As was pointed out above it basically boils down to the FET driver offering better overall performance for this light.
It will be brighter then the buck driver for any given input voltage from the batteries and since this light will virtually always be used at high power, the FET driver makes more sense.
The buck driver would be a better option if this was a light that would be run at low power levels for extended periods, as that is the only place it would see a benefit (and the benefit would only be a bit longer run time).
I have been on various flashlight forums for around 10 years. I’ve learned quite a bit about presales and group buys. If you want the best price get inline early because the price always goes up. This doesn’t matter if it’s a custom maker or a well known manufacturer. But know the risks. Besides dealing with unknown manufactures or designers, not the case here, you risk getting a dud or worse, an unsafe light. But there are other things the early adopters often lose out on such as improvements in binning, features, safety, quality controls, and extras included with the light. Some people are willing to wait for the final form and wanting to possibly get the absolute best version. It’s all calculated risks and what works best for your budget.
You can use the edit link you got in the email to change the poll answer if you want but it is just a poll. You will select the emitter when you actually check out when they are for sale.
I signed up for my first group buy on here! Hopefully I didn’t screw it up.
I reserved,
1 X Giggle Monster XHP70.2
and
1 X set of 30Qs.
I think you all usually get better prices on batteries when you buy through here so I figured I’d try that.
Oh I forgot I ordered NW as the tint as I thought everyone wanted NW but it seems a lot are requesting CW. I just want the best, although I’m sure that’s subjective.
Given Skylumen’s GT with the 70.2 domed with 5500 lumens makes only 480kcd, it seems doubtful we can get anywhere near 1.38MCD even with CW and dedoming. I think even getting 800kcd is pretty good and beats even the TN42 but with more than 3 times the lumens. I’m not ordering this due to the size because I’m out of space but if this light with dedoming does above 1MCD and no ugly yellow tint with dedoming, I will get it later even if the price is a bit higher.
Btw, I wonder how this compares with the current high output throw king X65. Would love to see comparisons later.
BTW, I have a suggestion. If you really plan an even heavier, porkier, simply more robust version of the BLF GT, please keep more material around the lanyard holes on the head and on the tailcap. These flashlights will have to be carried on a shoulder strap, and a steel keyring could eventually cut through the aluminum if it is as thin as it is now.
:+1: