You can get the 4000K 80CRI XHP70.2 from Arrow for under $6.50 per LED with free shipping, but they are the lowest M4 flux bin – XHP70B-00-0000-0D0HM440G.
Kaidomain also sell the 4000K 80CRI XHP70.2. They have a photo of the product label that reads XHP70B-0-5A0-N20-D0-H-01. Not sure which bin that correlates to on Cree’s data sheet. Not sure if that’s still the exact bin they’re selling either, considering the seal date in the photo is November 2017.
I would say almost certainly it will be a cardboard box. Maybe there will be an optional carry bag like the original GT. But cases are not cheap, so would likely drive the price up too high.
If you’re considering the MT09R, I would also recommend looking at the AceBeam X45, which has a boost driver resulting in stable output as the batteries drain. The MT09R, on the other hand, uses a FET driver and output drops as the batteries drain. You can get the X45 from hkequipment.net for even cheaper than the MT09R if you exclude the value of the batteries included.
Not sure if you realize it, but the rated distances on flashlights is to moonlight level light, and that isn't very bright. So, using a 1000m rated light for 100m targets is get'n close to daylight - nicely lit up, but using a 300m rated light at the same 100m target will be little brighter than moonlight, maybe sunset level.
For me, I'd like to use the 1000m rated light for 100m targets so I can actually see them, but I'm an ol' guy...
I have an acebeam L30 rated 370m+… barely lights up anything decently at 50m range. Totally depends on the individual’s output perception of course, some folks are ok with a 200lm edc.
Everyone should learn what they find acceptable. I’m okay with 1/3 the rated distance. I’ve heard some folks say they are okay with 1/2 the rated distance, but that seems about the limit.
Well, we’re no strangers to “long silence” on project threads. It happens sometimes. The FW3A burned a lot of us out from “chomping at the bit to know what’s going on with it.” But other projects have had long silences too, at times. Hopefully, we get some good news on this one soon.
Look on the bright side (pun intended), you’ve got time to accumulate funds to buy it and, if needed, time to find someplace to hide it from your wife.
If it’s really $400… Suddenly the other monster lights from acebeam and imalent with several more emitters, integrated battery charging and massive power handling boost drivers don’t seem that expensive.
Other than very nice form factor for great thermals I don’t see anything revolutionary that makes it worthy of such price tag, I really hope it gets close to the GT’s price, 3 more emitters in exchange of a huge reflector, should be a fair trade.