I’m in for at least 1 no matter the format. I think the standard flashlight shape is the way to go. It seems more natural way to hold a light when spotting distant objects. But really if the throw is there I wouldn’t care so much about the format. For the LED I would like to see highest cd/mm2 irregardless of total lumen output. But if it comes out to be very little difference between a 400L led and a 2400L led I might reconsider and go with a little less cd. The TN42 is the benchmark so it’s gotta beat that in cd.
Might wanna make a note on this. Whatever lens we use/decide on, if you could please make it 2.25 mm thick, I can swap in a UCLp without messing around .
For me, UCLp is the clear choice. Might be difficult and/or pricey to get UCLp's for the entire run - from USA to China for example... I've just submitted a question to Chris at flashlightlens.com if UCLp's can be made in the 120-150 mm size. I know they have to be 2.25 mm thick though - all UCLp's are. He's made custom sizes for me (and others) before up to BOSS1 size, ~90 mm.
Also for the LED, I'd be happy with an XHP-35 HI that can beat a TN42, but I'd prefer an XPL HI so I can immediately swap it for a dedomed XPL W2 which will clearly beat the XHP35 HI in throw, and still have a somewhat decent beam width.
Just a quick observation,
there is talk of wanting it to be for 1s, 2s and 4s cell configuration, this would mean the battery tube would have to be made in two parts, one for 1s4p, 2s2p or 4s1p and an extension for 4s2p or 2s4p.
Not a problem design wise but how about cost :question:
Personally I would like a good thrower that I can use, not a pencil beam for bragging