Hi all,
I am considering a couple of lights for my first 18650 purchase. I like the look of the Xtar B01 and the Solarforce L2T. They use the same LED and have similar output and features(I like the 3 mode option in both). I have no experience with either product and could use some help. Also, any suggestions for similar lights would be appreciated.
Cheers
The Solarforce is eminently more moddable down the line, when emitter technology advances or you would like a change. This is one of the major benefits of the "P60" system.
Plus, you'll get a Gold Star from Foy. 
For the ultimate in flexibility, please consider the Solarforce L2M. You can run it in 'shorty' config with a single RCR123, or 'standard' mode with 18650s.
Can't go wrong with an L2T or L2M along with a proper drop-in!
Xtar B01.
I stumbled over the Shadow VG-10 a few days ago and think it plays in the same league as the Solarforce lights, build quality seems to be good and the size is comparable.
I really like P60 format but due to its thermal path limitation, you can’t run an XM-L continuously as well than with a flashlight that has a pill screwed down into its body. P60 format works great with an XP-G if you wrap the drop-in in aluminum or copper to fill the gap between the body and the drop-in.
I like the L2P for the HA-3 coating. It is tough as nails and looks and feels like quality. Most P60s are not over driven so you can in fact run XM-L until the battery runs dead as long as you are not pushing it to it’s limit. I have come to enjoy a good under driven light because they don’t get as hot and battery life is long.
Just my quick take:
If you like other L2 models but would like the HAIII finish of the L2P, you can buy components separately and lego together and end up with a “custom” light with HAIII tailcap and head, and just the battery tube is HAII. This one of the beauties of the SolarForce line.
Also, in terms of P60 drop-ins, I recommend a good over-driven XM-L with multiple brightness modes. You can run it on medium and enjoy the usable brightness of the high mode of an under-driven light. For example, I get a little over 1.5A or so on medium and can run it for many many hours without a heating issue. But I always have the option of the 3A high mode for short periods, and it’s pretty awesome.
Both are great makers and you can’t go wrong with either but since you mentioned my favorite Solarforce, the L2T (with the same drop in I started with even) I have to suggest the SF.
I have an old B-01 with an XP-E Q5. Got it as kit with an Xtar MP1 charger, holster and 1800mAh Xtar battery.
Although I was quite disappointed with it - very small hotspot compared to XM-L, and quite ringy, it was very cheap (UK£15), and would make a good introduction to 18650’s for the price. I’ve since bought an L2, L2M and L2P, so I guess I’d go with SF. Heat is a problem with highly driven drop-ins, but they do feel nice, and the quality is much better, in my opinion, than the cheaper Xtar.
Yes, beam iz ringy with XR-E. But with XM-L is ok. And Xtar B01 can survive 2,2A without overheating for 1h+, and 3A for 10min.
(pictures taken with phone, so the color is not right. It is 7c tint)
Thanks for all the helpful advice. My OCD kicked in and I had to order the SF L2P HA3 3mode with the XM-L. Yes, I just ordered it at 2:00am. Now I just have to wait patiently 
. Also ordered a Xtar WP2 II charger and 4 panny 3100mah pcb 18650’s.
The good news is that the wait from Solarforce is often shorter than the wait from other Chinese dealers (unless you get it before the batteries arrive - that is frustrating).
Oh, you will be happy with your choice. Send me hate mail when you get your stuff and are disappointed. (I’m not worried at all).
Both !
I’m sure there won’t be any hate mail. Pretty confident in my decision. Also, SF was super fast to confirm and ship my order. Great experience so far.
Hey old - I’m gonna just get one light….for now.
Well , no wrong choice to be made ! + SF does pretty much Rock , heck I own enough of them !
Get both!
It is, after all, the best way to learn 
A week ago I got this.
Great experience/products from HID Canada.
Last Tuesday I got this.
I am a pretty happy camper. I can see more SF products in my future.
Is it wrong that I now want a smaller pocket light and maybe a 2*18650 thrower? 
Why can’t I get the image thing to work?