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UPDATE APRIL 2006: I have received a new sample
from Surefire. The original model I tested was one of
the very first and as a result, it had a little problem
with the runtime. Namely that it was very brief when
used on "high". Since then there have been
a number of improvements to the L2. I have not updated
the pictures as of yet, but the body has a bit of a
more round profile without the machined flat panels
on the sides. The new runtime is much better, but output
has been reduced slightly as a result.
Short
Description:
The Surefire L2 Digital Lumamax utilizes a Luxeon V
LED and a digital regulation circuit to provide constant
light output. It is powered by two 123A lithium batteries.
Two levels of light are selectable via the tailcap switch
which can be pressed for momentary operation or twisted
for constant operation. The switch can also be "locked
out" to prevent accidental activation. The body
is Type III hard anodize, knurled for grip, and has
a pocket clip on the side. The bezel is scalloped around
the upper surface and has a Pyrex lens in front of the
reflector and LED.
Package
Body: The body of the L2 Digital Lumamax is
machined aluminum with a Type III hard anodize coating.
The Type III anodize is much harder and more durable
than the standard anodize found on most aluminum flashlights.
The center of the body tube is textured with knurling
that is not overly aggressive, but provides excellent
grip. There are flat, unknurled panels around the body
as well. The spring steel pocket clip attaches above
one of the panels and rests upon it so that abrasion
of the users pocket is reduced. The clip is detachable
by removing the head and sliding the clip up and off.
The clip also has a raised loop for attachment of a
lanyard. The inside of the body is treated for corrosion
resistance, as evidenced by a gold-tone coating throughout.
O-rings provide water resistance at both ends.
Bezel/Head: The bezel is also made of Type III
hard anodized aluminum and has flutes around the center.
The batteries cannot be removed through the font end
of the light, unlike some other Surefire lights. The
very top of the bezel is scalloped so that if the light
is placed down head first, light can leak through the
scalloped edge warning the user that the unit is still
on. At the very front of the bezel is a Pyrex glass
lens that is sealed for water resistance. The Luxeon
V element sits in a textured reflector which produces
a good spot of light. The color temperature of the light
is very white and provides good color rendition. Inside
the body, below the head, is the regulator circuitry
for providing constant current to the LED, and therefore
providing constant light output for the usable life
of the batteries.
Bezel picture
The only thing that bugs me about the light is that
it is even longer than the A2, which was pushing the
limits for a clip-in-the-pocket light. The extra length
accommodates the regulation circuitry in the body behind
the head, but I really wish they could have miniaturized
the circuits a bit more and reduced the length. I won't
complain too much, though, since there could very well
have been some design limitations I am not aware of.
Output: Light output is very good and should
be considered a wide spot - good for medium range work
and illuminating a fairly large area. The light is untinted
white, provides excellent color rendition, and has a
wide spill beam to light a large area. One thing that
is slightly noticeable is that the beam is a little
like a doughnut. The center of the main beam is very
slightly dimmer than the outer edge. Lux readings confirm
this. In practical use this really isn't noticeable
and has no real impact on its serviceability.
Beam Profile
Runtime Plot: This is the runtime of the current
models (as of April 2006). The first models had a very
short runtime to 50% starting output. The design has
been tweaked a bit since then with a little less output,
but longer runtime as a result.
Runtime
completed with Surefire brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Runtime on low with Titanium
brand 123A cells in a matched battery stick:
Runtime
completed with Titanium brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: Output from the Luxeon Star LED is variable
via the two-stage switching mechanism. The switch is
a two-stage tactical style tailcap. Twist for constant
on, press for momentary. The "low output"
stage is activated first, followed by the "high
output" stage. A firm press will allow the user
to bypass the low stage and go directly to high.
Besides having the two stages of brightness that are
available by either pressing the tailcap or twisting
the tailcap for constant-on use, the tailcap can be
twisted backwards to "lock out" the switching
mechanism. This is so that the light cannot be accidentally
activated in your pack, briefcase, or pocket. There
are witness marks on the tailcap and body to help the
user recognize the condition of the light.
Ergonomics: Easy to use, grip, and activate.
The tactical style switching mechanism can be activated
with one hand for either momentary or constant-on use.
Size vs. common aluminum 2-AA light
(top)
Batteries: Two 123A cells power the light. I
would recommend Titanium
brand cells for $1.00 each (here's
a review) or BatteryStation
or Surefire
brand cells for less than $2 each. I would not recommend
purchasing these cells at retail stores since they cost
$10 a pair or more in most retail stores!
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper
polarity. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.
Accessories: Included with this light is the
Z60 lanyard. This sturdy nylon lanyard has two spring-lock
slides for adjustment and a lobster claw style clip
for quick release from the light. Attachment to the
light is provided by a split plastic ring which is attached
in the groove around the tailcap of the light.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough, Regulated,
Both Bright and Dim light available in one light, Easy
battery change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: A little long compared to
other Surefire "pocket" lights.
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing
Conclusions: Take a Surefire L1, give it an
injection of steroids and a little of the DNA from the
Surefire A2 and L4 and VOILA! you have the Surefire
L2 Digital Lumamax. Luxeon V LED, 2 stages of output,
brighter than the L4, regulated, and tough as nails.
In a word: "Sweet!"
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