The World's Brightest Meat Tenderizer?
When I first saw this flashlight, I thought it was some kind of freak show. It still seems a little gimicky but I've grown quite fond of it, much as you would a pet snake. After all, there's only so much that can be done to distinguish your L2P from everybody else's. The L2X does not suffer from an identity crisis then, but is it a good P60 host?
Yes sir, it is.
Bottom line: Not a cheap host ($23) and not a "cheap" host, the Solarforce L2X is the real deal. It's a flashaholic's flashlight all the way and there may just be something to Solarforce's claim of better heat management by virtue of increased surface area. The L2X is one solid chunk of a torch. It is a top quality P60 host that is easily worth the asking price and I strongly recommend it without reservation.
What I like:
- completely different aesthetics
- two tail cap o-rings
- unscientific evidence of possible increased heat dissipation
What I do not like:
- plain Jane bezel on an extreme design
- can't think of anything else
Solarforce L2X Special Edition P60 Host from solarforce-sales.com http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=FB&s=6&id=15
$22.99
accepts P60 LED or incandescent drop-in
batteries: 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123/16340
tail standing reverse clickie switch, 16mm boot
T6061 aluminum alloy
"HA III"
Foy finally answers the burning question on everyone's mind: how many damn little squares are on this damn thing?
549
Do they radiate heat better than an L2P?
Surface temperature comparison; L2X and L2P. Both lights used the same 3-mode UltraFire XM-L (unwrapped, pulling about 3.50 amps) and identical Solarforce 2400 battery and were left on high until surface temperature stopped increasing. Maximum temperature at the head:
L2P - 112°
L2X - 142°
I'm no enigineer so, I'll let you decide if this means the L2X draws more heat away from the source. You have to admit, it is interesting that the L2X got so much hotter at the same 3.5 amps.
Solarforce uses the same box for the extended version, reminding that you didn't pony up for the long guy. Even so, Foy likes a nice box.
If there is a negative, it might be this ho-hum bezel but I'm not sure bright bling works on a light like this.
Typical Solarforce machine quality and in case you were wondering, there are 243 squares on the head.
Battery tube square count: 234 . . .
. . . and, 72 squares on the tail cap. By the way, if you're a plaid-and-polka dot kinda guy, the L2X head and tail cap fit the L2/L2P perfectly.
The L2X shares the same "Golden Grade" mil-spec whatever-ya-call-it with the L2P.
Not exactly knife edged but, these threads can't be called square.
Likewise the tail cap threads, not square but you do get two o-rings back here.
Here's how the L2X stands next to Foy's much loved silver L2i.
Solarforce does not list an IPX rating for the L2X other than saying it is a "water-proof design." I took them at their word and after 30 minutes in the shower and 30 more minutes in the sink, the L2X admitted no water.
That's it, folks. This is a good host that takes your favorite drop-in and creates a spectacular flashlight. No kidding; I like this guy way better than the L2T. I'm not saying it's a better flashlight but . . . well, I guess I am saying that because - it is a better flashlight.
youwillloveitFoy