Solarforce

A Hong Kong flashlight manufacturer. In addition to some other types of lights, they sell P60 hosts and drop-ins. website

Lights

L2 Series

Solarforce L2 (gunmetal gray) and L2i (sand)

All L2 series lights accommodate a P60 drop-in and are based on the SureFire 6P flashlight. Drop-ins are available with varying numbers of modes (1, 3, or 5) and voltage ranges allowing anywhere from 2 AA batteries to multiple CR123 batteries. The "High Output" drop-in has an input voltage of 0.8-4.2V allowing it to run from 1-3 NiMH cells or a single lithium ion cell. The regular drop-in has input voltage from 4.2V-18V allowing multiple lithium-ion or CR123A cells to be used. Lights can be further customized with various bezels, tail assemblies, and body tube extensions. The body, head, and tail of Solarforce lights are compatible with Surefire C and P series lights, but the Solarforce bezels are not. Many of the body-colored spare parts are available only in glossy black (L2) or matte black (HA III L2P).

L2 - The original light is a 1x18650 host. Available in matte black or shiny titanium gray. The 2011 edition has a 3 amp switch. The tail switch is exposed so this light does not tailstand. Prior to 2011, black was glossy, gunmetal gray had a greenish tint, and a matte sand color was available. Prior to 2009, the body tube was not wide enough for 188650 batteries.

'L2D - Side clicky 1x18650 host. Has a different look than other L2 series lights, but threads are compatible. One version adds a tail clicky, but since it takes standard P60 modules, the switches are both on/off instead of one being for modes and the other for power. Introduced in January 2014.

L2n - Another P60 host, this one has a fluted tail piece and finger divots on the body. The head looks the same as the L2. Available in black or gray. Introduced in October 2012.

L2P - Similar to the L2 but with a forward clicky, better anodizing (Type III HA instead of Type II), a less aggressive bezel, milder knurling, and the ability to tailstand. Available in black or gray with 2011 limited editions in gold or blue. Prior versions were also available in black or gray only and came with a reverse clicky switch designed for more like 2 amp instead of 3. They also had a slightly longer body tube that could result in connection problems with the battery (particularly shorter unprotected batteries or with dropins that have short springs).

L2X - Similar to the L2 but with a knobby body and therefore lacks some of the finer details like the hex head. Introduced in September 2010. Also available in a 2x18650 extended version.

L2m - A 1xCR123A version of the L2. An extension for a second CR123A is available (often included), but only the newer "2009" version is bored wide enough to accommodate an 18650.

L2T - A 1x18650 host. Similar to the L2, but with a black matte finish, knurling on the head, and comes with removable rubber grip rings. The default bezel is flat and it comes with a forward clicky. Does not tailstand. Introduced in June 2011. A special edition stainless steel version was introduced in December 2011.

Other lights

Gladiator 4x18650 P60 host is a long stick with a knobby texture like the L2X. Comes with dummy cells so that you can use fewer batteries and maintain the form. Introduced in January 2012.

M3 Larger 45mm diameter 3-mode Cree XM-L head that fits on a regular L2 body. 3 modes of 700, 360, or 80 lumens with 1x18650, slightly higher with 2 18650's. Introduced in August 2012.

M6 1x18650 3-mode forward clicky light with Cree XM-L LED and maximum output of 550 lumens. Smaller reflector than the M8 below. Optional extension tube allows 2x18650. With bezel tightened the light is always High. With bezel loosened you can switch between Low (55 lumens) and Strobe.

M8 2x18650 or 1x18650 light with Cree XM-L LED and maximum output of 780 lumens. Has a large diameter reflector similar to the Masterpiece below. Introduced in February 2011.

Masterpiece 2x18650 light with Cree MC-E M bin LED with 3 modes of 50, 350, and 800 lumens of output.

Masterpiece Pro-1 Not really a flashlight, but a large head with a Cree XR-E LED for greater throw that can be put on a Solarforce host body.

Masterpiece Pro-2 2x18650 light with Cree MC-E M bin LED and 1000 lumens maximum output.

P1 1x18650 P60 host made of fiber-reinforced plastic with an aluminum skeleton. Available in black, yellow, brown, or green. Introduced in March 2012.

P1d Based on the P1 but with all aluminum construction. Available in black or gray. Introduced in October 2012.

S1100 - 3x18650 forward clicky light with Cree XM-L U2 LED. Side clicky controls modes of 1100 lumens (700m throw), 550 lumens, 110 lumens, Strobe, and SOS. Introduced in February 2013.

S2200 - 3x18650 forward clicky light with Cree XT-G2 LED. Side clicky controls modes of 2200, 800, or 100 lumens along with Strobe and SOS. Introduced in May 2013.

T1 - Compact 1x18650 2-mode light with Cree XM-L U2 LED. Modes are changed by tightening or loosening head. Low setting can be either 50% or 10%. High mode is 505 lumens. Introduced in April 2013.

T2 - 2xAA 2-mode pen light with Cree XM-L U2 LED. Modes are changed by tightening or loosening head. Low setting can be either 33% or 10%. High mode is 300 lumens. Introduced in April 2013.

X2 1xAA 2-mode twisty with a Cree XP-E R4 made of stainless steel with a knurled head. Modes are 100 or 20 lumens. Introduced in August 2012.

X3 1xAAA 1-mode twisty with a Cree XP-E R4 made of stainless steel with a knurled head. Output is 50 lumens. Introduced in August 2012.

Accessories

Solarforce makes a lot of different bezels, clips, and tailcaps for their lights. Here is a guide to tailcaps and a slight older look here.

Past Lights

L2-R - A 2xAA version of the L2. The L2-R tailcap is narrower than the L2's and tailstands.

L2i - A 3xAAA version of the L2 with the batteries inserted into a caddy and then into the tube. Has a wider tailcap that tailstands. Can be used with a 18650 if you make sure the battery fits in a collar near the head (may be easier to get the battery in the collar by loading it from the front instead of the tail). When using an 18650 it may also help if you don't tighten the head and tail all the way. One 18650 has about 3 times the capacity of 3xAAA's.

Skyline 1x18650 or 2xCR123A 1-mode light with Cree XR-E R2 LED and a large head and very deep reflector for greater throw. By pressing and holding the power button, the user can select any brightness from max down to 5% output. Double-clicking the power button invokes strobe. 200 lumens with 18650, 260 lumens claimed with 2xCR123A. Max voltage is 6V, so 16340's are not recommended.

Skyline II 1x18650 or 2xCR123A light with Cree XR-E R2 LED. Very knobby knurling. By pressing and holding the power button, the user can select any brightness from max down to 5% output. Double-clicking the power button invokes strobe. 200 lumens with 18650, 260 lumens claimed with 2xCR123A. Max voltage is 6V, so 16340's are not recommended.

Popular Dealers

Solarforce Sales This is the website formerly known as International Trading Company (ITC) who also sell Solarforce products on eBay (as ITC_shop; compare prices at both places because sometimes things are cheaper on eBay and sometimes at their website, but also be aware that the website charges for shipping and on eBay they usually do not). They ship from Hongkong, but are still pretty quick.

sbflashlights Lets you build your own Solarforce light by picking the body, bezel, and drop-in. Based in USA.

lighthound Texas-based dealer sells a lot of brands, but has a good selection of Solarforce lights and parts sometimes at very good prices. Small discount available in the CPF Good Deals thread.