Review: Solarforce L2r

Nice review Foy! Impressive macro photography there of the knurling and machining. Frontpage'd and Sticky'd.

So, I'd have to agree that this is a stellar deal for a nice flashlight. But I personally can't get into the 2xAA format. Too long and unweildy for me. I'd personally prefer a 1xAA from Solarforce.

You can do 1xAA in an L2i or L2 with a 15mm spacer. It's rattles in the L2, but it's tight enough in the L2i that it doesn't rattle. Surprisingly, 1 eneloop is surprisingly bright with the 0.7-4.2v drop-in - not as bright as other options, but still useful.

Of course, this gives you the size of an 18650 flashlight with the brightness and energy capacity of a 1xAA flashlight, so it's not as nice as a dedicated 1xAA solution would be.

Hmmm interesting solution. Thanks for mentioning it!

I wouldn't mind a mini-Solraforce that uses a single CR123.

I've just ordered a mini-p60 host that Ultrafire makes, looks to be a nice sized light that you can still mess with.

L2m?

L2M with two way clip makes it a very handy light and you also have the option to go 18650 as well.

Not to mention, the newer (post-2010) models can run 18350s for a nice increase in cell capacity over 16340-sized rechargeables.

Do they still have the 2 way clip for the L2M?

Do you mean this one ?

Nice sturdy clip got mine from SBFlashlights since there based in TX and i was not willing to wait that long.

Try as I might and as good as the L2r is, I'm just not feeling the love for what is actually a very good flashlight. Load it up with a couple of 14500s behind an XM-L and the L2r will definitely run with the big dogs. Mostly it's just boring, I guess. It was a perfect holder for making Foybezels but as a flashlight, it sits empty on my shelf covered in dust.

Not much to update on this guy. Maybe I'll like it one day.

worthlesspostFoy

there is one more battery option besides 2xAA and 2x14500... a little bugger called the 14250 = 4x14250

Hey Pulsar, that is pretty cool. I never thought of something like that.

awesomeFoy

Thanks Vectrex. A little to rich for a clip for me. Maybe someday...

me either til now... i dont know nothing about p60s, but i imagine with the right driver/led config, you could have a pretty amazing light

ecig and torch tech meet again lol

While waiting for my L2T, 2011 version L2 and other such nonsense and . . . because I'm oddly excited about having 1,000 posts (never had that many and probably not that many even combined) I've been playing with some of my favorites (L2i) and while taking a break from packing today, I'm having a another look at my much ignored L2r.

Some may recall that, right out of the envelope my L2r became a handy hand-hold during the learning curve creating the first Foybezels. Its length and compatibility was perfect for taking down so many bezels and I eventually succeeded in making its head unfit for use. Following this ignoble service, months of shelf time occurred but this afternoon I screwed on a spare head in good condition, dropped in the 5-mode XP-G I had in there before and discovered once again, how great the L2r is.

Chest height moving boxes are perfect for Sunday afternoon flashlight photography.

This R5 drop-in from Manafont is 8.4 volts max, ideal for a 2 x 14500 configuration and the slender body might also be ideal for slender hands.

I Foyed the tail cap to match the bezel and I'm a sucker for boot-bling.

One thing that probably does not matter to most people is the sometimes slight machining bug-a-boos of budget hosts. Solarforce is mostly pretty good about the knurling cross-hatching continuing into the flat nameplate area.

The above is one side of my L2r and below is the other . . .

This is how nearly all Solarforce tubes I have look; consistent knurling (however aggressive it happens to be) and sharp definition at the edge. Aluminum machining and finish work are some of what makes Solarforce a superior product.

Here's a better look at the XP-G. This bright, long running, 5-mode drop-in is perfect for bike use.

In this comparison groupie, the L2r's slender tube and extra length can be seen. I plant to take my L2r to work with me the next few days to see what kind of run time I get with the 14500s and possibly discover if my heretofore 2nd string torch is more than just part of an impressive bench.

redundantFoy

Update - From the department of keeping-it-real . . .

Used the L2r today at work . . . as configured . . .

it sucks.

dontbuyitFoy

Can you please expand on the reason why...Im a flashligh noob, and seriously this was going to be my next flashlight on payday...

But if you say is sucks it must have a problem with it - thanks.

Sorry, revenge for not watching this thread -

I guess I'm spoiled because even with two 14500s, it just was not bright enough to justify the extra length sticking out of my shorts side pocket. I didn't like how small the boot felt when clicking it on and I couldn't get used to its thin shape in my hand. It might make a great XR-E torch running primaries but those kind of lights lack the ooh-ahh factor that has become important to me. There was nothing inherently wrong wih it - terrific flashlight but not for Foy. That doesn't mean you won't like it.

Foy

Is it possible to fit a Mc Clicky into an L2R tailcap? Or are they’re any other tailcap options for the L2R?