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NOTE: This is an update
to the original KL3 review. An archive of the old review
is available HERE.
KL3 Module shown attached to a Surefire C2 body (body
NOT included)
The KL3 has recently been upgraded to the form you
see above. Surefire has changed the optics and I believe
they have upgraded the KL3 from a Luxeon I to a Luxeon
III bulb. The result is a MUCH tighter beam with about
the same overall output.
The Surefire KL3 is a Luxeon LED module designed for
people who have a 6P, 9P, D2/D3, Z2/Z3, or C2/C3 already
and would like an LED light option rather than using
the stock bezel. The KL3 is shown above attached to
a C2 body. Inside the bezel is a Luxeon LED being driven
at high current rates by a digital regulator circuit.
This allows the LED to emit a steady amount of light
for about 4 hours on 2 cell body lights or about 7 hours
on 3 cell body lights (advertised runtimes), followed
by moderate decreasing output for a long time after
that. It is not stated in the instructions if the KL3
can be used on an M2, so try this combination at your
own risk. Since the C2 takes the same bezel as the M2,
and the C2 is recommended for use, I see no reason why
the KL3+M2 combination would not work.
The KL3 bezel is similar to many of the current bezel
designs Surefire is producing today. The bezel ring
is crennelated to allow light leakage if it is set down
on its face while turned on as an indicator that the
light is still operating. In the front you can see the
slightly domed Pyrex lens which is sealed against moisture
entry. Behind the lens in the collimator lens for the
LED. This lens has a very unusual shape which allows
the KL3 to focus the light into a very tight beam. Behind
the LED is the digital regulation circuitry that gives
you constant output for a number of hours before diminishing
brightness results from battery depletion.
Simply unscrew and set aside your stock bezel from
your 6P, D2/D3, Z2/Z3, C2/C3, and screw on the KL3.
That's it. Everything about the light remains the same
except for the overall output (lower), battery life
(longer) as a result of changing the lighting element.
The light remains just as water resistant and shock
resistant as it was before.
Output is in the form of a very tight beam with very
little spill light. Almost all of the light is focused
into the central beam. There are some unusual rings,
including a rainbow ring, surrounding the main beam.
These rings do provide a slight spillbeam for seeing
the ground at your feet when the light is aimed forward.
This particular unit has a slight bluish tint to the
beam.
Beam at one meter at target center and brightness-enhanced
spillbeam picture (rings are very faint).
Runtime Plot: You want to see good regulation? Well
herrrrre it is! Using a 2 cell body, it holds at 97%
starting output or above for about 3½ hours before
dropping to lower levels. Super regulation and a completely
flat output plateau.
Runtime
completed with Surefire batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Since the KL3 is being reviewed by itself as an independent
unit, all of the other properties I would usually review
will be dependent upon the light you attach it to.
Size
What I Liked: Water resistant/,
Tough, Regulated, Bright, Well made
What I Didn't Like: Nothing
Other Things I Noticed: Very tight
beam compared to the original KL3.
Conclusions: The Surefire KL3 makes
an outstanding lower light/long runtime option for many
of the Surefire combat/tactical lights. It performs
very well producing a smooth, tight, bright beam of
light with good distance-lighting ability. Since the
unit uses a high-powered LED for generating light, there
is no need to worry about blown bulbs. Great regulation
for about the first 3½ hours with hardly any
drop in output.
For reference, here is the new design
beam vs. the old design beam. Both at 1 meter, same
target.
And direct comparisons:
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