These three seem to be quite competent throwers and based on a previous thread I started I have decided for either one of them.
I’m struggling which one to go for though :~
I know there are two version of the K40 where one is driven at 0.5 amps more which I assume is a benefit……
I need to consider that the L3 Illumination version probably comes with a hefty shipping cost to Sweden while the Supa Beam ships for free (and is cheaper).
The TN31 comes with a TN10 in a good bundle deal for 139 USD. Not that I need the TN10 though……
Q1: So, which one would you go for and why if you just consider the performance of the three lights and do not cnsider the cost of lights?
Q2. If the choice above is not the cheapest option, does the better performance justify the extra cost for a more expensive light?
First of all, I believe all three lights are made by the same factory. I have a Supbeam K40, and I once looked at the website of Thrunite and closely observed the TN31/30 models. The K40 is sized and looks like the TN30 with a single reflector. Of course, the L3 and Supbeam K40s are different only in name and in price. A friend of mine that has a Supbeam K40 says his K40 draws 3.6A even. Looking at turboBB’s door beamshots between the TN31 and the L3 K40 showed very little difference, even I was surprised at the closeness.
Performance of the 3 lights are, IMO, very close that it will all boil down now to your personal preference as to which is more important to you: price difference, brand perception, etc.
The K40s are then same light but jake claims his version is driven to 3.5Amps while Supbeam is only 3Apms. But I'm sure that if you contact Supbeam they can do a 3.5Amps version.
The TN31 has Deeper reflector but there have been problems with this light Reflectors wee dirty and had some liquid spots on the reflector. Also this light had flickering problems reported by many members.
Someone in CPF showed a picture with the DMM showing the Supbeam K40 at 3.6A. Yes, you are right, there have been plenty of reported issues with the TN31/30 but so far none with the K40s.
I vote TN31. My TN31 is perfect, reflector isn’t cloudy, no wet spots, no defects anywhere. I have had the flickering with my TN30 but that’s at so much higher amp draw that I am sure that’s what’s causing it. I am sending my TN30 and both battery carriers to saabluster for him to sandblast and get working absolutely perfect.
Like bose301, my TN31(NW) was flawless and worked flawless. This is with using 6 year old, barely used, AW 2200 mAh ICR 18650's (previous host was the Wolfeyes M90-13V Rattlesnake).
You'd really have to have both (K40 & TN31) to see and feel the difference to really make a good decision. I'd would have bought a K40 had it had a more unique head and bezel (too bland for me). I do however, like the compact size of the K40. Choose the one that will satisfy your requirements and tastes the most.
Mine is PERFECT, not touching it at all, resisting all urges I have to take it apart etc. since it is in such a perfect condition. Only thing I am having done is having the battery carrier sand blasted.
I had the one with the gritty control ring but was shipped a new unit. Works great now but I ran into another non-issue with the battery carrier. My carrier has to be oriented into the battery tube with the side of the battery carrier that has (2) springs facing towards the head of the light in order for the light to turn on. The TN31’s battery carrier supposedly can be placed in the battery tube facing either way, not so in my case. I read a thread on CPF about this little quirk.
