Being the epic narcissist that I am (and because I don't have anything of real value to report) herewith, the results of puttering, Foystyle . . .
My S1100 should be here any day and that shipment also includes an X2 and X3. Since I placed my order, the T1 and T2 have become available so, those will have to wait a few weeks. I sold a couple of lights and as usual, "piggybacked" a few items on the order for Foy . . .
There's no such thing as too many L2Ms and I wanted a gray L2N to go with my black one. The L2 replaces one I sold and I threw in a couple of 18650s because I don't have any of this new version yet. SF included the 2x18650 case as a bonus.
I'm glad I ordered a new L2 because Solarforce snuck in a few minor changes I wasn't aware of. You guys probably already know but as usual, Foy is a day late and a buck-fifty short . . .
First up; the new bezel (left) has five tips that are ground a little flatter, each now having notches. (for use with the flat bezel tool) On the right is a 2011 version L2 from a 2-8-12 order, with six tips that are slightly taller.
Improvement?
I may be confusing different with better but I like the change, even if it is merely different . . .
Even though I don't like strike bezels, to my eyes this looks better.
During 2012, some L2s and more so L2Ms, began arriving with the larger 16mm boot and having a "Solarforce" logo. Not a huge deal (none of this is, really) but again, Foy thinks it looks better.
As I've mentioned before, there are finish differences between seeming build groups or batches. In the above picture, the lower L2 is the latest arrival while the one on top is from my 2-8-12 order. Both are black L2s . . .
The newer light is more buff and the aluminum beneath is somewhat smoother . . .
I actually don't mind either finish, I like both. A chief attribute of the P60 form factor however, is Lego-ability and the new buff tail cap looks absolutely dreadful on a semi-buff (??) torch...
In all images, the older L2 is wearing an unpolished aluminum Foybezel™
Newer on bottom, older on top . . .
In this macro, the newer aluminum (lower) appears less smooth. As usual, Solarforce lathe work is beyond reproach . . .
Either way, for $11.50, you are still getting one hell of a flashlight.
I fell in love with the L2N the minute I saw it so, its gray twin was inevitable . . .
And, yes, the tail cap on my new L2N is a noticeably lighter shade than the body . . .
Under most lighting, the difference negligible . . .
Mr. Black (top) is sporting the rare and über-desirable Satin-Silver series, alloy Foybezel™
And I'll say again; bravo Solarforce for doing away with the "defense" bezel . . .
Satin alloy bezel on the left and new Mr. Gray on the right is trying on a Foybezel™ in classic stainless steel.
Left to right: new gray L2N, black L2N, new L2 and older L2.
I make no apologies for my P60 addiction.
Solarforce's basic 18650 battery seems a bit more upmarket as well . . .
The previous blue/white wrap was much weaker, in my opinion. These are thick like the Xtar 18700s I have.
In other news; for the first time, I decided to try an LED version Mag and I'll show a ridiculous comparison to a traditional incan 2D . . .
If you're like me, the iconic beauty of a 2D Mag-Lite never gets old. This, is a "flashlight" . . .
Like a fool, I probably paid too much for mine at Home Depot. ($29.99) It came out of the package in flawless condition. Mag LEDs have an "L" after the cell size, followed by cell count and then the serial number . . .
Unlike an incan 2D, the LED's serial number appears more "etched" than stamped . . .
Other differences; the LED light is a tad taller . . .
Or, is it . . .?
As you can see, for whatever reason, they reduced the thread count (had a lot to begin with) and extended the tube while keeping overall length the same . . .
Aside from the LED designation, head design remains the same. Both are screwed in completely, showing the side switch on the LED light further away from the head . . .
Yet, it is taller at the other end.
Virtually identical inside the tube . . .
Interestingly; they made room for the "LED" designation on the head by abbreviating "California" to "CA." (LED on the right in both pictures)
The bezel neck is a little thicker . . .
But the emitter opening is smaller on the LED reflector.
I suppose it's no surprise that you don't get an extra LED module like you do with the incan . . .
Of course, the main difference is here . . .
I know I'm late to the Mag-Lite LED party but that's an XR-E, right? It is an XP-E . . . thank you, JohnnyMac.
Anyway, it's pretty dang bright by comparison . . .
This is a ceiling bounce with the incan 2D. (1/4 second shutter speed @f2.7)
And here's the LED. Pretty stupid, I know but . . . I have no life . . .
Just for reference, left is an L2M with the old UltraFire 3-mode XM-L from Manafont. The Mag LED is at least in the hunt, no?
By the way; as much as I love Mags, their ano sucks. My new Mag LED was standing on its head during the photo shoot and my hand brushed by it, tipping it over onto the block wall. This has happened a thousand times with various lights I have, with type III anodization and you can't even tell where they hit. This thing tips over one time and hit rather softly, with chipping that looks more like thick paint than ano. Ahh well, I still love 'em.
Thanks for letting me bore you.
I currently have on order: reviews to follow
Solarforce S1100
Solarforce X2
Solarforce X3
LXP 2 x 26650 from Int'l Outdoor Store (XM-L/U2)
XinTD C8 V3 XM-L/U3/1C, 2-mode (also from IO)
ALXM drop-in from Int'l Outdoor Store (2-mode XM-L/U3/1C)
I've been out of the loop around here for a while so I apologize if I'm out of step with what's going on.
backinthesaddleFoy
I happen to think striped/polished bezels add a real quality look to Solarforce lights.