Why is this beam smaller than another? pics included

Hello everyone! my name is Cessnapilot and I think I might be a flashaholic. Of these two zoom flashlights, and the larger silver one throws a much tighter beam that is more concentrated. I am curious as to the reason it is tighter. I want to build a big high powered aspherical zoom, is an xm-l any good for that or is the surface brightness not as good as a XR-E?

Welcome Cessnapilot!

the aspheric lens diameter and curvature is what determines what collimation effect it will have on the emitter. Usually, but not always, the larger diameter aspheric will give a tighter spot.

You are correct about the XML having a lower surface brightness vs XRE's, so therefore will give a lower lux reading. But does that make it a bad choice for a flood to throw? I've got some interesting info to help you decide coming up in my next "Match's Mods".

(It's done now, just don't have time for the post.)

Match, I would also love to see some flood to throw with XM-L mod if this is what are you talking about. Can't wait for.....

Regarding the size of zoomed beam - it might depend also on led dye. In a MXDL SA-28 torch EZ900 and EZ1000 version of XR-E produced different size of projected dye. But also, they were purchased from two different vendors, so .....

Aloha and welcome to BLF Cessnapilot!

Are you a pilot of Cessna airplanes?

Thank you for the welcome. I am indeed a Cessna aircraft pilot, flying since age 17, kind of weird looking back they let me fly an airplane before I can drive in most countries haha.

Anyway I am looking to build a high powered ashperical, maybe maglite based since I have a 2D laying around unused. I will browse the forum before asking questions though...because I have a lot of them. I like the zoom ability but would be ok with a fixed thrower. Should I start with ordering a 52mm lens from DX? I have the 3 mode manafont xml drop in that is amazingly bright and I can only think what that would be like in a tight emitter shaped hotspot. The silver light above is visible on a condominium that is a hair over 600m away, amazing!

I lived in Alaska for over 20 years and Cessna's are very popular up there. I almost started taking flying lessons but life got in the way and I never did get around to doing it. Maybe I will someday.

..i'm very interested in the flood to throw lights .. lots of discussion but never any beam shots .Very few have beautiful smooth nice tints with absolutely no rings like my first flood to throw .. Wonder why no one puts the newer emitter in them ..Fran said they wouldn't work ..i need to see it not work to believe that too . I still have 3 18650 edi-t p4 lights supposedly coming .I would like to believe the flood to throw will evolve into a bright efficient light too .