The Arc of M . . .
The Solarforce L2M has always been a cute little flashlight. Handy, even. Despite its pocketable size, Foy never warmed to the previous version but a couple of updates later, I've become quite smitten. To review this host, I thought we could look back to see just how improved the new L2M is.
My first L2M was actually a fake, purchased from Kaidomain because it came with an XM-L drop-in, stainless bezel ring and 16340 battery for $20 . . . .
. . . . here it is posing with a real 1st gen L2M and a switch swap. Turns out, the switch on my poser M sucked nearly as bad as the 5-mode Awfultint drop-in it came with. Both were immediately assigned to esprit de dust collectors.
Then, not long ago E1320 told us about the new and improved L2M and sure enough; Solarforce had completely redesigned their little underachiever . . . .
. . . . it now sported looks and features of the very successful, redesigned L2 and L2P. But the new L2M is not just better looking. It is a better flashlight. Foy ordered two more.
An L2M can transform into a number of different torches base on circumstance, battery availability or, in my case, vanity. The redesign turned a great flashlight into a spectacular flashlight. Then, in an unusual move only a few months later, Solarforce gave their new star a face-lift . . . .
The changes are small but the resulting light has Foy asking some important questions. First though, let's take a look . . . .
Least significant, but the first thing noticed is the change from oval to rectangle for the name pad. (for lack of a better term)
More important and long overdue is this handsome new black bezel. Smooth and beautiful; we can only hope the trend will continue as the previous pants-ripper "strike" bezel sucked cold horse dong.
Interesting, is the change from a 14mm switch boot to this larger 16mm boot with the Solarforce name in relief. Also, the new L2M has a forward clicky switch. I have three new version L2M's (pre-'face-lift') and they're all reverse clickies so once again, looks like Solarforce will be charging extra for reverse clickies.
The top of the battery tube has a new lathe cut that appears to have reduced mass. Not really a plus, I suppose . . . .
Knurling looks similar but the new guy feels just a bit grippier. (lighter spot on the new light is actually a flake of cashew on the lens)
Of course, this is a Solarforce so machine work is stunning. Remember; this is a $13 host.
At first glance I didn't think these were square cut but they do indeed seem to be flat on top . . . .
$12.99 Solarforce L2M, 2012 Version, black http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=FB&s=2&id=485
Ordered: 7-1-12
Received: 7-13-12
6061 aluminum alloy
uses one or two CR123/16340 and one or two 18650 batteries
tactical, forward clicky tail cap switch with 16mm boot (Solarforce specs: up to 3 amps)
136mm (length)
89g (empty)
The L2M is fully compatible with all Solarforce L2/L2P accessories and accepts any P60 drop-in module: interchangeable heads, tail caps, bezels, clips, lanyard rings, lens, cones and lantern.
At $13, Solarforce might be shooting themselves in the foot with the new L2M. This host can do everything an L2P does, with the additional ability of multiple battery configurations. L2P's start at $18 and range up to $27.
The Solarforce L2M should be the very first P60 flashlight a budding flashaholic buys.
Foy
