I'm eyeing the Nitecore P30 for my next thrower. Apparently, the XP-L HI V3 and throws a beam to 603 meters.
Would there be any benefit to changing the LED to a XHP35 HI D4, or better, for longer throw?
I have the Convoy C8 XPL HI V2-1A on the way. Will it out-do the NC P30?
Manker U21 or Utoch UT02 resister mod is worth it.
Umm, off topic. I think?
The Convoy C8 reflector is not ideal for throw with XPL HD
The hotspot on my XT12GT is smaller with XHP35 which is a larger LED and both reflectors have same diameter
XHP35 needs a boost driver
Being new to flashlights I find myself reading a lot, and watching video reviews. The video reviews are OK, but far from a first hand experience with my own eyes, I would guess.
I could EASILY get into flashlight building and modding if I didn't set my own barriers, as I probably have 98% of what's needed for basics and beyond. I'm wanting to avoid getting pulled in. I have enough "hobbies"
I just want the best I can get without stepping outside the every day carry size. From what I read into flashlights and LED technology advancements, my interests could be never ending.
Thanks for your input, Lexel. I've read several of your posts, and your knowledge is evident. I don't think I want to go through the modding door just yet. The NC P30 might be in my hands yet.
Just a couple of rough estimates-
The P30 [95000 cd stock] has a larger reflector than the C8 so the nitecore will be capable of greater throw with the same led and drive current.
The easiest and cheapest way to increase throw with the p30 just replace the led with a XPG2 S4 dedomed. This should lift the intensity to around 160 –180000 candela but lumens would be around 800. [approx 80% intensity increase]
To fit a xhp 35 to this light would be quite difficult- you need to find a different driver and engineer it to fit and it would have to be e switch compatible if you still want use the side button. With this configuration say you get 1500 lumens it should yield around 140 000candela. [about 50% increase in intensity]
If you have a c8 on the way maybe consider the Olight m2xut - i get 300 000 candela out of mine with a xpg2 s3 on a noctigon star which is like a light sabre which hits targets at 500 metres with ease, with a decent wide spill.
Switching to XHP35 will increase lumens and decrease throw.
Switching to XP-G2 will do the opposite.
Also, you would need to completely replace the driver if you wanted to use an XHP35, which probably won’t fit inside the light because the P30 uses a custom shaped PCB design.
I am yet to see any custom driver for the XHP35 that drives them hard. So output is pretty standard. With the C8 you could get maybe 170kcd with a XPG2 and direct drive set up.
One day I had 4 lights in my hands:
Nitecore P30 XP-L HI
Eagle Eye X6 XP-L HI
Klarus XT12GT XHP35 HI
Armytek Predator V3 XHP35 HI
All 4 stock lights, I’m not a mod fan yet. So, just personal thoughts:
They all throw almost same. P30 a bit further (reflector is bigger), XHP35 HI doesn’t throw further but gives you more spill in comparison to XP-L Hi. Visually brighter, more light at closer distance. So my unprofessional suggestion would be XHP35 is not the best option for further throw.
And I would try the mod with C8 first.