ALXM XM-L2/T6/3C P60: No-Noun Name, Fantastic Module
The ALXM is Foy's second happy experience with Cree's improved XLamp SC8 technology XM-L2 emitter. I purchased three of Int'l Outdoor Store's previous P60 drop-ins about a year ago and two of them are still among the very best I have. The other went to New York inside a favorite L2i to a contest winner that is enjoying, as I have, the quality and tint of these wonderful modules. I ordered what I see is still listed on the site as the pre-XM-L2 edition that I believe to be the follow-up version of the original I received in April of last year. A few days after placing my order for this drop-in, Hank e-mailed asking if I wanted the newer version XinTD C8 and improved ALXM, both he said, with the new XM-L2 emitter. Definitely worth waiting a few extra days.
Foyapproved
Bottom line: More reasonably priced than the original, the brighter ALXM gives up almost nothing in perceived quality. It uses a different driver and the less beefy pill lacks the extra length in brass at the bottom as well as the brass cover around the emitter. What it also lacks is the ringy beam profile, about the only thing I disliked with the original module. Not quite $17, without going to someone like E1320, it simply makes no sense playing the quality lottery with other Chinese sellers. Additionally, spending double or triple for "boutique" drop-ins of high repute will net you zero in actual performance or value.
What I like:
- new XM-L2 emitter
- output
- tint
- UI
- lower price
What I do not like:
- less brass/less unique pill
"ALXM" XM-L2/T6/3C P60 Drop-In Module
$16.71 from Int'l Outdoor Store http://intl-outdoor.com/xml-p60-dropin-module-alxm-p-656.html
ordered: 4-22-13
received: 5-20-13
Cree XM-L2/T6/3C neutral white emitter
brass pill
aluminum SMO reflector
2.9 to 4.5v working voltage
ascending 3-mode user interface with mode memory: low (5%) medium (30%) and high (100%)
low voltage warning: light drops to low mode at 2.9 to 3 volts and flashes slowly
selected manufacturer specifications:
1.6mm aluminum MCPCB
linear constant current driver: Nanjg 105C, 2.8A
no visible PWM on low (4500+Hz)
reverse polarity protection
gold plated springs
amps using a grey Solarforce L2N with a protected Tenergy 18650/2600:
low - .03 amp
medium - .65
high - 2.90
with AW/IMR:
low - .04 amp
medium - .73
high - 2.90
run-time test using a grey Solarforce L2N and protected Tenergy 18650/2600 charged to 4.21 volts:
1:09
highest measured exterior flashlight temperature:132°F
For comparison, the original module lasted just 54 minutes on high and reached 140°, even though thermal protection should have happened at about that same temperature. (which it didn't seem to do) More run time, less heat and less money. Happy accident or intended, not a bad improvement.
Transit in what appears to be an opaque, 35mm film canister is certainly an improvement over a plastic bag. It had padding on the bottom . . .
The pill is shorter than the original module, lacking the 2mm additional brass at the base. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, just noting the difference . . .
It uses the basic, albeit very nice aluminum SMO reflector . . .
The ALXM has a much better beam profile. The clear donut around the emitter of the original was rather fussy but without it beam quality was abysmal . . .
Without the donut, the original drop-in was practically un-useable.
Very tidy with no soldering bug-a-boos . . .
I see that I listed the original being fully potted but I don't remember how I knew that, as I don't think I removed the cover. I don't believe the ALXM is potted.
Pretty chunk of brass appears well machined.
IO says the springs are gold plated . . .
According to my profoundly anecdotal light meter, the ALXM is roughly 10-15% brighter than IO's original module and it trails a particularly robust performing old Manafont 5720 sku I have by a hair. I'll make no attempt to disguise my pleasure upon discovering an E1320 5-mode/U2 drop-in out-brighted the ALXM by a significant 15-20 points. Vinz's "Meisterstück" topped it by a whopping 25-30%. I'm jus' sayin'.
These lousy beam shots were all taken with a 1/4 second shutter speed at f2.8.
Original Int'l Outdoor Store U2 in a black L2P and apparently, Mrs. Foy watching "The Voice."
ALXM in a grey L2N.
Side by side with original on the left and ALXM on the right. To my eye, the new module wins.
Original version . . .
ALXM . . .
Original on the left, ALXM on the right and again, the ALXM appears brighter.
This is Erik's 5-mode U2 in an L2M.
ALXM at right with E1320's drop-in at right. Perhaps hard to tell here but in real life, E gets the win.
Original IO module . . .
ALXM and supervisorTed. (my cat)
This is Vinz's MD26E . . .
ALXM with the Meisterstück on the right. Is that incredible or what? That German howitzer never fails to amaze me.
To summarize; the ALXM is the right module at the right price and I plan on buying more. I also want to try at least one in some kind of C8 host.
Foy