Solarforce P1d: What a Difference Metal Makes
Followers of Foyreviews (a declining number these days, perhaps) will recall my lack of affection for the P1d's Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic predecessor. There was nothing wrong with the original P1 and there still isn't. And I still don't like it. The P1d by comparison, is enraptured bliss. I think it is Solarforce's best effort to date and it might be the finest P60 host available. Period.
Foyapproved +
Bottom line: The P1d is not a budget host and it is not just a mold copy of the P1. Both visually and in the hand, its heavy aluminum construction and elegant design screams high-end quality. With the latest drop-in modules pushing thermal limits of the original P60 design, the P1d's heft seems to absorb and wick away heat from even the most powerful modules. Of course machine work is spectacular, type 3 hard anodozation is second to none and the attention to detail will leave you smiling with proud satisfaction every time you see and touch this exquisite and beautifully unique flashlight. Transformation from plastic to aluminum; bravo, Solarforce.
What I like:
- not merely a metal copy of original P1
- ergonomics
- heft
- finish
- head-standing night light duty
- aesthetics
- included 16340 sleeve
What I do not like:
- does not tail stand
- price
- lanyard ring spins freely between tail cap and body
- won't accept a Foybezel
Solarforce P1d P60 Flashlight Host (black)
$33.99 Solarforce Sales http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=FB&s=49&id=515
(as of 11-24-12, price reduced to $31.99)
ordered: 11-3-12
received: 11-14-12
designed for 2 x CR123/16340 or 1 x 18650 battery
mil-spec T6061 aluminum construction
type III hard anodization
non-tail standing tactical, forward clicky tail cap switch with 14mm black boot (rated to 3 amps)
strengthened "ultra-clear" coated (both sides) glass lens
"submersible to 2 meters"
"impact resistant to 1.5 meters"
length: 136mm
head diameter: 34mm
tube diameter: 27mm
weight: 110g (empty)
what you get for $33.99:
- P1d host including head/glass lens, main tube and tail cap/switch
- CR123/16340 white plastic sleeve
- stainless steel lanyard ring
- extra black boot and clear o-ring (1)
My P1d arrived in perfect condition eleven days after ordering. Retail packaging included the flashlight, CR123/16340 sleeve, a stainless steel lanyard ring, an extra black boot and one clear o-ring.
Included swag is largely inconsequential but most customers appreciate it, nonetheless. Because the tail cap end does not screw up flush against the flashlight body when fully threaded on, the lanyard ring spins freely in between. Not necessarily a bad thing but, I don't like it.
As you can see, the P1d is not the result of molten aluminum poured into the mold instead of polymer. Dimensions are similar but in use, these are two completely different flashlights. Solarforce says the P1 is 68g while the P1d comes in at a sturdy 110 grams. The metal tube can be seen through the "ventilating design" on the P1; they are elongated and elegant on the P1d. It is derivative but it is not merely a metal copy of a P1, it is a much better interpretation of that light
Perhaps due to production lot differences, my black version is matt like an L2T but it is not black like an L2T. It has a hint of brown and it is gorgeous. Although I'm unwilling to try a real test of surface durability, anecdotal rolling on cinder blocks suggest the "HA III" is game for serious abuse. Like everything about this torch, the feel is unbelievably expensive.
One thing the P1d shares with the P1 is the unfortunate space between body and tail cap. During disassembly, for fun I screwed on the empty tail cap and it does look much better flush against the flashlight tube. I could not find a single nick, burr or even the slightest hint of sloppy machine work. It is absolutely flawless; inside and out and from any angle, no matter how close you look.
This is flashlight art folks; understated perfection.
Solarforce sites say "waterproof design" and the box says submersible to two meters. No rating is mentioned but static testing in the Foylabs "depthsink" (bathroom sink) and dynamic use in the shower with Foy indicates the P1 is easily IPX-7 or better.
A top host needs a top drop-in and they don't come much brighter than the 2-mode hand-howitzer, E1320's Egrenade 3.7. If the name sounds hokey that's my fault; Erik didn't name it but the Egrenade will blow the doors off any module anywhere near its price. The Egrenade 3.7 makes the P1d's performance equal to its looks and quality.
Partially disassembled with included kit. Note "P1" (not 'P1d') and serial number location . . .
Foy likes clear o-rings almost as much as red ones. Does o-ring color matter? Of course it does but pragmatic men of sound logic rarely discuss such things.
This kind of lathe work is hard not to admire . . .
Silky smooth threads are square on both ends . . .
Maybe a little more so on the tail cap threads.
Seemingly insignificant but I do notice things like the inside edge of the head having a slight chamfer. Sharp edges are limited to the cuts at the top of the head, around the bezel. Hardly an issue.
Inside the tail cap edge is similarly smooth.
The P1d is Foy's new favorite. Not sure if its $34 price will be justified by all but I can tell you I don't regret buying it. It's the best host I own and as far as I'm concerned, it is the S-class Mercedees-Benz of P60 hosts.
6-24-13 update
I got another P1d. I use the other one so Foy needed a shelf queen . . .
Same included kit: host, 16340 sleeve, stainless lanyard ring, black boot and a single clear O-ring . . .
Same unbelievably awesome quality. To those perhaps unaware, Foy thinks the P1d is the best P60 host. Period.
That's what I said, the best.
whathesaidFoy
