know what the tint is with the LED. I used to like the U2 drop in (under $12) at KD as it’s a tad bit brighter than the XM-L T6 bin ones. http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S009990 These days I like a variety of tints based on the task.
  1. Buy and put a linear driver (AMC7135) and pick your own modes. The 105c 2.8A or the KD v2 3.0A drivers are both really easy to solder. I mostly use the v2 from KD now as I find they are cheaper (especially if you buy 5 at a time) and easier to solder.

Obviously you can’t beat a custom built drop in with custom programming but beggers (me) cant be choosers. I’ve always wanted to try one of E1320 custom drop ins.

The best stock drop in that’s reasonably priced is the one from Intl-outdoor. http://www.intl-outdoor.com/xml-u2-p60-dropin-module-p-336.html You can pick your tints and have a few modes to choose from. They’re $23-24. So if you can’t solder, this is the best option. It’s a pretty nice drop in and well put together. It comes with with thermal & voltage protection.

8

HAHAHA! I’m almost always on the other side of that battle. The really funny part is that my wife called me to dinner and I almost let my post sit there “unsaved”; but I risked punishment and pressed on for the win. WooHoo!

I can confirm that what E1320 said about SF drop-ins taking a crap prematurely is entirely accurate; not that anyone would doubt E. One of the six that I own died after only a few minutes of use.

Which reminds me again. I still have to arrange to send mine north for repairs.

9

I grant you this one. :P

10

I’ve bought my Solarforce lights from SBFlashlights.com. Jason is a great guy to deal with and he’s right here in Kalifornia!

11

I’m very impressed with http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/

I put through an order on the 5th of June (L2P), was sent out the very next day, and arrived at my doorstep in Australia on the 14th of June. I’m slightly annoyed that Manafont took 2 extra days to ship the drop-in that I’m putting in it, which means I wont be able to properly enjoy my new toy until next week sometime :frowning:

12

You got a lot of information, which answer all your questions. Now here are my most-like accessories:

Belt clip: $4,50
http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=FA&s=17&id=56

Premium SS Bezel:
http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=FA&s=15&id=180

13

sbflashlights charges more on the solar force stuff, strangely direct from solarforce has the cheapest pricing…

14

My thoughts are that if you don’t mind waiting about 10-15 days, buying direct from Solarforce is the way to go. If you’re here in the USA and like dealing with someone local and want to really help local business, than Lighthound or SBFlashlights are excellent choices to get Solarforce flashlights and parts…yes you pay a little more, but for some people it’s worth it based on time and peace of mind. I’ve ordered from Lighthound before and always had solid service and fast shipping, but the cheap side of me nowadays has more order mostly from overseas.

15

+1 on Solarforce module resiliency. Drank the SF host Kool-Aid, not so much with thier drop-ins, although many people have had great luck with them. I'll never buy another.

I fried a Solarforce SST-50 that E fixed and then I fried it again 30 minutes after opening the envelope. (I also destroyed an SST-50 from Manafont so bad E couldn't fix it) I have a dead single mode XM-L and another that is dim/almost dead. The funniest part with these XM-L's is they died yet neither of them ever pulled much more than 1.8 amps when new.

sku5720Foy

16

how much does solarforce charge for shipping to usa?

17

$2 per order

18

efffin nice! beats ebay prices too!!! sweeeeeeeeet

19

They are on ebay too .

their name on ebay is ITC

international trading company

sometings stuff is cheaper or more expensive and ebay is free shipping afaik

edit: one thing is for certain ..their website is one of the hardest to navagigate on the planet and descriptions baffle the mind ..if you don't understand what they mean ... join the club

20

oh really? i didnt know that was solarforce. LOL yeah their descriptions is crazy its put in random order and you have to double check to make sure its the right part or else you may be stuck with it…