Yet another package from Hank arrived today; my third D4S - this time a grey one with sst20 3000K and amber aux. 
Also got a replacement aux board to fix the one with dead leds.
Hello guys.
I have some questions about led efficiency and the heat generated for each of this led, specifically the XP-L hi 5k Vs the SST-20 5K i made some research about this but it's not always very easy to find a clear comparison, so if somebody here would be nice enough to confirm my assumption or correct me it would be very cool.
I'll focus on the led options around 5000k cause i like neutral tint, and my question is really about the heat generated/efficiency/run time, so putting aside the tint aspect of this leds, and the flood vs the throw.
They are 4 options available for the Emisar D4S:
Neutral White - Nichia 219CT 90CRI, 5000K
Neutral White - SST20 5000K
Neutral White - XP-L HI V2 3A, 5000K
Neutral White - XP-L HD V6 3D, 5000K
-1 In terms of pure heat generated/efficiency is this ranking correct?
XP-L HD V6 3D > XP-L HI V2 3A > SST20 > Nichia 219CT 90CRI
-2 In general with the same battery/driver/host can we assume that leds options with more lumen always mean more efficiency so less heat generated?
I was interested by the SST20 5000k seem a nice option with no extra cost for a pretty balanced beam, but most of the talking in this thread revolve around the 3k/4k version with a high CRI and i can't manage to find a clear comparison about the power consumption/heat generated of the XP-L HI V2 3A 5k vs the SST-20 5k.
For people who like high CRI the SST-20 3k/4k seem to be an obvious choice and a nice upgrade over the Nichia 219C, more lumen, less heat generated and still a nice tint.
For the neutral tint the XP-L HI V2 3A 5K still seem to be the best choice over the SST-20 5K. ( i'm putting aside the 15$ extra cost and still talking about pure efficiency/heat generated/run time )
I have read on this forum that the SST-20 pulls more current with a fet driver, that was around 25% more over the XP-L hi, but the led tint was not specified so I'm still a bit lost and can't manage to find exact numbers for the 5k version.
-3 So last but main question, the difference between the XP-L HI V2 3A, 5000K and the SST20 5000K is really noticeable in terms of heat generated or it's more of a close gap?
About the power consumption with a fet driver the SST-20 will consume 10/15/20/25% more current over the XP-L HI?
Any insight will be appreciated. Thanks guys.
Can you post some beamshots?
I have been experimenting with XPL-Hd and XPL-Hi in 3000k 80+ CRI and find that they have noticeable pink undertones. Curious if these are closer to the blackbody line.
3000K SST20 is under the BBL. 4000K above. A 3500 2x4000K + 2x3000K mix should result in a great rosy tint if someone is into 3500K (I am).
Anyone know if D4Ses with SST use the firmware for XPL or the throttled version for 219C?
It shouldn’t be using the same firmware since it has a higher VF, and will draw less current.
You can check some beamshot comparisons:
Emisar D4S (XPL-Hi V2-3A) vs Sofirn SP36 (4x XP-L2)
Sofirn SP36 (4x XP-L2) vs BLF Q8 (4x XPL-HD)
Sofirn SP36 (4x XP-L2) vs Sofirn Q8 (4x XPL-Hi)
The Sofirn Q8 is the most throwy, followed by the BLF Q8.
I would say the SP36 is slightly less throwy than the BLF Q8.
While the D4S (XPL-Hi) seems to be almost at par as the SP36, probably just a bit less throwy...
I was thinking in terms of which version of Anduril I should flash. I don’t see an SST version.
Well, I received my D4S with the SST-20 5000k.
It does have a light green tint to it in moon mode, that gets whiter the brighter it gets. And I cant say with complete confidence that all the green is gone at full power, but its real close.
It sure throws better than the XPL-HI 5000k, perhaps adding close to a hundred yards in throw.
And it has better definition than the HI, to me. I am able to see texture on trees and stuff that I can not with the HI. Could the greenish tint help?
After all is said and done, the SST-20 is my new fav out of the Nichia, the S4 3D and the XPL-HI.
Of course I may prefer the S4 3D 4885k in thick timber, which I have not had a chance to try out yet. I hate light reflecting back into my eyes, it blinds me somewhat and is a distraction. With the reddish tint, I notice very little reflection.
I hope this helps someone.
Thanks, helped a lot to see that I made right decision 
And maybe saved $15.
Thank you for your feedback learningtofly it comfort me too in my decision.
Did you notice a big difference in heat generation between the XPL-HI 5000k and the SST-20 5000k?
The standard version. You only need to use the 219c version for 219c or low Vf emitters like maybe an XP-L2 if that were offered.
Standard version goes to 100% FET
219c version goes to 80% FET
I ordered from Hank:
Emisar D4S 26650 High Power LED Flashlight
Color - Grey (smooth surface)
Aux LED - Red
Led & Tint - Neutral White - SST20 4000K 95CRI
There pretty close, but it feels the HI gets a little hotter.
So I have a question: I just received my d4s (black, D4S SST20/5,000K, red aux) and in comparison to my 2 d4 flashlights the LEDs do not line up real well under the TIRs…. it makes for an oblong beam on one end…… Is this normal for this config? Am I being too picky?
I ordered the exact same D4s setup you have, will let you know when I get it if its got the same issue.
No, that doesn’t sound right. It shouldn’t be oblong.
Shoot Hank an email or PM.
My D4S sst20 have a completely normal beam.
[/quote]
My D4S sst20 have a completely normal beam.
[/quote]
Yes, mine has a well defined, round hotspot.
I’ve actually received lights that Custom’s apparently disassembled and didn’t put back together right. The worst was a Mateminco X6s triple, they let the triple optic shift completely off the emitters and the bezel wasn’t on properly of course. Crazy stuff happens out there!