Quest to replace well-worn Solarforce L2T

Off-topic Chatter
1

Hello again!

For some time, I have tried to find a replacement for my Solarforce L2T.
In service at work from maybe 2011-2012 (after L2m).

This is it:
https://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/products/solarforce-l2t-full-stainless-steel-belt-clip-black-forward-clicky-flashlight-body

(beat up pics I will take later)

I have added SS bezel ring, it turns out the head de-forms less in impacts when it has it.
Running it on XM-L2 dropin, neutral tint with a good programmable driver. Puts out maybe 600-800lm?

So, why is it so hard to replace, you might rightfully ask?
After all, it is so old model…
Known drawbacks are at least

- Bad heat dissipation from dropin

- Overall size and weight not the smallest

- Throw capability poor + deep head/bezel limits spill/flood

  • no internal charging or anything fancy stuff like in todays flashlights…

But why is it, that I still stick with it?
I have not yet spotted (there may be, hopefully) a light that combines such good form factor:

- The tactical protruding switch at back is a MUST, I operate it 100% of time with leather gloves on

- 18650 size is a must because of runtime

- Aggressive clip that “picks fabric up” over the width of the flashlights head is extremely useful. I pick it up and side-pocket it tens of times in a day.

- Ability to replace broken parts. At least Head and Bezel ring have been replaced among one lens I think.

- I need throw 10-20m at MAX (30-60feet) so thrower is not in search. I even use Diffuser in this often.

- Big clip enables it to be used even as a headlamp with Peltor Active headset.

- It really takes the beating well…

  • The “Cigar-Hold” is damn GREAT!!!

The replacement, if I ever find one, needs have most of these.
I understand I cannot find legoable lights other than Solarforce.

I don´t care about heat dissipation (seriously!), I use it on MAX 95% of time BUT I use it only for 5-10secs.
Modes are needed for occasional repair work and in headlamp use.
No need for super-powerful ones, under 1000lm is well enough for close range. It wont hurt though.

PWM is a big NO-NO as is cool tint.

Protruding switch is almost a MUST, as is a good strong clip.

Head of the light cannot be much larger, otherwise it will hardly fit to my dedicated pocket :smiley:

What I have found up to date:

Olight S80

They got this for me at work.
Too throwy, too cool tint.
Worst things are missing clip, terrible to operate gloves on (small switch) and too bulky to carry.
Switch boot gave up in no time, second light now there.

Convoy C8

- recessed switch…

- Head too bulky for proper pocketing

  • clipping issues….

Jetbeam E10R

- Just lacks the runtime and as far as I remember, has PWM

- Very light, you can drop it without noticing

- small, not the most convenient to use with gloves…

  • Turned accidentally ON in pocket several times

Convoy EDC series

  • Otherwise quite nice but they have recessed switch

This COULD be very good:

…but it appears to have PWM even on HIGH and the strobe is super-easy to push on accidentally. Cool tint etc…

Or these:

But I´m not so sure about the clip and operating side switch with gloves.
I will anyway give it a test, order it and have a try.

So.
What are Your suggestions, dear enthusiasts? :sunglasses:
I have probably missed some Gem that is already here?
Point me out, please :smiley:

2

Unno, I like the L2M.

Any particular reason you want to switch from the M and T to something else?

I gotta confess, every light I get, I take all that extraneous crap off (clip and “tactical ring”). Just bugs me…

I like the protruding FC of the L2M like you wouldn’t believe. Haven’t found anything else that has that.

And being able to go from 18650 to 18350 by just removing the extension… priceless.

3

not sure about nitecore SRT-9(or SRT-7) with fancy RGB led
or nitecore R25
i often go with nitecore if i want “Tactical” light

4

I don´t have the L2m anymore.

Well…
No special reason, just for a change, get something new and so on.

Most of my other lights are without clip or “tactical” ring but at work, they just make life easier :smiley:

5

I checked these out but I think the clip is too flimsy and all of them do not even have it.

Anyway, I have a full spare L2T on the shelf, just in case.

Just wanted to try something that could MAYBE BE “Even Better” :wink:

6

Picking up the protruding switch I’d suggest these! Don’t know if they have the tint you’d prefer or even id they’re without PWM, but they have some specs you mentioned at least :wink:

https://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_447183.html
https://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_447184.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-rechargeable-torch-MecArmy-SPX18-CREE-XM-L2-U3-LED-max-1100-lumen-beam-throw-287m/32822592693.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.39.kLSkQV&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4_10152_10065_10151_10068_10344_10342_10343_10340_10341_10304_10307_10301_10137_10060_10155_10154_10056_10055_10054_5470020_10059_10532_100031_10099_5460020_10338_10339_10103_10102_10052_10053_10142_10107_10050_10051_5380020_10326_10084_10083_5370020_10080_10082_10081_10177_10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_143_10312_10313_10314_10078_10079_10073,searchweb201603_2,ppcSwitch_5&btsid=3be614d6-b885-4e17-84df-bc0c2d86e351&algo_expid=4ea9a6b8-9669-4cea-a12b-72fe105a91b4-5&algo_pvid=4ea9a6b8-9669-4cea-a12b-72fe105a91b4
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-rechargeable-torch-MecArmy-SPX18-CREE-XM-L2-U3-LED-max-1100-lumen-beam-throw-287m/32822404793.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.46.kLSkQV&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4_10152_10065_10151_10068_10344_10342_10343_10340_10341_10304_10307_10301_10137_10060_10155_10154_10056_10055_10054_5470020_10059_10532_100031_10099_5460020_10338_10339_10103_10102_10052_10053_10142_10107_10050_10051_5380020_10326_10084_10083_5370020_10080_10082_10081_10177_10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_143_10312_10313_10314_10078_10079_10073,searchweb201603_2,ppcSwitch_5&btsid=3be614d6-b885-4e17-84df-bc0c2d86e351&algo_expid=4ea9a6b8-9669-4cea-a12b-72fe105a91b4-6&algo_pvid=4ea9a6b8-9669-4cea-a12b-72fe105a91b4

7

The older VG10 (not the newer VG10S) had a FC switch, tac ring, clip, all that. Not so with the ’S.

If you can find one, grab it.

8

You talked about VG10, just remembered this one, that has the possibility to choose tint colour between 1A and 3C Leds.
Perhaps it is more pricy than a Thorfire, but worths taking a look:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/2016-Newest-CREE-U4-LED-1000-lumens-glare-flashlight-18650-li-ion-bettery/3008024_32807466291.html?spm=2114.12010615.0.0.7e3d82cevpHfLS

9

Some time ago I would have suggested the Manker Rambler with whom I work well, but now I do not even know if it is sold more

10

Why not just upgrade your L2t with a quad drop in.

http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=804

Your right that the cigar grip on the l2t is really good. I haven’t really looked very hard but I haven’t found anything better. Hard brittle plastic rings break and don’t feel as comfortable. Aluminum ones come close, but nothing beats a nice thick rubber tac ring.

11

Lets see…. :sunglasses:

Cooyoo´s I rule out because of that tail switch & strobe activation combo.

VG10 Looks pretty much it but clip needs to be other way around.
I grind metal sometimes and occasionally weld, lots of dust and other stuff will be collected in there, if kept in pocket Head-Up.
(Otherwise, not at all bad form)

That Manker Rambler, I think that may be really close but I can´t find it in stock.

Upgrading to Quad?
Yes, I admit I have been thinking about it. Would be quite optimal choice but it runs for about 100USD plus minus after shipping and tax, so still thinking. :money_mouth_face:
It´s alot for only an upgrade, on the other hand: I use it at work, a lot and for years so it could be justified.

12

Did you take a look at the Armytek lights?

13

Armytech
Zebra
Was going to say nitecore

or maybe its time for a custom light?

sounds like you get your use out of them?

14

Looks like there is one available in the WTS forum.

15

Go for it. I’m keeping all mine. :smiley:

16

Klarus tactical light maybe?

17

This klarus light looks like it might be a good candidate.

18

Yes! Two switches are maybe not a good idea but we will see.

What is the difference between
XT12S and XT11GT ?

The later one seems to have less throw (possibly better for me) but what other differences, LED seemse to be the same, as head diameter and length.

19

Just thinking…
Olight S80 has 16Kcd and Klarus about 40K.
I found the Olight way too spotty/throwy for close range use :confused: