I understand what you mean but remember (or maybe you didn’t know) that this light started as a request for changes to be made to the L2. Simon kept telling us he would consider all of our requests in the next version. With the number of changes being incorporated I asked that he change the name to avoid more confusion. It’s bad enough that there are technically 3 different models all referred to as the Convoy L2. :–5 So,at least a step was made in breaking that trend.
I must admit, the Thorfire S70 was completely unexpected. It is as you stated, a well made budget XHP70 light… so yes, it certainly is a competitor. I have one. I’m not going to lie. It’s a nice light at a nice price.
That said, it’s not bringing the exact same things to the table. I think the L6 will stand out in a few areas like looks, size, knurling and modes to name a few.
In the looks department I definitely prefer the aesthetics of the L6.
This is just my opinion but the S70 is a bulky monster that comes with what’s essentially a rifle sling to carry it. Most XHP70 lights are huge. To be fair, the S70 might have a bit more heat shedding potential with that giant head but I want to run them both side-by-side before I declare a winner.
The L6 will be a bit easier to carry. Not that it’s exactly compact but it should prove a bit more manageable. It shares the same good looks as it’s little brother L2 with the addition of a very nicely crafted side switch and just a slightly bigger head.
As far as knurling goes, the S70 has some rings on the tube but no knurling at all. The L6 shares the same block style knurling that I love on the L2.
The tactical ring in the L6 is also nicer IMO. That’s one thing I don’t like on the S70. Their tactical ring is a bit too thin and “sheet-metaly” IMO and a bit sharp on the edges.
The L6 will have better mode spacing. The output of the S70 is impressive but the low is too high.
As far as output, the numbers are only estimates but I think it will be in the same ballpark as the S70 but I won’t know until I have it in my hands. The L6 estimated output is 3500 lumens. The S70 is listed as 3000 lumens but I agree with what others have said about it probably being higher than 3000. I have no way to test it though. The L6 is also going to be an awesome host for any of the large die emitters like the MT-G2 and XHP50.
In the end we have two more solid choices in an XHP70 stock light but each offers a few different things. Win-Win for BLF.