C8: best and brightest

What is the best and brightest c8 now available?
I have recently bought KD XP-L hi running a 7135 3.04A driver.
The XinTD have been great for me but they are $30+
The lightmalls versions have been hit and miss. Some claiming 4A current have been disappointing and others claiming 2.8A have been very bright so it appears the descriptions and specs there are BS and you really never know what you’re getting.
So, lets see some input.

The Kaidomain C8s are genuine 8x7135 - 3.04amp.
The cooler the temperature LED the brighter it will be (@the same amps). Also different LEDs are different efficiencies, so the brighter versions (assuming you have different tints and LEDs in them) may simply be down to tint or led type.
The other drivers may indeed be the rated amps. But the 4.0amps I must say is most likely definitely bollocks.

I haven’t been looking too hard but in terms of “real” C8 not something C8 sized by not in the same general shape I don’t know that anybody makes anything that would be better. The 3.04 7135 drivers like the one in your KD light are the best I’ve seen in a stock light. I hate to be the guy to suggest a mod when one wasn’t asked for but with just a new DD driver like one from Richard, just two easy solder joints it would see a nice bump in performance and have nicer modes. I am working on a STO C8 prototype but would be awhile until it’s available if it ends up becoming a product.

If you want a C8 with current boost but don’t want to mod yourself, look at pflexpro’s offerings.

Man I was just looking at his site the other day and it just didn’t click.

The prices are not overly sharp to be honest. You could get a killer light modded for you by members on here - for less $$$

No I mean it didn’t click as in it slipped my mind in my first post that that was an option. Prices are just based on the person, and I think Pflexpro’s are quite reasonable.

I knew what you meant…. but $70-$74 for a modded Convoy C8 - no thanks.

Aliexpress is selling a unbranded C8s with 7135*10 driver, 3.5A claimed for $20
I will order one and check it out.
I have found in the past good qulaity c8s from them at good prices but of course way overrated lumen output numbers.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/NEW-ARRIVAL-Ultra-Bright-C8-CREE-XP-L-HI-High-Intensity-AMC-10x7135-Driver-3500mA-1/32665378578.html?spm=2114.13010208.99999999.264.JDC9vY

Worth a look as a glove-box light at $20 is my $0.02.

for bike lights I have had good luck with 10x7135 single mode lights.

I have heard good things about the new convoy c8’s also.

I have a couple convoys. They are under-driven. The newest versions are running 7135*8 drivers and that’s much better. Still there are far brighter offerings.
KD is great power and quality but $30 EA.

Well you can pm member DJ Burke and for like $35-38 shipped something like that he can build you one with any emitter and its dd. Less if you provide the host. He’s built me 4 lights c8 probably 1600-1800 lumen range. If you already have a c8 send him the host probably cost around $20 for him to swap the driver out and do bypasses for you. He’s a really good dude. I have nothing but good things to say. Hes built me 2 c8s and 2 X6 one being a triple over 3000 lumens for sure probably not far under 4k

I would love that! Really I want an xhp35 C8!

I don’t know if there is a boost driver for a c8 to run it. There might be one if you use two 18350 idk. Runtimes would be short. If you get a dedomed xpg2 I think you will be impressed. Mine easily reaches 500 yards to a water tower. The xpl hi ones does as well. I also have a dedomed xml2 u4 that was tested in a light box for 700 yards. So there are a few LEDs that will really reach out there in the c8 with the right driver and bypasses

I just got two XP-L Hi v3 c8s driven by AMC 7135*8. They are bright and throw a long way but I hear about fellas getting 4 amps to a xm-l2 or XP-L and reaching near 2000 lumens. I want that! Not really interested in modding though.

You should get the new driver UI when going for a original Convoy

Just add a few more 7135 chips on the driver

There are really good XPL HI with NW emitters like V3-3C, V2-4B or V2-5A2,
the better color rendering beats the few lumens you gain with V3 with blue light

Less throw with XPL HD V6-3D but nice color

Also a DTP board helps get more lumens as the LED stays cooler

I think he’s no longer a member of perhaps you’ve spelled his name wrong?

I just got a couple convoys with new UI and 7135*8 driver. They are very good and well made. I like everything about them except they could be driven harder.
I like around 6000k tint.

djburkes

He was here 1 day and 3 hours ago :wink:

Phil

I have an order in to AliExpress for a c8 with 7135*10 driver, 3.5 amps and hp-l HI LED. I will post my impressions when it comes in. $19.00 shipped