Yep, I also need a little help with my first XML ^^

Best bet on an AR lens is to get one from KD for ~$2. As far as differences between MF and SF drop-in:

-No party modes on the MF drop-in

-MF drop-in will be a hell of a lot brighter. The SF drop-in is run at reduced current whereas the MF drop-in will give you an honest 3A.

There is no point in buying an L2P from USA if you are located in Europe, buy from HK, cheaper and faster.

You should improve the heatsinking with aluminium strips (better than foil), but you still won't have good enough heatsinking to run it on full for extended periods of time (unless maybe if using it outside when it's very cold).

I have two Solarforce drop-ins (not XM-L though) and both are rather crappy, so I wouldn't bother with them.

+1

But i would also consider the skyray body at 7,99 which is very nicely made if you happen to like the looks.

Would also pay the 2usd worth of multilayer coard lens from KD.

I have that setup (actually have two, the other is the infamous 504B new style that i happen to like alot)

Both KD lensed and manafont 3 H-M-L dropin with SMO reflector.

You can't go wrong. The genuine solarforce L2(xy) are probably the best budget P60 hosts. Comes at a bit highr price. I have clones and one genuine to compare. If you're not picky both work the same way but you can feel the genuine solarforce is better made.

If you get the Solarforce L2i, do you still need the lens from KD?

It's not a really a need but it's kinda "pimp my torch" category. A 8-12% more light transmittance was mesured by those who swapped generic lenses for those. I consider it the best and easiest upgrade for cheap. Occasional users will probably not bother.

I like that, 'Pimp my Torch' category. So instead of the word mod you can say, 'hey guys, I just pimped my torch with a manafont xml'. :bigsmile:

LOL...thanks for that

:P

As someone who just ordered the MF drop in and Solarforce host last week, I'm interested in knowing what an AR lens would do for the combo, and if someone had a link to one. I've looked on KD and there are a bunch of lenses. I'm pretty new, obviously, and just trying to learn...thanks!

Dave

Dave,

Here you go....

http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1766

http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9064

This information was given to me by the guys on here. I have not ordered either lens yet but I believe several have ordered the second type but the first one would fit also. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

I got these and i'm not alone:

http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9064

Very happy with.

I just ordered 3...thanks a lot guys...I love this forum!

Dave

Maybe this is he XM-L we should be buying

TrustFire X-Series X8 CREE XM-L T6 LED 5-Mode Aluminum Torch

Really useful this post! Me and SashiX are searching for (almost) the same light! I have a little lower budget (0-22 dollars) .
I have to thank you Sashix because you found flashlight that i don't.
I was going for DX 504 but now i have more choice. Also KD Manta ray L2 don't seems to be bad.
Two doubt..

- the difference in lumen between DX 504 (500) and KD Manta Ray (1000) is only for the board?

- One of these is more balanced between flood and thrower or are all mostly thrower?

Sorry if i use sashiX post for my questions...

Someone who has both MF dropin and C8 or J01, can you compare them? If I remember well, Don has both of them. And that Don's thread with big shots of various lights... have to find it.

Nah, Davx, no prob ;) Firstly I thought using your post would be a great idea, because as you said, we are both looking fot (almost) the same light. Created this because of wider choice. Well DX 504 is a new light, nobody have it. And that KD Manta neither, I think So dunno you will got answer shortly.

Crap, man. For $00,00 I want 10 of them... no, 50 :bigsmile:

I got the L2i with the Manafont T6 XML drop in. It is really really bright, but turns hot quickly...so have to wrap foil around the drop in. The KD C8 would be my next buy.

I have both the MF XM-L drop-in and the KD C8. They are both very bright but the C8 has more throw and better heat sinking. I have the MF wrapped in aluminum strips in an L2P it is crazy bright. It is brighter and with its smooth reflector has better throw than the KD XM-L drop-in. It also heats up much faster than the C8. If you just want a bright flashlight, then get the C8. If you want to 'pimp your light' with different accessories or upgrade to newer LEDs down the road then I recommend a P60 host and the MF drop-in.

Don't forget that most P60 host tail switches will NOT be able to handle 3+ amps and will burn out.

Yep, I think it's because of the bigger reflector. But... it's an OP reflector :| So if it would be SMO reflector, trhow will be much better. Interesting :p

Thaks for the info ;) Al least we know that L2 can handle MF dropin.

L2? No. L2P? Probaby.

See for example http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1691#comment-26422