SureFire L1 LumaMax

The L1 LumaMax represented one of SureFire’s initial entries into the light emitting diode (LED) class of lighting tools. It was among the first to utilize a digitally controlled micro-processor to regulate the amount of power provided to the LED allowing the light output to remain steady and constant as the batteries are depleted.

First introduced in the 2002 catalog, the L1 underwent several design changes over its production life-span, including modifications to the head, body, LED, and electronics. To distinguish between the different versions, collectors often classify the L1 into one of six different “generations” based upon its design.

The L1 utilized a two-stage tactical switch giving users the ability to press slightly for momentary-on low mode or press fully for momentary-on high mode. Constant-on could be achieved by slightly twisting the tailcap for low and twisting further for high mode.

Light Information – SureFire L1 LumaMax

Production Status: Discontinued

Light Type: Handheld

Body Type: Straight

Voltage/Source: 3V / 1 x Duracell DL123A Lithium Battery or 1 x SureFire CR123 Lithium Battery

Body Construction: Aluminum

Body Finish: Type III Anodizing

Primary Production Color: Olive Drab/Gray (Type III)

Switch: Tail mounted 2-level switch. Partial press for momentary-on low mode, full press for momentary-on high mode. Twist slightly for constant-on low mode, twist further for constant-on high mode.

Ordering Options – SureFire L1 LumaMax

L1-HA-WH: L1 equipped with white emitter. Provided with 1 123A lithium primary battery, lanyard, and attachment ring (available in all generations)

L1-HA-RD: L1 equipped with red emitter. Provided with 1 123A lithium primary battery, lanyard, and attachment ring.

L1-HA-GN: L1 equipped with green emitter. Provided with 1 123A lithium primary battery, lanyard, and attachment ring.

L1-HA-BL: L1 equipped with blue emitter. Provided with 1 123A lithium primary battery, lanyard, and attachment ring.

L1-BK-WH: Limited production version of the L1 equipped with white emitter and black Type III anodized finish. Provided with 1 123A lithium primary battery, lanyard, and attachment ring.

First Generation

SureFire L1 Lumamax 1st Generation

The earliest versions of the L1 LumaMax are visually distinguished from the 2nd and 3rd generation L1 by the smooth bezel edge.

LED Assembly: Luxeon LED rated at 13 lumens on low and 20 lumens on high

Rated Runtime:

Low Mode:
High Mode: 600 minutes

Year(s) of Production: 2003

Length: 4.6 inches (117 mm)

Body Diameter: 0.86″ (22 mm)

Bezel Diameter: 1.0 inches (25 mm)

Weight: 2.9 ounces (82 grams)

MSRP: $125.00

Second Generation

SureFire L1 LumaMax Second Generation

The 2nd Generation L1 differed slightly from the first with addition of scalloped edges on the bezel.

LED Assembly: Luxeon LED rated at 13 lumens on low and 20 lumens on high

Rated Runtime:

Low Mode:
High Mode: 600 minutes

Year(s) of Production: 2004 – 2005

Length: 4.6 inches (117 mm)

Body Diameter: 0.86″ (22 mm)

Bezel Diameter: 1.0 inches (25 mm)

Weight: 2.9 ounces (82 grams)

MSRP:

Third Generation

The third generation L1 received a different Luxeon LED emitter but remained visually similar to the 2nd generation.

LED Assembly: Luxeon LED rated at 0.7 lumens on low and 15 lumens on high

Rated Runtime:

Low Mode: 50 hours
High Mode: 2 hours

Year(s) of Production: 2006

Length: 4.6 inches (117 mm)

Body Diameter: 0.86″ (22 mm)

Bezel Diameter: 1.0 inches (25 mm)

Weight: 2.9 ounces (82 grams)

MSRP:

Fourth Generation

SureFire L1 LumaMax Fourth Generation

A new head, featuring an upgraded Luxeon LED emitter and domed lens, was introduced with the fourth generation L1. Externally the head was styled similar to the KL4 head found on the L4 LumaMax.

LED Assembly: Luxeon LED rated at 1.1 lumens on low and 22 lumens on high

Rated Runtime:

Low Mode: 90 hours
High Mode: 4 hours

Year(s) of Production: 2007

Length: 4.6 inches (117 mm)

Body Diameter: 0.86″ (22 mm)

Bezel Diameter: 1.0 inches (25 mm)

Weight: 2.9 ounces (82 grams)

MSRP:

Fifth Generation

SureFire L1 LumaMax Fifth Generation

The fifth generation L1 saw the introduction of the round body style which was slightly longer than any of the other bodies used. The electronics, domed lens, and LED emitter remained unchanged.

LED Assembly: Luxeon LED rated at 1.1 lumens on low and 22 lumens on high

Rated Runtime:

Low Mode: 90 hours
High Mode: 4 hours

Year(s) of Production: 2007 – 2008

Length: 4.6 inches (117 mm)

Body Diameter: 0.86″ (22 mm)

Bezel Diameter: 1.0 inches (25 mm)

Weight: 3.4 ounces (95 grams)

MSRP:

Sixth Generation

SureFire L1 LumaMax Sixth Generation

The sixth, and final, generation of the L1 LumaMax saw several changes, including a shorter body, different LED emitter, and flat lens.

LED Assembly: Cree LED rated at 10 lumens on low and 65 lumens on high

Rated Runtime:

Low Mode: 16 hours
High Mode: 1.5 hours

Year(s) of Production: 2008 – 2011

Length: 4.5 inches (117 mm)

Body Diameter: 0.86″ (22 mm)

Bezel Diameter: 1.0 inches (25 mm)

Weight: 3.2 ounces (91 grams)

MSRP: $159.00

Photo Gallery – SureFire L1 LumaMax

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