Would somebody be able to explain how these drop-ins would compare to each other? (Solarforce)

Assuming the same host, either a L2M or a L2P running a 1x18650 (AW 3100 ICR).

How would these three drop-in’s compare to each other? (not fussed about modes, just light output, beam, throw, colour, flood).

Thanks :slight_smile:

1. Solarforce 320Lms R5 XP-G Cree Led 3 Mode 0.8V-4.2V Bulb (Orange Peel Reflector)

2. Solarforce 900 Lumens 3-6v P7 Led Bulb for Surefire 6P G2

3. Solarforce 880 Lumens U2 XM-L 3 mode led Bulb for L2 series & Surefire 6P 9P G2 (input volt 2.7-9v)

XM-L one would be brightest, but XP-G most likely would throw a bit better. No idea about tints, but they all will be surely some variation of cool white, except for the P7 which MIGHT be neutral white (but most likely isn’t).

I have two of the XP-G drop ins, I’ve had very good luck with them. They are a low-voltage drop in so you can use a variety of batteries with them, including two AA’s (in the correct host such as an L2r :stuck_out_tongue: ) As far as tint goes, as I recall mine are very white…not warm, not neutral and not blue…just a very nice white color.

  1. will give a tight spot and should throw nicely.
    I would not even consider #2. P7s are old tech and the OP reflector is needed to soften the cross in the beam resulting from the four individual dies, but, the result is a hole in the hotspot. #3 will probably beat it for output anyway.
  2. will give you a large hotspot and brighter spill. It’ll also give you the highest output, but, because you are running it on one 18650 will probably drop out of regulation fairly quickly and start to dim a lot sooner than #1 will. This is due to the driver pushing more current to the emitter, but, also probably because the driver is a buck driver and a freshly charged 18650 is about 4V, so, it’ll run in regulation until something like 3.5V then the light will start to dim.

Would the XM-L (#3) work better on 2xRCR’s due to higher voltage?

Yes

2 RCRs will give your higher startup output. But output may sag very quickly due to the smaller capacity of 16340 batteries. The runtime will be shorter too. So I don’t think 2 16340 will serve you better for XML.

Sorry, this is correct. My previous answer is based on the higher voltage of two RCR123 batteries, but, doesn’t take into account the lower capacity of those cells compared to a good (>3000maH) 18650.

My experience exactly .

Thanks for the help.

So do you guys really think the XP-G would out throw the XM-L consider well under half the lumens, OP reflector and the fact they aren’t tiny tiny diameters?

I ask as I’ve seen a nice blue L2P Solarforce host I’d like, but I’ve already ordered an L2M with the XM-L and I can’t really see the point in having two flashlights with the same emitter doing the same job.

If I didn’t go for this XM-L what would you recommend - anything not just the ones listed.

Cheers :slight_smile:

You will love the L2m .

But now you might consider buying some IMR 18350s for a shorty flashlight option ...