Brightness Comparison: Inova X5 v. SF KL3

Bronco

Bronco

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I was kicking around the idea of adding one of Surefire's KL3 LED heads to my M2. I'm curious as to how this setup will compare to my excellent Inova X5 in terms of relative brightness. If I understand the situation correctly aren't we talking about one LED bulb in the SF KL3 head versus the five for the Inova?

Any anecdotal runtime comparisons would be appreciated as well.
 
The KL3 is Digitally Regulated Luxeon Star "Super" LED.
I understand that it will kick the Inova X5.
The KL3 is pretty much the brightest Luxeon from SureFire at the moment. The output comes at price (size and runtime)

I'd get a SureFire E2e-HA and a KL1 rather then either of those two - the small size and light-weight along with a sturdy pocketclip and HA make it the ideal EDC flashlight.

Al
 
An E*e with KL1 will blow the X5T away in brightness....I would imagine the KL3 would be even brighter than the 1
 
I had an E2 HA (not E2E) and bought a KL1 for Christmas. I also bought a Silver E2E and already had an X5T. So I can do a direct 3 light comparison.

The E2/KL1 combo is the coolest overall flashlight I've ever seen.

The E2E with the stock head is the brightest of the three, but the KL1 kills the X5T and is surprisingly close to the E2E. The E2E/KL1 is the light I wanted when I bought my X5T. Now if only you could order the E2 with the KL1 for the price of an X5T. That would be really cool.

I was showing a co-worker who I gave an Arc AAA to for Christmas my E2/KL1 combo and he thought it was pretty cool. Then he asked how much it cost and almost fell over when he found out I spent nearly $125.00 for a flashlight.

I must be nuts.

jmx
 
Bill...took a pic for you. Surefire KL1 mounted on a E2e-HA, and an original X5, both with brand new SF123s installed. Distance is 4 feet from the wall.
I don't see why there would be a difference between the KL1 w/6v, and KL3 w/6v but I'm not well-schooled on this flashlight stuff-just enthusiastic:)
attachment.php

btw, the KL1 is on the left:p
 
Useful photo to compare beams - thanks!

The KL3 is better able to manage the heat produced by it's Luxeon and associated electronics. Therefore, it can be brighter. Personally, I don't see a difference in use but there it is. The KL3 is better able to handle 6-9V range whereas the KL1 is tailoured towards 3-6V range.

Al
 
Originally posted by Nosamk
An E*e with KL1 will blow the X5T away in brightness....I would imagine the KL3 would be even brighter than the 1
Click to expand...

I have not seen the KL3 yet but from what I gather, the 3 uses the same Luxeon LED as the 1 does. And the 3 is for 6v lights like the C2, M2, etc. I will hazard a guess and say that the 3 is the same brightness as the 1. Only difference is the bezel diameter.

I also have an X5T, and my E2e + KL1 does blow away the X5T in terms of brightness and beam spread.
 
Great info, gents. I appreciate all the outstanding responses with special thanks going out to Owen for taking the time to provide us the excellent photographic evidence. :)
 
Can anyone tell me what battery life should be in the Inova X5 and SF KL1?
 
SureFire KL1:

E1/E1e Runtime: 16 lumens max output for 1.5 hours, followed by 8.5 hours of moderate output, followed by over 50 hours of minimal output

E2/E2e Runtime: 17 lumens max output for 4.0 hours, followed by 11 hours of moderate output, followed by over 50 hours of minimal output.

The "regulated" output (1.5hrs & 4hrs) rated runtimes are basically spot on. I've not needed to measure the runtimes of the "unregulated" output but they are also likely to be pretty accurate.

Al
 
I have a KL1(E2) and a KL3(6P). I cannot tell that much difference between the light output to be honest. Both of them spank my X5 soundly.
 
I tried my KL3 on both my G2 and my Z3 and there was a noticeable difference in brightness.
On the G2 it was about equal to my KL1 but despite the regulation that extra battery seems to make a difference.
 
GJW,

How do you like the KL3 on your Z3?? I like the idea of it, and have been pondering buying another Z3 just for that reason (seems like it would just look very Buck-Roger-Cool with all the fins and ridges:D).

Danny
 
I guess the only thing that compares to the KL1/KL3 is the Arc LS.
Those that use nichia led are hopeless to match.:p
 
The KL2 is brighter then my KL1 & KL3 but it doesn't have a 'beam' like the Luxeons do.

Al
 
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