On AA heat is not an issue .. [ I plan on running AA - 14500 for showing off ]
On the 14500 , I expect heat will be an issue for any runs over 60Seconds ...
I dont think you would want to run High for any length of time what so ever [ 14500 ] , medium though , now on medium it would be sweet ..
Im seriusly thinking a XM-L T6 + 1A driver with 14500 or RCR123A , could come close to being a viable 400Lumen pocket light you could run on high for extended periods .
A 1.2A or 1.4A driver could be good as well [ 500Lumen + on 1.4A ? ] The XM-L offers possibilities only dreamed of last year ..
Im currently trying to think of a host to buy to build a XM-L EDC [ 16340 ] on 1A or 1.2A or 1.4A driver .
Low mode is almost perfect for a walk around light , medium is very nice , and high , well its high , especially for a AA ...
I put in a 14500 , and took it outside , and Bling !!!
Medium is bright , low is low , and high is just so much power !
I took pictures but once again the camera just can show off high in my back yard , the light bouncing back really afects it bad [ yeah that much light ] ..
You guys really want a AA - 14500 XM-L , or a RCR123A + XM-L , so much output in a small package is just freaky ..
Thats insane! Didnt some of the F20s have a problem handling 14500 batteries with the stock emitter? Do you think the 1.92 amps your drawing now on a 14500 is limited by the battery or the driver?
I have never modded a light but would really like to try it out. Did you replace the bare emitter or put in a new emitter that was on a star? If so what size star does that take? I watched those videos on youtube about swapping emitters on a board using a stove and i KNOW id screw that up.
I'm a little surprised there aren't more people trying to cash in on the XM-L hype. It seems like it should be fairly easy and lucrative to fill this niche by offering what amounts to a pocket rocket in a generic body. I know people in the firearm business who started out that way (mostly holster makers; and making holsters is similar to modding flashlights in that it looks easy but requires a fair amount of expertise and experience to do well) and eventually turned their side-business into a full-time job.
Could be current , or heat ... Either one would affect putting in a XM-L [ Other people have moded the Akoray with XP-G R5 just fine - mine on the other hand ]