If you have read even a few of my posts you know that I am a huge fan of Solarforce and I make no apologies for my affection toward the brand. With that disclaimer, herewith is my review of the Solarforce L2i.
Bottom line for people that don't like what I write: I give it 4 out of 5 Foys for being almost as good looking as an L2P.
The L2i host is a very satisfying, high quality flashlight. It feels good in the hand and has the precision look of an expensive torch. The reverse clicky looks great in a recessed tail cap that permits tail standing. I did experience some slight water ingress at the base of the head and the bezel. This light is not IPX-8 rated so, perhaps this is not a minus. The only real demerit is the crenelated strike bezel that comes with this light. It serves no real pupose other than looks, which are higly subjective. It snags clothes, almost certainly reduces light output and is generally a nuisance.
What I like:
- build quality
- great finish, machining
- can tail stand
- multiple battery configurations with minor modification <<< update>>> I blew it. An 18650 does fit. It's tight but it does work.
- aesthetics
What I do not like:
- crenealted bezel
- slight water ingress at the head/bezel
- more thoguhtful solution for alternative battery use
Solarforce L2i Grey Innovator AAA Flashlight Host I'm evaluating this host with a Solarforce P7 drop-in using three 1.5 volt standard AAA alkaline batteries.
$7.99 from solarforce-sales.com
- ordered 3-27-11, recieved 4-8-11
- accepts any standard P60 drop-in
- 3 x AAA with provided carrier or 2 x CR123/1 x 18650 (CR123 and 18650 might be a tight fit and may require some modification)
- tail standing tail cap with reverse clicky
- measured 3.15 amps with 3-mode Ultra Fire XM-L and 1 x 18650 <<<update>>>
- measured 2.15 amps with 3-mode Ultra Fire XM-L and 3 x AAA alkalines <<<update>>>
- 132 x 32 x 29mm
aesthetics:
The L2i is a great looking flashlight. It has a beefy appearance with a body that matches the P60 size head better than most 18650 tubes. It is especially attractive from the rear where the recessed reverse clicky button has a quality look with four drilled laynard holes. Knurling is mildly aggressive, covers nearly all of the body and, unlike the L2, the tail cap knurling matches the body. My only complaint is the strike bezel; some may like it but I think a stainless ring is a better choice and is easier on the clothes.
build quality:
This is a very well constructed torch. Fit and finish is superb, the threads feel wonderful and aluminum machining is top drawer. The edges of the knurling is razor sharp with no sloppy cuts that continue into the smooth portion like many other budget hosts. The grey finish on my light looks spectacular and my only concern is how well it stays looking awesome after heavy use.
ergonomics:
If you like P60 sized flashlights you may like the relatively thick tube of the L2i. The three AAA battery case means the main body is nearly as big as the head. To my eyes it's a great look and I love the smaller button inside the recessed tail cap. With three AAAs, it has a rather light, balanced feel and the knurling is almost exactly as aggressive as that found on a Surefire 6P.
performance:
Drop-in selection must be made based on total voltage of the batteries you plan to use. The P7 module I'm using is 6 volts max so, performance from 3 AAA alkalines (total 4.5 volts) could be veiwed as modest. Unfortunately I do not have a means to measure tail cap draw or total light output. A ceiling bounce comparison in my closet however, suggests that my P7 equipped L2i compares quite well to a Quark AA2 Tactical (XP-G/R5) and the beam shots below seem to bear this out. The Quark is rated 180 lumens ANSI so I think it's fair to say we're looking at about 200 lumens for this L2i/P7 combination. Experiment conducted at the Ugly Wall Test facility (my back yard) at about 9:00pm with a 1/4 moon overhead. The cactus plant is 55 feet away and all shots were taken with 1/4 second shutter speed @ f2.8.
Also; I've not had this light long enough to do any run times so, I'm not going to guess. (update to follow)
Control shot.
Quark AA2 Tactical (XP-G/R5) and my other cat, "Marx."
Solarforce L2i with Solarforce P7 drop-in and 3 x AAA alkalines.
During dynamic water testing (took it in the shower with me) I noticed no water getting into the light. After about 20 minutes in the kitchen sink however, a small amount of water began to seep in between the body and the base of the head and also a little came in at the bezel. Flashlight function was not compromised so it is probably safe to say it would be fine in the heaviest downpour.
cost/value:
At $7.99 the L2i is an incredible value. The quality of workmanship, fit and finish and overall feel easily rivals a Surefire at triple or more the price. The Solarforce L2i is perhaps the finest budget 3AAA/P60 host and it might be the best 3AAA/P60 host available at any price.
UPDATE 3-25-12
It's been about a year since I wrote this. I still consider myself a beginer and compared to some of the experts around here, Foy may still be a wannabe-class flashaholic.
When I did this review I owned one "silver" and one black L2i and the Cree XM-L was still a novelty to me . . .
. . . I have five L2is now and I still have my very first. (Mr. Silver, 2nd from the right) These days he sports a 3-mode UltraFire XM-L that pulls three-and-a-half-plus amps from the Reverend's unprotectd Panasonic 18650. An authentic L2i is no longer available and you have to wonder why one of the best P60 hosts ever made couldn't find a reliable market at $7.99. It is this writer's opinion that the Solarforce L2i will be remembered as the most unappreciated P60 value in retail flashlight history.
An L2i is everything an L2 or L2P is with the benefit of added battery versatility. When I first held an L2i in my hand, I remember wondering why anybody would play the GambleFire 50x lottery, at the same price or more when quality better than Surefire could be had for the price of an average battery. The L2i wasn't just good, it was spectacular and if I had any brains I would have ordered a few dozen and sold them for what they are actually worth.
I've always thought my "silver" L2i looked more green than silver. It's pleasing nonetheless and the anodization has been surprisingly resilient.
Anyway, I just wanted to remind all that I still love the L2i and if Solarforce wants Foy's opinion (and I'm reasonably certain they do not) they will bring it back priced at $14.99. At this figure, no one will consider it a throwaway/giveaway and they will sell every one they can make.
predictionFoy