Anyone have any experience with these? I can’t find much about them. Looks like it’s 15/200 with the tailcap that goes from low to high by increasing pressure on it, which is exactly what I want. Not sure I want the high to be 200, but I do think I’d maybe like more than the 65 of the L1 LumaMax.
Not quite released for general sales. It will have the TIR optic, new body styling, and supposedly better output. However there has been quite a discussion on CPF and other flashlight sites about whether SF has finally decided to fudge their lumen outputs. There is no concerted opinion on this yet, as none of the flashaholics have gotten the lights to subject to independent testing.
The TIR optic will likely mean that the LX2 will not have the floody beam of the original L2, so you will be dealing with better throw for the sacrifice of the ability to light an entire room at one push of the button…
Also SF is going to release this summer, the LX1 as an upgrade/replacement for the L1.
BTW the older L2 is the same type of 'increasing pressure two stage ’ switch. I have one. I understand why SF uses it–it suits their .gov/.mil enduser, but I don’t care for it. I never seem to get the level I am wanting. Here are the specs on the older style L2. It is probably what you want.
Specifications for Sure Fire L2 Luma Max Pocket Flashlights w/ White LED, OD Hard Finish:
Max Output: 15 lumens/100 lumens
Low/High Settings
Runtime: 18 hours/60 minutes
Low/High Selections
Length: 6.10 Inches
Weight: 4.20 Ounces
Battery: Two 123A Lithium
SF also made some with colored LED’s (red I have seen, and there may have been a green but I am not certain on that.)
Rob, if you think you might want an L2, let me know via PM, as I am considering parting with mine.
I’m also interested in the LX2.
LAPolice gear has the LX2 at decent pricing.
I have an original L2. I bought it when I was with the Sheriff’s Dept. I liked the dual output and still do. I could use the low setting for general admin, vehicle searches, building searches, etc. and it didn’t destroy my night vision so badly and allowed for long battery life, and if needed I could instantly switch to the higher output just by simply pushing the tailcap harder. I found it perfect. It is still my carry light. I have various G2’s, but this is the one that goes in my pocket.
It is a bit longer than some other offerings, but I don’t find it a hinderance. If they offer the new head as an upgrade I might do that. But won’t be looking to replace it anytime soon.
Your intended uses may be different, but I still find it as effective and useful as a civie as I did as a LEO.
-RD62
According to the SF rep I spoke to this week, one reason the L2 became the redheaded stepchild of the SF line, is the regulation circuit is in the body of the light, not the head. So it will not accept the other (KX2) head.
It’s too long for the aftermarket sheathmakers, and it’s all flood and minimal throw (in a world where most end users seem to be demanding throw).
Yeah, I admit it, I’m a bit of a flashaholic…
So, are there just two levels, or ones inbetween?
You press the button a little bit and you get 15, a little more an it goes to 200? I assume at each level if you back off, it goes off? If you depress it all the way, it goes to 200 and stays on, or is contstant only available with twisting?
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=196612
Looks like according to that link, said product will be available Friday June 26 2009.
Again for my purposes it was GTG. I also carried a G2 with a P61 lamp just in case.
My purposes were for vehicle searches, car stops, building clearing,general admin, etc. I didn’t need something for use with a pistol or inside a car with that kind of throw. If your use is different it may not work as well.
Bummer on the lamp. But it’s working fine, so I think I’ll live. Also gives me a reason to tell the wife I need another light! 
They think I’m nuts to have so many already.
You press partially and get the 15 lumens, harder for the higher output, back off a little and it’ll drop back to 15, release the button and it’s off. No Clickie. Gotta twist it. At least that’s how it is on the original L2.
-RD62
My wife has no understanding for my need for flashlights. I assume it was the same way when cave men argued over tar vs animal fat for their torches. It is bad when I open a drawer and not only find Surefire bulbs I didn’t know I had, but I can’t remember why I got them.
I was actually thinking of sending a PM to you when I heard it was going to be available. It is nice to see Surefire is actually releasing a product that they have been advertising.
I really do like that switch. Now that Surefire is actually releasing a reasonably powerful light with a switch like that, I may get one without replacing the lamp immediately afterward.
Do you think the 200 would be too high? My Malkoff M60 puts out a reported 235 and it has never seemed like “too much,” even indoors. And for any outdoor work, I really wouldn’t want less than that. Plus, that optic really helps for throw, making it a good outdoor light. If outdoor isn’t an issue for you though, you would be better off with a different light, like a 6P/G2 (or clone) with a Malkoff flood optic.
I have a Fenix TK that’s supposed to be 235 or something on the high setting. For use at night, fresh from waking up, it’s definitely too much.
Have you seen this review on CPF?
The reviewer pics with mid-range vegetation shows the effect of too much light. In that pic the E2DL is the better choice. In the long road shot, the LX2 is superior. I’m hoping the LX1 comes out at about 85-100 lumens OTF with more spill than the E1B, and I might get one. Still would need a SF clicky tailcap though. I am not a fan of their twist-for-constant-on UI.
To the OP,
I have an L1 and an A2 and for me the push low/high activation method works very well. They seem to require a bit harder of a push to work but I guess this also helps to differentiate between levels.
My only issue with the L1, and it looks like the L2 as well, is the TIR optic makes the beam a bit too tight for my liking. There isn’t much spill and for general use and especially defense/LE I truly appreciate at least a bit more flood. I carried my L1 for awhile and kept finding myself waving the light around to light stuff up. Depends on what you need. Personally, while throw always impresses me, I end up needing it much less than flood. Usually either haze or my vision prevents seeing anything important at distance anyways.
Nobody else makes a similar switch, so I have to congratulate SF for doing so even way back with the A2. Now if only they could use the latest LED’s and try something other than the TIR…
Dennis.
That throw vs flood battle is the reason I have not yet parted with my old non-TIR L2. That thing is a Wall O’Light out to about 30-35m. Indoors it truly is at its best. Maybe I should just get the Z28 or Z68 clicky tailswitch for it and keep it. It’s just so darned long!
Maybe Malkoff has a good floody 6P drop in I should look at…any suggestions?
Eh…google is my friend… Malkoff devices here: http://flashlightconnection.com/Malkoff-Devices-c19/
Maybe this will Help –
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235262
Looks like a Really nice review on the light----Enjoy
The Malkoff floods are super floody at the expense of throw. The regular M60’s actually have plenty of sidespill to be usable for me and have throw as well, kinda like an X300 but with maybe even more spill.
Dennis.
Dennis, how does the Malkoff flood compare to an old style L2? Beamwise I mean. Other than no two-stage.
I didn’t have an L2, but I have both generations of L4 which is supposed to be the “floodiest” of the SF lights. Full powered Malkoff floods are not only twice at bright as the L4, they have a smoother and a bit wider flood.
Another option is to the get the normal Malkoff M60 which has throw and spill, and then put a SF beamshaper on it for flood equal to the flood version. That way you get both!
Dennis.
I have 2 L4’s, the first Gen L1 and the 3rd Gen L1, as well as the 2Gen L2.
By FAR the 2nd Gen L2 I have is Floodier than both my L4’s but only if you have them side by side. You would never know it not having both.
I would recomend the L1 for a simple around the house 2 stage light and the L2 makes a great emergency light because its bright enought to LIGHT IT UP as well as run LOOOOOOOOOONG on the lower stage having 2 batteries as well.
You will find Surefires addictave. I have an E2L on my AR for more throw in the house VS the L4 wich is teh same as the scout light head.
I wish all SureFires were push/click tailcaps. Thats the only thing I hate about the L1’s and L2’s.