Since the Eagle Eye X6 was mentioned, would the Astrolux S2 (aka BLF X6v2) be considered a better version of the Eagle Eye X6 or is there still some pros of the EE X6 over the Astrolux S2 (BLF X6v2)? The Astrolux S2 is around $23.95 during “promo” sale periods (which seems to happen relatively frequently).
I like my Astrolux S2 when I need more throwy situations while being a relatively compact portable light — being FET-driven (Bistro firmware), it seems to be at least as throwy as the Convoy C8 XP-L Hi (which I also got) and they have also nearly the same weight (the Astrolux S2’s head is quite heavy), but Astrolux S2 is slightly smaller.
I know you said you didn’t like the look of the C8, but it really is the best budget choice. The silver Convoy C8 is a good choice (don’t get the other colors of Convoys, because their UI isn’t very good). For a few dollars more, there’s the Astrolux C8 which has higher output and throw. I reviewed it and compared it with the Convoy here:
Id say that, and theres good deals going down on them here on the forum
$28.99. I would go with the 5000k tint. Its probably my favorite tint I have right now in all of my flashlights
The UI is good on it, but I would love to have the same UI as the GT on this light
Everything’s a variation of a theme, nothing terribly different if swapping for a 3D, 5A, etc.
Only the driver was a little tricky, that the wires had to be “unlooped” to not bang on the shelf above it. Plus, I used one of those PET insulating discs to further insulate it from the shelf, just in case.
Other than that, it’s a straightforward mod, nice’n’easy.
The 3D is (to me) a bit on the cool side, rally should’ve tried the 5A/5D first. Well, that’ll learn me…
Well at least the H2-C has hidden strobes, so basically a 4-mode ML-L-M-H, but I could do without the ML (0.01%)
Too bad no one makes one of these with firmware like the Dr. Jones Guppydrv, I have a few 17mm FET drivers with Rev1, they can be set to various groups, including single mode 100%, for an emergency light.
The thing is I can’t seem to find any other “off the shelf” single cell 12v boost drivers for XHP35, this is the only one I know of, do you know of any?
Also if you want a Nichia in that H03 just put one in, its not hard. I put a Nichia 219c 4000k 90+ CRI in one of my H03’s last week.
Just remove the 4 screws, pull off the retaining ring, the o ring, then the optics(mine had the TIR optics) then there is a 16mm MCPCB with the LED on it just sitting there with a little thermal compound(not adhesive). Just replace the stock MCPCB with a replacement with whichever LED you prefer. The wires are a little short so you will have to make the final soldering connection with the soldering iron inside the head of the light but its not really a big deal, took me about 5 mins start to finish.
Probably the most ignored, budget thrower that I have ever come across- and I’d dare bet it might out throw any of the options listed so far- is the UniqueFire HS-802 (or any re-branded version) This thing has an intense hotspot and a DEEEP reflector. Put off by the fact that it’s only about 350 lumens? Just remember that the Jacob A60 was only 310 lumens and out-threw everything for years. It is a true pencil beam, spot thrower. With a hopped up driver and LED, this thing would SCREAM. Just my opinion. And you cant beat the price. (about $20)
The HS-802 was the best thrower you could get under 20 bucks back in the day. I have one I may just mod with a XPL hi, curious to see what it will do. It as Badger4715 describe. The beam is almost laser like with the XR-E R2. I tried a xpg once and didn’t really like it (spread the beam with out much lumen increase) so I switched it back. The XPL HI might spread the beam a little but at 1000 lumens I could see it still being a good thrower.
Yeah it’s sort of coming back to me, I think I remember reading about this one many years ago, the reflector comparison photo even looks vaguely familiar, totally forgot about it and didn’t know it was still around.
