Wow, that’s big. I have 1x18650 lights smaller than the P1A.
Looks like it uses a forward clicky for activation and a head twist to toggle between high and low. Can’t turn it on using just the head though. If that’s a design you like, you might want to consider an EagleTac D25A. It’s quite a bit smaller, has both higher and lower modes, and has several emitter choices. The UI is very similar (tighten head for highest mode), except it uses a reverse clicky instead of forward clicky.
Wow, I’ve never seen a D25A for that much. My titanium one was about $64 IIRC, and my aluminum XM-L2 one was $36. Both were the clicky model though (which usually costs more than the mini), since the twisty model doesn’t have a moon mode.
Yeah, I’m familiar with the Saber. I don’t really like it. The T10S / T10T is the only Thrunite EDC-sized model I’ve ever liked. Just a matter of personal taste though, and I still have complaints about the T10S / T10T.
Thanks for adding your thoughts. It’s really unfortunate that you got one with a flaky switch. Are you going to try to get a replacement?
I agree the clip feels a bit weak, definitely near the weak end of the spectrum as far as clips go. It should work fine for some things, but it’d need to be stronger for a really secure grip.
It’s good to know the Xeno is brighter, and activates in a non-low mode. Those are both things I wouldn’t like, along with its larger size (I have a 1x18650 light the same size as the Xeno E03). According to selfbuilt, its modes are 5.4 / 44 / 130 lm, compared to the L10’s 0.1 / 4 / 30 / 120 lm. Personally, I prefer the lower output… though I’d still like to make “medium” a bit lower (20 lm instead of 30). But I might be atypical since I’m photosensitive. Everything looks brighter to me.
Thanks. But I bought it to gift. I would be reluctant to give something when I don’t trust the clip or the clickie, which presumably they checked before sending this one. Plus, I wish it were brighter and turned on at high.
I can’t tell if the Xeno E03 with 219A is brighter than the L10 219A. The beam profile is quite different on the two, the E03 having a tighter hotspot and it seems brighter. Would be nice if the E03 had better modes on a 14400. High and medium (low they call it) run at 1.5A and 1A so visually, you can’t really tell the difference. Very low is about as bright as high on a NiMH. The L10’s got the spacing right.
Just going to add this… L10C and L10 with their Maratac peers and my most compact 18650 lights (Zebra H60w and H600w MkII) for comparison. All pocketable in my book.
I like the L10C, but I also like running 14500s, so it will probably get a lithium cell and live in my backpack or center console.
Thanks for the great review. Can you tell me was the original L10 4000K, and L10C is 4500K? how accurate are the tints measurements of manufacturers? i really want real 4500K, not 5000K…
The twisty used to use the Nichia 219A which was 4500K. The clicky uses the Nichia 219B which is 5000K. All new Nichia models will use the 219B though.
The 219Bs aren’t strictly 5000K. I’ve never seen one which was quite as warm as a 219A, but they do vary between individual units.
I don’t have a way to measure the exact color temperature, but based on comparing it to other lights with known tint bins, I’d estimate the 219Bs range from about 4600K to 5100K… and that happens to be what I consider ideal, so I consider it an improvement.
Excellent review. Out of curiosity, what size is the tail cap boot, and are there aftermarket boots I can purchase, such as a GITD type by DX and others? First post btw, and because of this review I felt compelled to join the forum.
The boot is… let’s see. About 13.5mm at the widest part of the base, about 9mm inner diameter at the base, about 6mm tall (base thickness is 1mm), and the outer diameter of the cap is about 11mm.
I’m not aware of any aftermarket boots for this, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. It’s definitely smaller than any I’ve personally seen though.
Well, I finally got around to re-ordering a replacement for my original from back in June. I had the light for about a week before the clip gave up on me and it slipped out of my pocket. Definitely my fault for relying on the clip given that I had noticed how soft the metal was, but the clip is no longer an advantage in my mine. The metal is so soft that the clip quickly loosens and bends away from the body rendering it ineffective. For pocket carry, I think I’m going to add a ring and an attachment to my belt so it can’t fall if it slips out of the pocket.
I still really enjoyed the light and I think it’s still one of the better choices on the market (hence, the re-order), but the clip is terrible. Does anyone know how to get feedback directly to L3 Illumination? I didn’t have any luck finding a site for them.
Also, I’d appreciate ideas from anyone with experience on clip metals/performance for a more effective replacement clip.