Yes, FET drivers (Astrolux) definitely win out over linear drivers (Convoy), especially on full batteries. This assumes you want full output, which IMO is the only way to use a thrower!
Only a boost driver can do better than a FET driver, but there doesn’t appear to be any budget lithium-ion lights that use boost drivers.
I have a question.
How BLF X5/X6 driver work with step down on turbo?
When temperature reach one level it goes on lower mode or it reduce output level smoothly in small steps?
Thanks for posting this and your good explanation. I was thinking that I had to wait until a pair of blinks had completed before turning off. I could not get the memory mode or 4-mode to work. It was remaining in 7-mode with a default to the lowest setting when turned on. I now have it working closer to the way that I want it to work. Thanks.
the 1A is cool white and is brighter than the 3B neutral white. however the cool white light get trapped in the atmosphere easier than the neural white which may reduce throw.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to either extend the turbo timer from 45 seconds to longer, or turn the turbo timer totally off using the Astrolux C8/ BLF A6 UI?
I would like to either extend it, or turn it off on a BLF A6 I have and an Astrolux C8 I have on order.
I know the A6 heats up quickly, but the C8 has much better heat sinking.
My custom Convoy C8 from MTN Electronics doesn’t require a turbo timer, because it stays cool enough with a MTN 17DD driver and XPL-Hi on copper, with spring bypasses.
Unfortunately, no. Unless you get some fancy gear to re-program the firmware. But for the general user, you’re stuck with the 45 second turbo timer. IMO, that was an oversight in the Astrolux C8; they should have increased it to 3 minutes, or removed it entirely.
Now I’m going to start a flashlight business in Korea. Your flashlight review picture is very good. Can I use some of your photos on my shopping mall site?
If you give me your address, I will send you sofrin c8t.
Great review, I bought the Astrolux based on this review
Anyone know where I can get an OP reflector for this? I thought all C8 parts were interchangeable but I got a C8 reflector from KD that doesn’t fit properly; height is too short.
I don’t have the GT Mini, but from what I’ve read about it, I think you’ll find it’s pretty similar to the Astrolux. Same LED, similar output, and efficiency should be the same (i.e., not great). But the GT should throw a bit further, due to its larger reflector. The GT also looks a little cooler. But, it costs more.
In real-world use, you probably won’t notice much difference, but the GT should have a slightly tighter hot-spot. If money isn’t a concern, get the GT. Otherwise, the Astrolux probably offers better value.
(ground distance of flashlight to opposite building is around 120 meters or 400 feet, but since it's a diagonal distance, my estimate is the distance could be up to 150 meters or so)
Maybe these videos can help show differences between Astrolux C8 (cool-white & neutral-white) vs GT Mini (cool-white & neutral-white)