I’d just grab the Convoy M2 with XP-L Hi in it. Has the biscotti driver already installed and a nice throwy emitter and SMO reflector. Pick your tint and shine on my friend.
MH20GT? One of the smallest 18650 lights I got, only slightly wider reflector than most tubelights, but emphasis is on throw even vs the regular MH20 (“GT” = “Greater Throw”).
If you don’t want a big-head light like a GTmini or P30, the MH20GT might suit ya.
+1 on the MH20GT or even the newer MH23 which I use as my EDC. Compact and good throw.
Where can one find a good deal on one of those now days? Always liked the size but never found a great deal on one. I had a SDMini that I guess was similar to the Nitecore. It found a new home. Still wish I had it. Oh well. I have a Manker U11 that is quite nice but with a OP reflector the throw suffers a bit but, that is okay by me. It’s a good little light.
I’ve only seen codes for the ’20, never for the ’20GT.
Wish I could pick up another one cheaper…
The new Micro GT is small. With a 14500 battery you would need a spare in your pocket as well.
All below beamshots are taken with these camera settings:
shutter speed: 1/10th second
white balance: set to “daylight” white balance
ISO: 800 f/2.8
The Sofirn SP31 v2.0 and Convoy S2+ XPL-Hi are beamshots are taken at the same time.
Sofirn SP31 v2.0 (left beam) vs Convoy S2+ (XPL-Hi, 1A cool-white) (right beam)
Sofirn SP31 v2.0 (XPL-Hi, “1200 lumens” mfr rating)
Convoy S2+ (XPL-Hi, 1A, 7135x8) “1000 lumens” mfr rating
~
comparing the Convoy S2+ vs the Convoy S2 (S2 has a deeper reflector, and thus slightly more focused hotspot), not sure if it really throws farther or not much, compared to the S2+
The Convoy S2+ XPL-Hi 4C and Convoy S2 XPL-Hi 4B beamshots are taken at the same time.
Convoy S2+ (XPL-Hi, 4C warm-white, 7135x8)
Convoy S2 (XPL-Hi, 4B warm-white, 7135x8)
These beamshots are taken at a ground distance of around 120 meters (flashlight to opposite building), diagonal distance estimated to be around 150 meters or so (400+ feet).
Sofirn SP31 v2.0 (XPL-Hi)
www.youtube.com/embed/wJBnhKQDVuE
Convoy S2 (XPL-Hi 3A neutral-white, 7135x8) [note: this is the S2 with deeper reflector, not S2+]
www.youtube.com/embed/aUWBcFBBZGI
Convoy S2+ (XPL-Hi 4C warm-white, 7135x8)
www.youtube.com/embed/90X1FvukoVw
Convoy S2+ (SST20 4000K, warm-white, 7135x8)
www.youtube.com/embed/3Ntjaaj-8Ik
Found a MH20GT for $60. Not sure if that is a good price or not.
I don’t recall seeing ’em for less than 70, which is pretty much regular price.
Anytime somebody says ‘best’ I cringe a little, but ‘very good’ at a very affordable price would be a standard S2 Convoy with an inexpensive smooth reflector and an XP-L Hi emitter in the flavour of your choice.
Pot it well with some of those squishy little cubes from Intl-Outdoors, drive it at a humble 3 amps or so, and you’ll see it everything you need to see this side of an actual foot long, two pound light sabre.
Slightly better, a bit more bullet proof (but a bit less pocketable), might be a hot-rodded Solarforce P60.
Bottom line? Everyone’s ‘best’ is different, and subject to a whole lot of variables.
Pocket throwers, Emisar D1s of GT mini.
I’m fine with my jeans
I was already thinking about buying this one, but it is a little bit thicker. I’ll look up some reviews.
Something I have not seen mentioned , that to me is a great little thrower for the size (310 meters ANSI rated and 2100 lumens) and also serves as a headlamp / EDC (comes with a clip as well as headband) is the Thrunite TH10 V2. It is a single 18650 with XHP 35 HI emitter and smooth reflector.
My full review with charts , beamshots and live outdoor comparisons …… HERE
The best one for my use case. Everyone has got their opinion and their favorite ofc.
21700 is fine but I don’t like an emitter on the side.
In unmodded tube format definitely the mh20gt.
But value wise I think the convoy m2 will be better. How does it compare to the m2 and s2+(+).
And what about the sofirn sf36w