Mikeadoo wrote:

Thanks Jason! So how does this group buy thing work? I know I got to put my name on some list but IDK how to do that

Delta_V wrote:

cd = candela. kcd = kilocandela = 1000 candela.

Candela is a measure of light intensity. The two basic characteristics we measure for an LED are output (in lumens) and intensity (in candela). The lumens measure how much total light is being emitted, while the intensity measures how intense the light is in single spot. So you can have high lumens, but if they are spread over a large area, the intensity will be low. Or you can have low total output, but really focus it in a tight beam and still get high intensity.

Once you know the intensity at the front of the light, you can calsv9the maximum effective distance, since intensity decreases predictably with distance. The ANSI standard says you need at least 0.25 cd to illuminate an object. So to find the distance at which the intensity drops below this level, the equation works out to be SQRT

FWIW, I got the SN6×-2X back in the group buy (several years ago) and with a simple lens change to an UCLp it gained 27Kcd. So while we want to think in terms of linear application, emitter/reflector dia/ lumens… the shape of the reflector and the quality of the lens can play a huge role and both are something we very rarely quantify.

The picture you and your daughter holding the Mini GT is so cute. The flashlight just fits well and is right for her little hand. Now I want one!!! I like the design and style and I even think it’s better than the D1s.

DB Custom wrote:

FWIW, I got the SN6×-2X back in the group buy (several years ago) and with a simple lens change to an UCLp it gained 27Kcd. So while we want to think in terms of linear application, emitter/reflector dia/ lumens… the shape of the reflector and the quality of the lens can play a huge role and both are something we very rarely quantify.

For sure there is always the chance that a bad part can be used by mistake that really hurts performance and my guesses become wrong.

For Mikeadoo, I know he just wants a general comparison. Are they gonna look the same or will the GT Mini throw noticable further? Should he get it or just stick with his C8s?

I think it’s gonna be a nice boost in distance. Not double, but 39% assuming Lumintops numbers are accurate.

Edit:
Here is a review I found on the C8s.
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/40861
Flashlion measured 2.15A output instead of 2.8A which means it’s not 900 lumen. More like 600 to 650. He also only measured 35kcd. This is only 374 meters.

If Mikeadoo’s C8s is like this, then the GT Mini really will shine twice as far. It’s a huge difference.

JasonWW wrote:

DB Custom wrote:

FWIW, I got the SN6×-2X back in the group buy (several years ago) and with a simple lens change to an UCLp it gained 27Kcd. So while we want to think in terms of linear application, emitter/reflector dia/ lumens… the shape of the reflector and the quality of the lens can play a huge role and both are something we very rarely quantify.

When I’m doing quick calculations/comparisons I do tend to give the manufacturers the benefit of the doubt as far as using high quality lenses and reflectors, etc… Competition can be fierce so they know they need to use good parts and try to be honest about the specs because the guys on this forum and CPF will test and verify these things.

For sure there is always the chance that a bad part can be used by mistake that really hurts performance and my guesses become wrong.

For Mikeadoo, I know he just wants a general comparison. Are they gonna look the same or will the GT Mini throw noticable further? Should he get it or just stick with his C8s?

I think it’s gonna be a nice boost in distance. Not double, but 39% assuming Lumintops numbers are accurate.

Edit:
Here is a review I found on the C8s.
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/40861
Flashlion measured 2.15A output instead of 2.8A which means it’s not 900 lumen. More like 600 to 650. He also only measured 35kcd. This is only 374 meters.

If Mikeadoo’s C8s is like this, then the GT Mini really will shine twice as far. It’s a huge difference.

If you want to measure throw distances, all you need is a tape measure and a lux meter.

HS1010A or LX1330B are both good and cost from $10 to $30.

Here is a video on how to do it. It’s easy.

You can measure amp draws with a clamp meter like the UT210E for about $33. There might even be a coupon to get it a bit cheaper.

These are cheap, basic tools for measuring flashlights.

You can go one step higher with a Texas_Ace Lumen Tube for about $135. Then you can measure lumens. Not too many folks want to spend that much money, though.

JasonWW wrote:

Delta_V wrote:

Small correction – it will be about 1.4x the throw of a C8. The intensity is doubled, but there is a square root in the equation for throw, so you increase the throw by SQRT, or about 1.4.

If you want double the C8’s throw, you’ll need about 280,000 cd.

Mortuus meant twice the candela, not twice the throw.

i meant both

…want to have your cake and eat it too, yes?

Curious in how this goes. Can’t wait for numbers.

Jtm94 wrote:

Curious in how this goes. Can’t wait for numbers.

AntmanQ wrote:

The picture you and your daughter holding the Mini GT is so cute. The flashlight just fits well and is right for her little hand. Now I want one!!! I like the design and style and I even think it’s better than the D1s.

Due to EU regulations M4D M4X is not allowed to sell his daughter, you’ll have to manufacture your own.

Count me in for 1, maybe 2.

Essexman wrote:

AntmanQ wrote:

The picture you and your daughter holding the Mini GT is so cute. The flashlight just fits well and is right for her little hand. Now I want one!!! I like the design and style and I even think it’s better than the D1s.

Due to EU regulations M4D M4X is not allowed to sell his daughter, you’ll have to manufacture your own.

DBSS wrote:

Count me in for 1, maybe 2.

JasonWW wrote:

The sign-up list is over here. http://budgetlightforum.com/node/60983

DB Custom wrote:

…want to have your cake and eat it too, yes?

of course sir

In for one CW

I’m in!

The sign up thread for this light is here.

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/60983

DB Custom wrote:

Um, well, um, Rey’s brass pineapple and at the moment a Nitecore TM16 are both sitting here in stock form. I don’t tend to modify a Sinner. If that helps. My S1A Baton in copper as well as my Jet-II Pro in copper are unmodified. And my Godmes T01. The Sunwayman F10R is still stock too. And my Dad’s Thrunite Titanium, the little twisty, it’s stock. As is my Titanium Olight S1 Baton with my name on it, from the X6/X5 group buy. And my number 62 ×6/X5 set are still in the box, put away. And of 200 lights that’s probably about it.

That’s more than I’d expect. That’s about 5%. But I doubt there are many around here who can claim more than a 95% mod rate.

I haven’t modded (but would like to):

• Meteor (swap driver and optics)
• Okluma DC2 Cu (swap driver and optic)
• Rey brass pineapple (could use V2 driver and V2 reflector)
• BLF-348 (should be ~8 lm instead of ~50 lm)

… and I don’t intend to mod:

• SWM V11R
• JB RRT01
• L3 L10-219b
• Zebralight H52Fw + SC52
• Olight S-Mini Ti + S1-Mini Ti
• Cooyoo Quantum SS
• DQG Tiny AAA IV

I’m not counting anything I helped make, like the A6 or D4, or anything sitting in a box of old stuff I never use.

But I’d definitely mod the GT Mini, because if it can run Narsil it should be able to run Anduril. Same thing I did with the original GT. I doubt it needs any physical changes… just a new personality.

Mikeadoo wrote:

Interested!! Looks cool. How does it compare to a C8s though? Just curious Throw wise

M4D M4X wrote:

JasonWW wrote:

M4D M4X wrote:

run to the hills….

How would you describe the GT Mini compared to a Thorfire C8s or Convoy C8? Surely the Mini must be much brighter, yes?

much more thrower due to the intense  spot

also more Lumens and bigger reflector

I’d say it’s C8++ class

The thing that makes that funny TK is the immense number of lights I have modified for a few friends. The count is probably close to 300 of my own what with the ones I’ve sold or given away and nearing that many more for a few friends of mine. lol

It’s an obsession, now. VERY difficult to leave one stock. Like, I just got my D1s Titanium and the copper is so gorgeous, still in it’s bag and box, I WANT to play with it, but I kinda don’t want to mod it and playing with it will mean it’ll need Anduril and and and …

Nice, that’s an intense hotspot.

Any chance of a comparison with a modern Convoy C8 w/ XP-L HI? The Thorfire is a nice enough light, hut it’s a little outdated as far as throwers go.

its clear that the gt mini has insane tight hotspot so it will beat any c8 or similar light in that size easy. not even an c8 with xpl hi emitter stand a chance.

Oh, I know it’ll beat it. It’s just a matter of how much, and how dramatic the visual difference is. A comparison with the D1S would probably be the best, but I’m not sure if M4DM4X has access to one.

The difference in those pictures is easily the difference between XM-L2 and XP-L HI, given the same emitters and same or similar power levels there won’t be a lot of difference between the C8 and Mini GT in beam profile or throw, I’m thinking.

But the Mini GT is actually a shorter, more compact, light, albeit slightly larger in diameter, and the side switch set’s them apart quite nicely. It becomes more of a matter of style choice, the 3-legged dog that is the C8 or a nice neat style reference to the Throwmaster in the Mini GT’s big brother.

Is today a leather loafer day or a hiking boot day? Teva sandals or all out running shoes?

M4D M4X wrote:

a bit comparison GT Mini vs. Thorfire C8s

https://photos.app.goo.gl/53Mx2XtGKdgwgpTz9

I have zero use for C8 style lights (small throwers) and did not sign up for the mini. Now I think I will. Let me head over to the sign up page.

If I found a host C8 with side switch and xpl-hi plus bought a driver from Lexel to get NarsilM I would be at $40+ I’m sure, then I would have to actually build the thing and it still wouldn’t look as cool as the GT Mini. Lol

Can you make a comparison with a well driven C8? With BLF A6 driver or similar?