OK., You’re right, there’s no noticeable difference neither in lumen output, nor in life and long term lumen maintenance at this lumen output level between HD and HI emitters. But the footprint is the same, so they are interchangeable in the same reflector.
The OP reflector blurs the color deviations of the HD emitter - but it’s a HI, with no color rings
The HI emitter gives more throw - but it’s in an OP reflector.
That’s why I am confused. My problem, anyway.
Sorry, bad expression. I should use “needed” or something like that. I mean that the functionality could be easily improved even more with some small and no cost design considerations.
Applying a simple lanyard hole enables the flashlight to hang on looping the lanyard on the body, with side light down position.
Making the side light diffuser shorter ( leaving more space at the end ) enables to put the light in a simple headstrap with the usual silicone mount and use the side light as a headlamp.
I am just surprised that Lumintop skipped these basically no cost but functionality improving opportunities.
Maybe their designers are reading the forum seeking for tips to improve their products.
Didn't test equally with the GT Micro but the Micro has a very similar brass button contact point, raised solder points around the button as well -- same as the EDC05C. I guess they used the button instead of a spring to keep the length as short as possible, and improve conductivity? I dunno....
Of course doesn't matter to me... I got lots of solder top cells in 18650 and 26650 sizes.
I just want to make it clear to buyers -- must use the proper cell with these lights and the manufacturer fails to mention it. Hhmmm, Lumintop in both cases....
i wonder how many will buy this light and use whatever cell and be suprised it wont come on… it shouldnt be like that, any cell should work imo flat or not depends where u live it can be an issue for some get certain type of batteries also.
Can't imagine the Amazon comments, and resulting returns. Amazon buyers will expect anything that fits to work, period, no matter what is said on the listing.
Only clear, absolute best thing to do is include the cell. I'd include the new 1000 mAh rated cell, like the Vapcell, but it's available/sold under other labels. If you include the battery that works with it, guaranteed - no one can legitimately complain about the light not working out of the box. Wish I had direct contact with Lumintop to tell them this...
Lumintop -- are you listening? Please include a cell that fits and works! I really like the new 1000 mAh rated 14500's for this light.
yeah battery would be a good idea, i mean a few bucks more but any user can use the light out of the box and have that battery as a reference if wanna buy more later on or so.
OP reflectors barely reduce throw (single digit % reduction) but smooth out the transitions in the beam with even a domeless emitter like the Cree HI versions.
I had a C8 w/X-PL HI that was still had a ringy beam with artifacts despite the tint being perfectly consistent to my eyes.
That's a 26% bump. I thought my reflector swap from OP to SMO on the L6 was in that neighborhood as well. I'm sure there's factors involved, like the particular LED and degree of OP.
Well, yes, there is a ring, but there's also those 4 solder points, similar to the GT Micro. Didn't test the flat top cells in the Micro, wondering though. It's easy to get to the driver in the Micro, not so easy in this one because the one piece body.
I think they are planning to selling the light with a proper cell - just not sure.
Kind of weird that they went for the XHP35 here, I see no advantage over a XP-L or XP-L Hi. Perhaps the need to boost the voltage makes it easier to regulate the output?
Nice djozz! Ohh, funny, I don't think I even searched BLF for the E17A. I would think the 4 E17A's in series, and the 12V main LED was done for a reason - both can be driven at the same voltage level. At the low amps this driver puts out (1.0 amp), guess a boost driver is reasonable.
Updated the OP with the E17A name and link to your review.
Great shape for EDC. Narrow body with grippy rubber from the switch, side LED, and USB cover. Feels good in the pocket and great in the hand.
Good job on the USB cover - it holds securely in place. Not like some other lights where the cover falls out and flops around.
Side LED is a nice touch.
Front LED is adequate but not great, but at only around 400 lumens is a bit dimmer than I’d like. I wish this light had a turbo mode capable of 800 or 1000 lumens. Also, I’m not a fan of cool white. Front LED would be better with a warmer tint.
This light uses a boost driver, but is so low powered I’m not sure it’s gaining any benefit. Wouldn’t it have been better to just use a linear driver and an XPL HI?
I don’t like the “built-in” battery. Would have taken pretty much zero design or manufacturing effort to give this light an endcap that could be unscrewed by hand without the tool that came in the box. And that would have been much more convenient for those who like to swap in a spare cell.
my Efest 650 mAh 14500 flat tops work fine. But my flat top 1000 mAh Vapcells do not work. The positive contact at the driver isn’t tall enough to clear the retaining ring for a completely flat top.
Too many fails for me, it’s a no go. Neat design efforts, cute light, the boosted 35 and ornage peel reflector were, to me, bad choices. So I’ll take the pass and wait for a more reasonable LH351D offering.
Ooops, thanx! Missed these 2 last posts. Yes, some quirky issues, agree, but didn't expect much honestly. Definite Lumintop quality though, but better choices could get the price down too.
