Chicago X, I think you're misinterpreting the charts in the data sheet. They're not saying that the XP-G produces 100% of its output at 350 mA. They're saying that "if we arbitrarily select the 350 mA current level as being 100%, then...". It's like a baseline. It's similar to if we arbitrarily select "normal driving speed" to be 50 km/h, and take measurements at that speed, then we have a baseline for comparing with measurements taken at other speeds.
In fact, you can see from the flux vs. current chart that the xp-g can easily produce WAY more output than the 350 mA level, just like a car can go way faster than 50 km/h.
And even the 1.5 A "maximum" specified by Cree is not really a maximum, because the LED will not fail at 1.50001 A if it did not fail at 1.5 A. For example, Cree specifies the maximum current for their XM-L as being 3 A, but BLF member Match did a great test, running the current up to 4 A and beyond (with a huge heat sink). The LED will probably deteriorate faster at currents above "maximum", but even at 1.49 A or lower, if you don't heatsink the LED well it will deteriorate faster. If you were to try using an xp-g or xm-l with no heat sink at all, it would fail at a current much lower than its rated maximum.
It is more like the taste of each one in that case, having modes, I would like a turbo,high or whatever we call it at 1A at least, and the choice of the manufacturer is something some will like, other will dislike and others will not bother.
Being fair, when we got high modes like that, with batteries like this one, we (or at least me) might tend to abuse of that mode reducing runtime, but even having said this, I would prefer it, I might be lumenholic hehe.
That is a really neat looking light. Thanks for the review. I have to say that I agree that they could probably bump the output to 1 Amp though on high. Its nice having an extended low though.
Actually it’s much brighter than the numbers would lead you to think and it lights up a dark room easily which is it’s true purpose anyway. Torches this size aren’t meant to be throwers or light a whole back yard and little pocket rockets (I own a few) are basically sub-compact cars with a big block motor stuffed in them. Fun to show off in and smoke the tires but horrible for day to day use and regular commuting.
I got mine today. I noticed the package was opened by customs. Maybe they didn't believe it was a flashlight. I stuck in a new cr123a. Dim light. Ok it is 3 mode. Twisiting no change. Pulled out battery, yes fully charged. Tried again, bright light.Must be one mode, kept twisting, low mode, 5 more twists, medium, 6 more high, two more low,4 more medium, 6 more high, 7 more low, 3 more medium. I think I have a problem with mine.
On further inspection I was not changing modes fast enough and a few times the battery pushed too far down and the light won't work. I am using a 4 7s cr123a and it is a tight fit. I hope my tf flames fit (whenever they show up) I like that it has memory.