Thanks! I’m in for 2. $30 still? You guys are awesome!
I’ve read what I can find on Narsil but most of it’s NarsilM. I’m assuming they’re similar in effect and there’s something similar to 1, 2.5, 10, 35, 65, full multilevel available. If there’s a 6 I’d rather have 12-15 instead of 10, but that’s a little nitpicky I know.
Two things - the future one first, then an explanation of why I think 4500K is the optimal CCT for Cree LEDs.
For the future I’d love to see Any flashlight OS programmable (Choosing modes) and upgradeable via s/w, even if I have to take the pill out and buy a usb-whatever connector
As for 4500K, let me tell you a story…
I was new to quality flashlights and walking through a forest at night in Oregon, as per my normal routine. I was carrying what I was told was the light that was perfect for my needs: a neutral 5000K CCT. I tried a 6500K light in the past and didn’t like it. I saw my prize (Porcini) and walked toward it over what seemed like level, moss covered ground. 1/3rd of the way there I fell through what felt like a booby trap. Fortunately I wasn’t hurt and when I looked around I saw that there was moss over a large collection of tangled branches, 3’ deep. I had stepped off of the edge of a mini-ravine without seeing it. I decided this was unacceptable. Looking carefully for a few minutes I realized the moss reflected the blue light back at me making me think it was a solid surface. It looked the same as moss on the solid ground.
I ordered a few P60s and Solarforce bodies. I tried 3500, 4000, 4200, and 4500 K CCTs to compare with my 5000K. I went back to that spot and found that all of the lights 4500K and lower shone clearly through the moss and I could see the branches and the bottom of the seasonal creek. I compared them just walking around and found that all of the ones 4200K and down made it very hard to tell what an object was at 30-50’ away. I couldn’t tell a pine cone from a pile of droppings. This was most pronounced with brown things.
So for forest navigation at least, the 4500 was the sweet spot. I haven’t found any other task as demanding as my forest wanderings but a lot of what I use lights for involve plants and the more natural color without the ‘blue bounce’ helps me see better in everything I do. Interestingly, high CRI doesn’t change anything. I’m guessing the balance of red and blue is just right at 4500K. YMMV
So that’s why I like 4500.
Thanks for listening.