This review of the CL1H 3.0 2SD (2 Stage Digital) is an update to the one done for the CL1H 2.0 because they're very similar. Differences between 2.0 and 3.0 are listed at the end of each section.

The head of the CL1H houses a Cree lamp assembly with interchangeable reflectors. In the CL1H 2.0, the reflectors have been updated to further maximize output from a Cree XR-E emitter. At the front is the the removable crenellated bezel. This lets you to tell if the light is on in case you leave the light set on a table by accident. There's a rubber o-ring placed between the lens and bezel. The lens is held in place by a retaining ring which screws into the bezel. This is nice touch since it prevents the lens from dropping out when swapping reflectors. The entire emitter module drops in between the bezel and head which screw together. There's a rubber o-ring between the bezel and head as well. All the components in the head fit together really well and threading is smooth.

The entire light is coated in type 3 anodizing, perfectly finished. There's a band of diamond textured knurling about 3cm wide around the battery tube. It provides an average amount of friction. Not too smooth like those found on certain UltraFire lights, and not as rough as those on the Wolf Eyes lights. There a single flat face machined onto the side of the battery tube with the brand, model and battery direction engraved on. Do take note of the battery direction as the CL1H was designed to have them inserted "-" end first. Towards the rear of the tube there's a detachable clip which is fastened by 3 screws. This is one of the nicest designed clips I've seen on a light, and it's very secure. Also the clip does not have any sharp edges which might cause scratches on your belt or pockets. The battery tube will accommodate even the largest protected 18650 cells without a problem. Flat topped 18650 cells will also work fine. There are rubber o-rings at both the front and rear ends of the battery tube for water resistance. As with the head and bezel, the threads on the battery tube are nice and smooth as well.

The tail cap houses a standard forward push button. Most people will consider this a nice plus as it allows momentary activation of the light. The switch module is housed in a sturdy aluminum case which screws onto the threads. When removing the switch module to swap in another rubber switch cap, there are no flimsy pieces which drop out. This is another nicely thought design of the CL1H, unlike other lights which have smaller parts of the switch which need to be aligned properly when re-assembling. The switch mechanism has slightly longer throw compare to other lights, so you'll have to press the switch quite far before it clicks. This could be a good thing as it prevents accidental clicking when you're activating it momentarily. The tension of the switch is on the soft side, but it's not likely to click on accidentally due to its longer travel and recessed button. It produces a nice tactile click when activated. The tail cap comes with the regular black rubber switch cap installed, this does now allow the light to tail stand. You will need to swap in the flat rubber cap for that. There is also a glow in the dark cap included which has a similar height as the default one.

Construction differences between 2.0 and 3.0.

1. There are now 2 o-rings between the bezel and head, as well as either ends of the battery tube while the 2.0 had 1.

2. Hole at the tail cap for lanyard attachments.

3. Improved heat sinking in inside the head.

The CL1H has a high and low output mode which are selectable by twisting the head. Simply loosen the head to get low, and tighten to get high. Momentary activation works perfectly on both modes. This light is advertised as using a WC tint XR-E emitter. The sample on my module produced a very nice white beam with a slightly warm color temperature. As mentioned above, the CL1H is able to interchange between a smooth and textured reflector. As expected, the smooth reflector does result in more throw at the expense of some beam artifacts. While the smooth reflector produced a smoother, softer beam with less throw.

As you can see from the runtime graph below, when running high mode on a 18650 cell the output increases about mid-way through the runtime test. Efficiency and runtime is surprisingly good considering the output produced, especially on low with a 18650 cell.

Output differences between 2.0 and 3.0.

1. Switching between high and low modes is done by half-pressing the switch within 1 second.

2. Wider difference between high and low levels compared to 2.0.

3. There's a high frequency sound when running on low mode.

4. The built-in circuit protection in my sample seems a little sensitive, especially when using a freshly charged 18650 cell. This causes the light to either be stuck on high on low mode. To remedy this, simply remove the battery for 10 seconds.

[Note: Its been brought to my attention that my review sample may be faulty since the output numbers do not coincide with the manufacturer's specifications. Please consider this when making decision based on this review. Any additional information may be updated if new information becomes available.]

The Good - The entire light has exceptional fit and finish, a really great value at it's price point. Emitter module is easily upgraded with future products. Interchangeable parts are well designed for minimal fuss while swapping.

The Bad - While the low mode is dimmer than the 2.0, runtime seems to be much shorter. Doesn't hold regulation very well.

The Relative - Uses a regular forward push button which allows for momentary activation. Clip is detachable. Light has a nice white tint, with a slightly warm color temperature.

Head with smooth reflector installed.

Head with textured reflector installed.

Bezel (front view).

Bezel (side view).

Bezel (rear view).

Smooth reflector (front view).

Smooth reflector (side view).

Smooth reflector (rear view).

Textured reflector (front view).

Textured reflector (side view).

Textured reflector (rear view).

Emitter module (front view).

Emitter module (side view).

Emitter module (rear view).

Head (front view).

Head (side view).

Head (rear view).

Battery tube (front view).

Battery tube (side view).

Battery tube (rear view).

Switch module (front view).

Switch module (side view).

Switch module (rear view).

Button cap retaining ring.

Tail cap (front view).

Tail cap (side view).

Tail cap (rear view).

Glow in the dark cap (front view).

Glow in the dark cap (side view).

Glow in the dark cap (rear view).

Flat cap (front view).

Flat cap (side view).

Flat cap (rear view).