Difference between revisions of "Solarforce"

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(L2p colors haven't been released yet)
(add info on 2011 editions (color L2p's now available) and link to tailcap reviews)
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[[File:solarforcex2.jpg|thumb|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).
[[File:solarforcex2.jpg|thumb|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 (glossy before 2011 version), gunmetal gray (sometimes greenish, but in 2011 a pure silver tint), or sand body colors. The tail switch is exposed and this light does not tailstand.
'''L2''' - The original light is a 1x18650 host. Available in matte black or shiny titanium gray. The tail switch is exposed and this light does not tailstand. Prior to 2011, black was glossy, gunmetal gray had a greenish tint, and a matte sand color was available.


'''L2P''' - Similar to the L2 but with better [[Materials#Anodizing|anodizing]] (Type III HA instead of Type II), a less aggressive bezel, milder knurling, and the ability to tailstand. Matte black or gray body colors (in August 2011 Solarforce announced blue and gold colors would be added to the lineup). Has a longer battery tube, so this host doesn't always work with shorter unprotected 18650's or with drivers that have a short spring on the bottom (like the NANJG 2.8A driver). Can tailstand.
'''L2P''' - Similar to the L2 but with better [[Materials#Anodizing|anodizing]] (Type III HA instead of Type II), a less aggressive bezel, milder knurling, and the ability to tailstand. Available in matte black or gray. The 2011 edition, introduced in October 2011, has a 3 amp forward clicky, adds blue and desert yellow colors, and has a shorter battery tube for better battery fit. Previous versions had a longer tube that could cause connection problems with some 18650 batteries or with driver boards that had a short spring (like the NANJG 106).


'''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.
'''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.
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'''Masterpiece Pro-2''' 2x18650 light with Cree MC-E M bin LED and 1000 lumens maximum output.
'''Masterpiece Pro-2''' 2x18650 light with Cree MC-E M bin LED and 1000 lumens maximum output.
==Accessories==
Solarforce makes a lot of different bezels, clips, and tailcaps for their lights. Here is a [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/5108 guide] to tailcaps and a slight older look [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/1450 here].


==Popular Dealers==
==Popular Dealers==

Revision as of 11:52, 30 October 2011

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 tail switch is exposed and this light does not tailstand. Prior to 2011, black was glossy, gunmetal gray had a greenish tint, and a matte sand color was available.

L2P - Similar to the L2 but with better anodizing (Type III HA instead of Type II), a less aggressive bezel, milder knurling, and the ability to tailstand. Available in matte black or gray. The 2011 edition, introduced in October 2011, has a 3 amp forward clicky, adds blue and desert yellow colors, and has a shorter battery tube for better battery fit. Previous versions had a longer tube that could cause connection problems with some 18650 batteries or with driver boards that had a short spring (like the NANJG 106).

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.

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.

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.

Other lights

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.

M8 2x18650 or 1x18650 light with Cree XM-L LED and maximum output of 780 lumnes. 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.

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.

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.