Ohhhh Yeahhhhhhhh
http://www.lighthound.com/Solar-Force-L2T-Special-Edition-Flashlight-Host-for-18650—L2-Host-Stainless-Steel_p_3992.html
Hi,
Can I ask:
If you get that one you linked, and say this item:
is it just a matter of installing that drop-in, and then the light is complete?
Also, how to install the drop-in? Does it just screw into the host?
Thanks,
Jim
Yes that dropin will work with that host, you unscrew the head and insert the dropin spring first, then screw the head back on. Takes no modding skills, You’ll be able to use two cr123’s, an 18650 or two rcr123’s with no problems 
Hi,
Sorry to ask: So that drop-in has all the stuff like the emitter (ok, obviously), driver, pill, etc.?
Do people do things to mod the drop-ins, like trying to improve heat management (e.g., taking it apart, adding paste, etc.), or, in general, with this type of thing, is it just get the drop-in and install it in the host?
I’ve been meaning to ask for awhile, but a bit embarrassed :(…
Thanks,
Jim
For better heat management, you can wrap the p60 dropin with aluminum foil, here’s the YouTube video
The dropin, is the emitter, driver, reflector and pill all in one. Some people make there own, and there are peeps that make them and sell them
I like it too. Silver and sexy. It’s definitely a collector’s item. :heart_eyes:
Please keep in mind that Stainless Steel is not a good conductor of heat, so when choosing a drop-in for this model a moderate output or even a low output would be wisely considered. A high output drop-in will not have sufficient heat sinking from the host and will more than likely have a short life…or shorter than if it was in an appropriate host.
Solid, shiny, polishable…yeah good looking to say the least! And the price is great!
193 grams, with NO drop in or battery. An aluminum L2 comes in at around 84 gms. I wonder if the weight might not become annoying after awhile.
Ramblings’ review of that harley footpeg is here : Review: Solarforce L2T Stainless Steel - I think I bought a shiny brick.
The SS L2T is stunning but yes it is HEAVY, which is OK if you like heft but it is a bit much for pants pockets. Some time back SolarForce produced a SS L2 host that while good looking and much lighter than the current L2T, had very poor heat management. A nice 3 mode XM-L drop-in would be one suggestion. You’d have plenty of output at medium power w/o as much heat as a hard driven XPG plus you could use high for short bursts w/o too much concern for overheating. JM2CW.
DarkSide was kind enough to test one for me... the host is very good looking, and has a very nice weight to it.
You are 100% on the mark though, it's an awful conductor for heat. Run time, or how hard an LED is driven, will have to be compromised.
Personally I found it to be unacceptable. Which is a shame... it truly is a beauty.
Hi,
Would this drop-in work ok with that SS one:
https://www.lighthound.com/Solar-Force-XM-L-U2-Drop-In-3-Mode-27—9-Volts_p_4110.html
and would also work with the L2N:
and with this extension:
?
This’d be my first try at this kind of thing :(…
Thanks,
Jim
That drop in should work just fine, in either host. I don't see why the extension wouldn't work with either, but it would look ugly if you added it to the steel host.
Hi,
Thanks!
Re. the extension: Yes, I know… was only expecting to try it with the black host :)…
Re. the drop-in: Thanks. I picked it because of the voltage range, and in case, I wanted to go with 2x18650. Does that rationale make sense?
Later,
Jim
i always had a soft spot for the stainless hosts… but i try to stay away from shelf queens… though once i get them i try like hell to keep them pristine and keep them on a shelf most of the time when not in use… :~
Sure, just bear in mind, depending on the driver, the light may behave differently with different battery configuration.
What I mean is, the drop in will most likely be brighter with two batteries, but you will not see any added run time using 1x18650 vs 2x18650.
Thanks again. Kind of anxiously waiting, as this is the first time I dared doing it like this (host + dropin, etc.). Kind of “went wild” a bit, and got the extension and the SS bezel ring for the black host too :)…
I know I kind of asked this before, but is it literally “screw the drop-in” into the host? That easy?
Also, is the L2 considered a “P60” host, so I can use any “P60” drop-in, not just the SolarForce ones, but also others?
Thanks again!
Jim
Yup, with dropins it's literally that easy. You unscrew the head, put in the drop in, screw it back on, insert battery and have fun.
The L2 is a p60 host, so you can use any drop in that uses that designation.
The huge benefit of a drop in host, is you can always upgrade later if you want, or swap in different drop ins.
Like I said… excited to try it :)!! Next step towards flashaholicism (sp?)…
Jim
Harley Footpeg 