Actually, I was thinking of going with the U2 from KD as well for my next P60. It's $10 and is Foy approved. I can put up with the flashy modes at that price. I don't mind as much if it's not my EDC light. Even if I don't notice much more brightness over the T6 at least I'm saving about $6 :) (Note: I do have the MF XM-L T6 3-mode in a SF and love it!)
I honestly don't know how they sell those so cheap they charge more than $10 for the bare emitter. I am not a big fan of the 5 mode driver that comes on that drop in, but for the price I would not complain.
Why is it that the 5-mode version of the U2 drop-in from KD doesn't accept as wide a range of voltage as the 1-mode? Is that a limitation of drivers in general, or is it simply the way those two in particular were made?
I don't get it either. It does appear to be a different emitter based on Foy's demonstration but how could it be cheaper than the popular T6 A1 drop-in, let alone ~37% cheaper! That's the only reason I'd ever get a 5-mode driver with blinkies.
I have put quite a few U2 XML drop ins together and they are no brighter to the naked eye than a T6. I would not let that be a selling point. The 5 mode driver they use in that drop in is a piece of crap the Manafont T6 3 mode drop in is much brighter. The KD 5 mode only pulls 2-2.5 amps on high were the Manafont averages 3-3.5 depending on the batteries used so there is some value in the Manafont drop in for a couple bucks more.
Maybe you talked me out of it then. I was just going for something different. I was gonna approach you about a U2 drop-in but I probably can't afford you, haha (except the custom driver I already inquired about, but I'm not ready for that anyway).
they will just show up unannounced soon enough anyway . there is only one place to buy solarforce ..from solarforce ..there are others that sell real solarforce just NONE cheaper .. if it's cheap it's a fake ..Always spend a few bucks more for the real solarforce .
I bought my L2T from www.sbflashlights.com with coupon 5% off code: SBCPF
Got the host for $21.55, Texas to my house in 2 days with cheapest USPS shipping!
If you are in the USA stick with the US dealers for quicker service and an actual return policy that doesn't include shipping anything back to China. I think his price was only $1 or $2 more than solarforce-sales.com
Great host you will like it no matter where you buy it from.
It works out to $2.55 more, shipped. If you're only looking for an L2T host and you live in the USA then this is the route to go, imo. I'd gladly pay $2.55 more for a local seller, fast shipping and the peace of mind having local customer service. It's a no-brainer.
I've also seen solarforce has a 3mode XML T6 drop in now but they rate higher run time 2.5hrs so that makes me think their current on High is lower than MF's.
Did anyone measure the current draw on the authentic solarforce XML T6 dropin?
Another question about the drivers in these two modules:
Does MF's dropin has a memory function, like solarforce's?
I would also like to order from one place and preferably local in US so if solarforce dropin turns out to pull good 3A then i can safely order from www.sbflashlights.com or lighthound.
If it pulls 2A or less i guess i'll have to order from MF and wait anyway.
Solarforce's tailswitches are actually pretty good. The ones that protrude are designed to protrude, and the ones that don't are designed with tailstanding in mind.
I can tell you that the U2 drop-in I got from Kaidomain was every bit as bright as the UF T6 from Manafont. See for yourself: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/2110
I liked the tint too and I paid a lot more than $10. If I remember right, U2s had not been available for very long . . . not sure.
Thanks- I want a 3 mode that will tailstand without having to buy an extra switch so I sent them an Email to see if the new L2 which is under $30 tailstands or they can supply it that way.