The nice thing about the Z-1 is it has same-as-last-time-mode-memory, and just three levels (medium, bright, and blinky)
Also the Z-1 head fits on the Z-2 (AA) battery tube and works perfectly fine with a NiMH as well as with li-ion powering it
(the Z-2 has five modes, next-mode-memory, and a switch I wore out in a year of frequent use, with all the stupid clickery required to get the right brightness)
So I’m very happy with my Z-1-1/2.
Sent the Z2 head off a few days ago to someone who may have better luck than I in modding or repairing or finding some use for it.
Main problem with both Z-1 and Z-1 (and their clones the “Moon M-5” and “Moon M-6”) is the parts are pressure-fit and unmoddable.
EDIT: that’s for lights bought several years ago; below descriptions of the current different Z-1 and Z-2
Just an FYI Hank, (no idea about the clones) but the Z1 definitely unscrews. The pill screws into the head (glued but threaded) and the switch guts screw in too (down threw the body). In the link I posted CC mentions his tail cap’s were press fit but mine I just got last week were screw together everything.
I'm still happy with my P60s... they are a great form factor, and inexpensive learning tool. My go-to belt-holster light is a P60 host because they are good performers and convenient sizes. My other lights are too big for carry. Even a C8 is bigger than I like for wearing on my belt.
My advice:
Buy a few empty P60 pills with a combination of OP and SMO reflectors for XP-G and XM-L sized emitters
Buy a handful of emitters in varying tints on 16mm boards
Buy a few 105C/Qlite style drivers
...and get to modding!
Now where's Flashlight Foy when we need some informed SolarForce opinions!
Got this pair direct from Solarforceflashlight-sales.com, fastest shipping I’ve ever had from anywhere in china (they’re always fast but this time was 5 days, ordered 8/13, got here 8/18). It may be because they messed up my last order but they also included a free SS P60 clip too.
I’m very happy with the build quality and the fact the tail comes apart (I had read it didn’t). The ONLY thing I don’t like is the driver, I would hate it had I planned on keeping them stock but these were bought as build hosts so it doesn’t bother me at all.
I also placed my order directly with SolarForce. Prices were great and shipping is only $2!! I couldn’t believe shipping of $2 from Hong Kong so I expected it would take a month for the package to arrive but it arrived here on the East Coast on the 8th day. I tracked the package the whole way and was amazed at the speed.
The modes change instantaneously, but if I click too fast the mode doesn’t change. The click has to be slightly slow and deliberate. I’d prefer a memory but for this tiny but powerful light I don’t mind and I carry it everywhere even when I have a P60 in my backpack. This light is so small and light I have no excuse but to carry it everywhere.
I also received the SS clip. They are giving them to all orders over $20. Wish they would give us our choice of gifts. I’d rather have some other pieces like spare bezels, or body extensions.
I like the blue . May have to get a spare in blue.
Well you have hit on something. I’m not really interested in a pocket lighthouse although some of them are quite impressive. I like the Solarforce L2 series. They have the right look, feel and balance for me. But I agree with you I would like to push the drop in a bit to get the most bright out of the light even if it means a shorter battery life (within reason). I’d just like to push it another 20% or so. But although doing this is not impossible. I just don’t have the time, or mechanical skills to learn all this and do the work. Unfortunately, it seems all the modders are looking to build pocket lighthouses. What we need to invent is a drop in with pop in interchangeable parts so people like me could mod our lights easily.
it depends on what you’re looking for. p60’s are easy to put together quickly. I was looking at those but then read more and decided to choose a host, driver and emitter. I will say that on our recent trip to Florida, we went crabbing on the each at night… tons of LED lights but nothing compared to my light which is a convoy s2 with a qlite driver and xm-L2. it was less than 20 bucks. I do agree that the group buy blf light looks like a winner
