It will probably have a shorter life span, yes. But when it’s normal life span is measured in terms of 50,000 hours what is a short life span? 10,000 hours? 1,000? Far more than most of us will ever use a flashlight.
In this case, djozz has tested the XP-L HI to near 1800 lumens, in Kawi’s light the emitters have to be making some 1750 lumens to make the 6000 lumens that box measured. (optic loses 9, lens loses at least another 3-5 and that’s being gracious, not counting any driver or wiring, trace, switch losses) So yes, pushing these to their theoretical limits we can expect they will have a reduced life… still acceptable to most of us all things considered.
Just a quick reminder: It may be feasible to mod a D4S to increase its peak output from ~4800 lm to ~6000 lm, but it’s not really going to be a visible difference. It’s mostly a thing to do for educational purposes, or for the joy of doing it, and not for any practical benefit.
Definitely go ahead and max out the lumens if you like; it’s great fun. It’s just not going to be noticeable without a lux meter.
TK, for such a highly talented modder and flashlight techie, I always enjoy your very simplified comments on complicated things that us non techies can understand. Thanks!
Well hopefully this means mine is arriving soon. Mine also shipped on the 11th and the mailman is probably confused why I’ve been checking the mailbox every day.
