Solarforce L2M body review and XM-L / XR-E emitters

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3 and 4 cell version

 Solarforceflashlight-sales is having a sale on L2M bodies for 10.99 each. I ordered a couple (I really wish they would give me a discount, I order a ton of crap from them) and some new emitters to try out.  The lights come set up for two CR123 batteries, or one 18650 rechargeable (cr123A rechargeable also acceptable).

At left, I have the lights set up in 3 (top) and 4 cell (bottom) versions respectively. In this configuration, it is easy to burn out an emitter if you do not closely adhere to the printed voltage inputs on the unit, but you also stand to really maximize the output potential of your light, while getting some really impressive battery life.  Point of fact, my four cell version has an emitter capable of 3-18v input, so is currently running off of 4 CR123A rechargeable batteries each putting out 3.7 volts- for a total 14.8v max input. Realistically, I could add a body extender and run this light on 6 CR123 primaries, each at 3v for a maximum voltage on the light as per its rating. I will never do that as primary non-reusable CR123 batteries even at a good price, run $1.50 each.

1 and 2 cell version

Where the L2M body shines is that it comes with a divided body that though stock takes 2 CR123 batteries (standard surefire g2 sized light), one body section can be removed for  single CR123 operation. This makes the L2M an extremely versatile body to buy. In addition, it comes with a flat bezel (that I prefer) and a forward-clicky tail cap.

I ordered the XM-L 1 mode LED BU 880 lumen U2 emitter, which boasts a nice input range of 2.7-9v; the XM-L 820 lumen  emitter with a 3-8.4v input range, and finally the 280 lumen  XR-E Q4 4-18v emitter.  The XM-L line are great emitters with awesome input ranges, but are fairly expensive at 14-16 dollars a pop. The older XR-E line is honestly really all you need for most applications, and comes in at 9 bucks. Am I happy with the XM-Ls? yes- the offer a much more focused light that is brighter than the XR-E, but I doubt they are over 800 lumen as advertised, despite me testing them at near max voltage inputs. 


For just under 22 dollars shipped, you could put together a nice L2M light with a respectable and proven XR-E emitter. If you were feeling particularly wealthy or had a strong desire for the latest and greatest in light tech, for under 30 bucks you could build a good light with a newer XM-L emitter.

For anyone shopping, I have also had good luck with XP-G emitters, which split the XR-E and XM-L line in cost, coming in between 12-13 bucks. If a person wanted to save a buck (literally) they could go with an older Xenon style bulb for just under 8 dollars, but frankly with LED technology being what it is today, I could not understand why a person would want crappier battery life and performance to save exactly 1 dollar in up front costs.

Overall, another good carry light body from Solarforce, and one that is definitely worth considering due to its quality tail cap and non-crenelated bezel. Considering the light comes with a variable body size that easily adjusts to the needs of the user and the sub $11 dollar price tag, and buying a couple of these flashlight bodies is a no-brainer. These are currently the cheapest aluminum bodies available from Solarforce (and the cheapest bodies over all) with most aluminum bodies coming in between $12.50-16 dollars US, with high-end aluminum and polymer bodies going all the way up to $24 or so bucks. Really, unless you need a specific flashlight body for some specific task, there is no reason not to use these.