Get a D4S.
Based on everything you wrote, it really sounds like D4S would be a great fit. With XPL HI emitters, it has only slightly more throwiness (TK’s nomenclature, calculated as cd/lumens ) than A6, so it’s a good balance between flood and throw, IMO. Some rough comparison:
A6 throwiness: 7.9 ( 10.2kcd / 1300lm)
D4S throwiness: 10.5 (45kcd / 4300 lm)
Q8 throwiness: 22.6 (106kcd / 4700 lm)
And yeah, a light with a 26650 form factor just sits so nicely in your hand.
Mhmm. So if I would choose an Emisar D4s, which one should I choose? My biggest fear is that it will be too floody.
BTW: did I remark that I really like the beam of my BLF-A6 and that my fear is that the TIR-optics wouldn’t be a good choice for me? :sunglasses:
And that my actual Emisar D4s-choice would be too expensive for me (nearly 80US$)?
- Color - Black (smooth surface)
- Add extra tailcap without magnet - Yes
- Aux LED - Amber (or Green)
- Magnet in the tailcap - Yes
- Led & Tint - Neutral White - XP-L HI V2 3A, 5000K
- Battery - 1 * LiitoKala 5000mAh 26650 cell
Pete, thank you, but is it BLF Q8 or Sofirn Q8?
Would D4s be brighter than Sofirn SP33? I did not find any kind of comparison…
You are contradicting yourself. You are afraid D4S will be too floody, yet you like BLF A6 which is pretty darn floody, IMO.
With XPL HI emitters, the D4S will be less floody than BLF A6, but not quite a thrower either.
That’s pretty much the same as mine, except I have cyan aux LEDs. It’s the most expensive flashlight in my collection, but I don’t have any regrets.
Yes, Sofirn Q8.
Based on what I’ve seen, SP33 only puts out about 1500-1600 lm, so D4S should be notably brighter. Granted, D4S cannot sustain max output for very long due to thermal regulation, although that is configurable as well.
I do not agree. The A6 is not that thrower than the Q8, but in comparison to my S41 it is a thrower! I like it’s deployment between center and spill. Looks quite perfect for me, but not enough lumens stable…
In misty air in the dark all my TIR-lights failed, only lights with reflector are good!
Would not be my most expensive light, that were my Liteflux lights. And some time ago I’ve owned a customized Zip20, worth about 300US$. But sold it, way too much money for an EDC. BLF-A6, Astrolux S41, Sofirn Q8 - I like them all (Sofirn Q8 is a little bit too throwy for me). Don’t like my new Mateminco X6S - also a TIR-optics-flashlight. That’s one reason why I’m afraid of buying an Emisar D4s.
In my thoughts 80$ is too much. I have to think…
TIR beams tend to be a bit wider, and it sounds like you just prefer the beam from a reflector. A couple other multi-reflector options for you, although not 26650 lights, are the sofirn 21700 C8F, and the sofirn 3x18650 SP36.
Not fair adding the cost of a battery. You will need a battery for any 26650 light.
If you are worried about budget, loose the tail cap magnet.
Yes, thank you, but at the moment I am searching for a 26650-light. I do not really like 21700. So mybe I have to wait until the next BLF-production, as those lights are really very nice! 
The SP36 is nothing special to me, it’s “just” a Q8 with only three batteries. I would prefer a one-battery-light as I think I will test it as a potentially gift for others.
One-battery-lights are easier to use, and the Emisar is a little bit too expensive as a gift…
Most of the time I buy lights for myself and than someone sees it and likes it.
If we are moving away from 26650 there is the Group Buy for the PL47 —-> [♛ FreemeGB] Fireflies PL47 Gen II 4*XP-L/ Nichia/ SST20 Hi CRI 21700 Right Angle Flashlight - ENDED
GB ends in a few days.
With the battery you are right, but without the magnet the light is loosing one speciality.
And, Andrew, the firefly is TIr again and it’s 90 degrees. No no no…
How about the ThruNite TC20
It is $71.96 after 20% coupon, and it includes a battery. The coupon code is “20%”
Highlights:
- It has an XHP 70.2 emitter
- Built-in recharger
- Turbo is 3800 lumens
- High is 1800 lumens
- Throw is 320 meters
- 5000mAh 26650 battery included
- Excellent heat management.
- USB charging cord included
Some good reviews:
The SP33s shipping now have an XHP 50.2 and higher output. They claim 2,500lm.
I have one on the way.
Emisar D4S. It’s a game changing light: So compact. So bright. So configurable.
Excellent flood and surprisingly good throw.
If you can spring for the extra cost, I recommend getting the Cree XP-L HI V2 3A (5000K) emitters.
Take a look also at JKK70
also has “Short click on / Loooong click off” and in the middle has so much throw light in balance with good flood; at least this is my opinion
Thank you, the light does look interesting, but
that’s all things that I do NOT want! I don’t like loong click for Off and I do not like Mode-Memory! So: it’s out.
Sofirn SP33 made the run today with just 21,-US$.
I would go with the Sofirn SP33 IMO, and replace the LED with a Nichia 144AM 4500k 90CRI, or an XHP50 90CRI from Arrow.
Both are good options.
Hello!
My Sofirn SP33 arrived on 24th Dec. Sofirn needed from 11.11. to 26.11. to give it to post. Not very good.
My first impression was: good light, well machined, fits very good in my hand.
My second impression: Disappointment. Really just disappointment.
Why? The light is far away from that what I was awaiting from a 2500Lumen light.
The beam is fine beside of the awful yellowish center and spill. The rest is coolwhite, at least more cool than my BLF A6 3d which is rated with 5000K (and is my favorite color atm). The yellowish center does look like a donut hole. Not what I expected.
But the really disappointment to me:
The light is too gloomy! When comparing to the BLF A6 (both on Turbo) I would call them same brightness on about 15-20m distance. When laying one beam on the other I can only distinguish them from the beam color.
This is really disappointing to me, where are the ~900Lm gone?
I really wanted a light which is significantly brighter than the BLF A6.