Surefire - Cree Xlamp XR-E LED Summary

E1L / KX1 head

Manufacturer claims

30 lumens output (not independently verified)

Total runtime 10 hours (not independently verified)

MSRP $99.00 USD

Information Known

Uses TIR optic with diffuser to generate some spill.

Will not operate on a two cell E series body w/ two 123A cells. (confirmed by Surefire disservice)

Will not operate reliably on a 3.7v li-ion.

Maximum operating voltage appears to be 3.0v.

Surefire customer disservice will not provide any information on voltage tolerances.

Limited voltage range precludes the use of 3.7v li-ion rechargeables (i.e. 18650, RCR123A, etc). Only known rechargeable options at present are 3.0v RCR123A in an aftermarket body tube or two 1.5v NIMH (i.e. AAs) in an aftermarket body tube.

Speculation based on KX2

Primarily a throw light.

Body tube has been narrowed to prevent the use of lithium ion batteries.

Information WANTED

Lux @ 1 meter.

Runtime plot.

Photos

http://www.surefirekorea.com/shop/shopdetail.html?brandcode=005000000010&search=&sort=brandname

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2066723&postcount=19

Body and optic

E2L / KX2 head

Manufacturer claims

45 lumens output (Not independently verified.)

Total runtime 14 hours (Observed runtime in regulation is considerably less; see below.)

MSRP $129.00 USD

Information Known

Uses TIR optic with diffuser to generate some spill.

Primarily a throw light.

2380 Lux at 1m.

Body tube has been narrowed to prevent the use of lithium ion batteries.

Head physically compatible with older E-series bodies.

Body tube can probably be bored out to support li-ion batteries.

Electronics

Will not operate on a single 3.0v 123A primary.

Surefire customer disservice has refused to provide any information on voltage tolerances.

Current draw is 155ma at 6v on 123A primaries.

Will operate on a single fully charged li-ion (using a third party or old E-series body) but there is contradictory information on the light's lower shutdown voltage. One report indicates the light will shut down at approximately 3.72 volts, meaning that it would use only 20% of a typical li-ion cell's capacity. However, runtime tests with a 14670 li-ion cell indicated a runtime of 140 minutes in regulation (235 to 50%), which is not likely to be achievable if the light is using only 20% of the 14670's capacity.

One report indicates that the KX2 head will accept 9v from 3x123A primaries in an aftermarket body tube. Runtime estimated to be approximately 11.5 hours in regulation. This has yet to be confirmed.

The only known safe rechargeable option at this time is to use two 3.0v RCR123A cells in an aftermarket body tube. Based on the 9v tolerance report, two 3.6v li-ion cells (8.4v at full charge) in an aftermarket tube should be viable. Attempt at own risk.

Runtime plot. Approximately 9h in regulation, approximately 9.75 hours to 50%. Total runtime not measured.

Photos

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2075517&postcount=39

http://www.surefirekorea.com/shop/shopdetail.html?brandcode=005000000011&search=&sort=brandname

Indoor beamshots 1

Indoor beamshot 2

Comparison beamshot with KL1.

L1

Manufacturer claims

High output: 65 lumens for 1.5 hours. (Lumen output not independently verified. Runtime roughly correct.)

Low output: 10 lumens for 14 hours. (not independently verified)

MSRP $135.00 USD

Third generation model.

Information Known

Uses TIR optic with diffuser to generate some spill.

Throw light with minimal spill.

Uses same optic as KX series.

There may be two different versions, each with different optics, in production. One version uses an optic with a mildly frosted front face to generate some spill light. The other version uses an unfrosted optic and will have little to no spill.

3300 lux @ 1m on high.

410 lux @ 1m on low.

"perfect beam"

"With both gen 2 and gen 3 L1, there is a central very-hot spot, surrounded by a dimmer spot, and very little of what I would define as spill per se. The central hot spot of the new L1 is very round and even, no longer squarish, and seems about 1.5-1.6 times larger in diameter. The surrounding dimmer spot is over 2 times wider, and relatively brighter."

"While still a thrower, the new L1 is more useful for navigating around in complete darkness on the low setting - a combination of more output and, most importantly, beam width. I would still recommend owning the beam shaper - it is *even more* effective with the new light IMO - makes a very uniform flood for indoor use or reading."

Multiple reports (#1, #2, #3, gripe thread) of serious reliability problems. Light flickers and depletes its battery after 20-60 seconds on high. One person returned his light to Surefire only to have it replaced with another dud.

Length: 4 7/16"

Weight: 3.2 oz

Reduced body size from 2nd generation L1.

Probably too short to accept two-cell mods possible with the 2nd generation L1.

Runtime plot on high. 80 minutes to end of regulation, approximately 95 minutes to 50%. Very poor regulation.

Body tube has been narrowed to prevent the use of lithium ion batteries.

No known rechargeable option at present. May tolerate a 3.7v cell narrow enough to fit the body tube. Attempt at own risk. Should tolerate a 3.0v R123A if the body tube can be bored out.