Arc LS vs. KL1

P

PWork

Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
3,164
I know some of you guys have both. How does the Arc LS compare to the E1e and E2e/KL1?
The way that LED technology is growing I'm afraid to make a purchase. It seems that just as the newest thing is catching on, something better comes out.:confused: If I buy a KL1 for my E2e, how soon will it be before I regret wasting my money?

Paul
 
Paul,

How about you save your money and see what the SHOT Show brings?

Both Arc and SureFire have new products that I believe should be considered before buying...

Al
 
I find the Arc LSL every bit as bright as the KL1. The KL1 offers more options with batt and tube connections.
I use the Arc much more than the KL1.
I need to put the KL1 up for sale or trade come to think on it.
I agree with Size 15s bout the new stuff.
I was in on the SF L4 and that is one useful light. You may want to check one of these out.
You'ld probably immediately regret the move once you saw the beauty of the L4.
If you want to try out both the KL1 and the LS contact me for a mini passaround.

Tom
 
Can't tell much difference between a friend's Arc LS, and my KL1. His LS has a slightly brighter hotspot.
I would buy the LS for a stand alone 1x123 light. He also has the 2AA body, and it's a nice package.
I like the 2x123 size light better, personally, and right now use Pila rechargeables with my E2e/KL4, and E1e+extension/KL1.
I keep telling myself that one day, some day, those rechargeables will eventually pay for themselves!

You could get a KL4 for your E2e:)
Whole 'nother ball game...

I would wait for SHOT.
'Cause Al said so;)
Wonder what's coming?!?
 
when comparing the arc ls to the kl1, it depends on what you want.

i'd say that the arc ls is better "overall", due to the more premium bins, smaller size, more useful beam (if you get the lsh), increased waterproofness, etc.

personally i've never seen the use if having a kl1. putting it on the e1e is nice i suppose, but then you might as well just get the arc ls, because it's smaller, more effient, better beam (again, if you get the lsh), whiter (depends, but generally speaking), more waterproof, and offers a 2aa pak option.

using the kl1 on the e2e never appealed to me either, because i bought the e2e for it's relatively compat size and good brightness. the kl1 makes it bigger and dimmer, albiet with a longer runtime.

so i'd have to suggest the arc. (especially the arc4, but it's in a completely different catogory, and i couldnt' begin to explain it here).
in fact, the arc aaa, arc ls, and surefire e2e is one of the best edc packages out there in my opinion.
 
Whew. That ARC4 is something to watch out for!

Although it was not specifically mentioned, there are other uses that are considered by a different need group. The longer body and agressive knurling on the Surefire E2e series provide for a more compete and secure grip for tactical uses. Shooters know what I am talking about. Additionally, it can be used as a makeshift blunt impact instrument. None of the standard ARCs using the 123s has these capabilities.

I recently received a KL-1 head and installed it on my E2e. The run time is increased. And there is no bulb to burn out. In the long run, it really does save $, less batteries and replacement incandescent bulbs to purchase.

My experience with the E1 series is that it will allow for a light pressure activated momentary beam. In my hands the ARCs feels a bit clumsy to handle. Again,this is what I require of a light this small. And is therefore my choice over the ARCs for a "tactical" use light.

I have 2 ARC LS. The LSL- P has a very subtle bluish tint where as the LSH- P has a whiter beam. Both are very bright and remains a favorite for general purpose lighting or as a backup to my primary. Which is the SF E2e for reasons stated above. With the KL-1 head, it is actually the brightest of the 3 and casts the "whitest" beam. At least to my eyes they are!

You can' t do wrong with either the ARC LS series or the SF.

N.
 
Thanks guys. Those are pretty much the responces I expected. I'll stick with my Arc AAA and Inova X5T for the time being. We'll see what new toys come out at SHOT.

Paul
 
That's exactly what I mean, the technology is still in it's infancy. Every time you turn around something new, improved, and cool:cool: is waiting for you. I can't wait to see what's next.

Paul
 
Originally posted by PWork
That's exactly what I mean, the technology is still in it's infancy. Every time you turn around something new, improved, and cool:cool: is waiting for you. I can't wait to see what's next.

Paul
Click to expand...
I've started looking at flashlights like I do computers--no matter what, there's always going to be some kickass machine that come out right after you buy yours--that just means you get to buy new stuff :D ;) :p .
 
PWork,

In this day and age, none of us can expect to keep up with technology's marching pace.

If you like the KL1 or the ARC LS, just buy it, and know that nearly anything else you buy now will also likely be eclipsed inside the year, and maybe in just a few months.

Even if you waited a bit longer and bought the "upcoming" items ar SHOT or other such show, technology won't sit still even then, and a few months later, you'll be looking at the same picture yet again.

Just look for what's best applicable and best-fit for your situation NOW, and rest easy in that it's the best you can do for the moment, and be satisfied and at-peace with it.

With the ARC LS, depending on the model, you may or may not notice much difference in terms of light output with either a E1e/E2e-KL1 combo. This is easily confirmed if you'll take some time to review the E1e/E2e-KL1 and ARC LSH-ST and LSH-P (and LSL, if you're going for "seconds") models' vital stats on their respective websites.

Adding to your problem is that the SureFire KL1s are known to have tremendous variability when it comes to the "Luxeon Lottery," and this could easily mean that one person's report of a comparison will vary quite a bit from another's. I own 3 KL1s myself, all bought factory new, and one is literally "puke green" while the others are noticeably whiter.

Allen
aka DumboRAT
 
We are talking about the 1W Luxeon.
My personal opinion is that the 1W Luxeon was not bright enough.
However, it was a stepping stone in terms of electronics, housings, switchings and optics.

Sticking with the 1W Luxeon;

The ARC4 is a significantly more useful illumination tool compared to the ArcLS.

The L1 is a significantly more useful illumination tool compare to the KL1 (E1e+KL1 or E2e+KL1)

My point is that the 1W Luxeon is very limiting. I find the L4 limiting. At this stage the 5W Luxeon and LuxeonIII are the brightest we can go for a public flashlight. It's still not good enough for me.

Of course the best one will be the next one but what I'm trying to say is that this year I believe we will be seeing ever more "useful" flashlights being released. Limited by the "Luxeon" LED technology.

Pelican have released new LED models. Lets hope they have proto-types of 5W Luxeon versions at the SHOT Show.

My point is that across the industry the SHOT Show a major event. Buying before the SHOT Show is in my opinion rather silly unless you have a really pressing need.

Al
 
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