- Joined
- May 12, 2002
- Messages
- 475
When these were first announced I did not think I would have any use for a $100.00 1 watt LED. I have several Photons and an Inova X5 that I thought would be the upper end for LEDs. Having gotten tired of waiting for the A2, I purchased the L1 really on a whim.
It possesses all the attributes typical of SureFire in re quality and construction. It puts out slightly more light than the X5,(per my carefully calibrated eye) but with 4 fewer LEDs and 1 less battery.
I just finished the real test though - working the range for 2 nights of adverse light qualifications. The L1 performed superbly as a general purpose light for administrative tasks. The low setting allowed for scoring targets and filling out forms without blinding me. The high setting was sufficient for checking the range for at least 15 yards and the detailed examination of guns, once agin without blinding (but getting closer). The best part was that the light could be used at will without a whole lot of concern for trashing night vision. It is just bright enough, and that is a good thing. Typically someone will pop a burst out of a tac light, or even a Mag, without thinking and everyone is seeing spots. Gravel tends to reflect more light than people think. Searching for a dropped mag with a normal flashlight usually effects a bunch of people.
Another instructor and I decided that both the X5 and L1 could also be used as short range fighting lights in a pinch. We sure are not going to trade in the 6's, 9's and others, but these two lights sure beat a Photon or minimag, or Bic lighter.
I've done the same job with photons and the like, but will definitely hang on to the L1. REAL pricey in comparison, but I have wasted more money on lesser stuff. The dual level switch, light output and SF quality make it worth it to me.
I will probably still get an A2, but the L1 will still have a place as a heavy duty general purpose light.
Thanks,
bill
It possesses all the attributes typical of SureFire in re quality and construction. It puts out slightly more light than the X5,(per my carefully calibrated eye) but with 4 fewer LEDs and 1 less battery.
I just finished the real test though - working the range for 2 nights of adverse light qualifications. The L1 performed superbly as a general purpose light for administrative tasks. The low setting allowed for scoring targets and filling out forms without blinding me. The high setting was sufficient for checking the range for at least 15 yards and the detailed examination of guns, once agin without blinding (but getting closer). The best part was that the light could be used at will without a whole lot of concern for trashing night vision. It is just bright enough, and that is a good thing. Typically someone will pop a burst out of a tac light, or even a Mag, without thinking and everyone is seeing spots. Gravel tends to reflect more light than people think. Searching for a dropped mag with a normal flashlight usually effects a bunch of people.
Another instructor and I decided that both the X5 and L1 could also be used as short range fighting lights in a pinch. We sure are not going to trade in the 6's, 9's and others, but these two lights sure beat a Photon or minimag, or Bic lighter.
I've done the same job with photons and the like, but will definitely hang on to the L1. REAL pricey in comparison, but I have wasted more money on lesser stuff. The dual level switch, light output and SF quality make it worth it to me.
I will probably still get an A2, but the L1 will still have a place as a heavy duty general purpose light.
Thanks,
bill
), here's my educated guess. I'd imagine the high-mode on the L1 is similar to the KL1. The KL1, by all reports, is marginally brighter than the Arc LS. Since the L1 is less expensive than the LS, and also has a tremendously useful half-bright mode, it's really an attractive light. 
