Budget thrower advice

AFAIK the K1 reflector was designed with the WF1/2 in mind, whereas the L21A is using the same reflector geometry as the L2 did. That may affect just how much throw each gets in a way that doesn’t really scale in line with reflector diameter.

K1 drives the W1 at 5A max and the W2 at 7.5A max.

The non boost version of the white flat 1mm would burn out at 8A so that can’t be true

It’s a CULPM1.TG….

I suspected as much, which explains the big difference in throw numbers. The 1mm will always throw further than the 2mm, boost or otherwise

Hmmm. This is getting complicated.

I can buy into the suggestion that the K1 can reach out beyond what the L21A CULPM1.TG can, it’s a question for me of how much that extra reach is and whether it can justify literally twice the price tag. The L21A comes up at £36, the K1 is £74 delivered. Side note - that’s the W1 Osram CSLNM1.F1 flavour, is that the right one to be looking at?

I am tempted by the K1, I’ve wanted a properly throwy light for years and don’t want buyers regret. But it just shy of double the price of the next option. These things are never easy.

Another quick question, I don’t own any 21700 cells - just checking if I’ll need a new charger (obviously not if I get the K1.) I’ve got a handful of Lii-202 and Lii-100 chargers, plus an Xtar VC4 in a drawer somewhere. I’ve seen mixed comments on whether the Lii-202 will take 21700’s, it’ll take 26500’s but can anyone confirm?

I have the Xtar VC4, 21700 will fit but with difficulty. I have a Sofirn battery and I need to use a magnet to make contact because the top is flat. Be aware that some batteries don’t respect the size standard.

L21A with CULPM1, 8A, throws about 20 % further than the XHP 35 HI version. And that’s 9 usd cheaper.

I pointed out in#17 that the K1 is available with either of the osrams. But I still don’t see how that explains the difference between 350kcd in the L21A and 600kcd in the K1 with the exact same emitter.
The difference in reflector will make a difference, but that is a big difference.

True, the K1 may be almost twice the price of the L21A, but it’s cheaper than buying both. Because I guarantee that if you get the L21A, you will always wonder what the K1 can do!

Where in the UK are you based? Maybe someone close by could show you a few different throwers so you see what numbers actually equates to in real life.

With regards to 21700’s, I also have a VC4 and Samsung 30T, 40T, and Molicel P42A’s fit fine

L21A with Osram culpm from Simon

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001594138171.html

If you are interested, i have a L21a with CSLNM1 that does over 500 kCd, (approx 550) but probably shipping from China is financially more interesting.
Ah, i do have the XHP35 version as well

You’re probably right there. I’m sold, and I’m trying to persuade myself it’ll be the last time I let that argument win with something that’ll realistically only see a few hours use per year.
But it’s done now. Ordered the K1 W2.1 CULNM1.TG.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

This Convoy

I live in a rural area as well. I am normally looking out to the 100 or 200 yard mark. I like the Thrunite Catapult V6 in NW. It works great, the UI is great and it even has built in recharging.

I don’t need warm or high CRI light. I just need light. 150 yards is about the limit that I can see. It’s very difficult to see beyond that without some external help. For me anyway. The Thrunite is rock solid and dependable. Besides the Acebeam E10, it’s the best little thrower I have. Not to mention the run time is quite nice with the 26650.

Uh… Sofirn C8G?

You are too powerful to be kept alive!

I don’t have the K1 though I’ll probably end up getting one next year. It looks to be a throw beast.

I have the GT Mini, the KR1 with the W1, a C8+ with the W1, a KR1 with the W1 and the FT03 with the XPH50.2.

They all really reach out there. The beams of W1 lights are so thin and so ‘not super bright’ overall that they feel like they shine the farthest to my eyes. The FT03 just is a super bright light overall AND throws well, it’s probably the best overall choice and a great value.

I like the feel of the KR1 the most and it’s fairly pocketable so it gets the most use with me.

For a dedicated thrower… I’d really think about just getting the K1. I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets close to twice the distance of the others I’ve mentioned though it’s likely the least useful light overall for a general purpose light.

i have convoy c8 i think… now i want upgrade it if there is “cheap” and better one?
what is this C8 w/ Osram WF2?
Is what you recommend. 18650 thrower and cheap… thanks.

usually a ‘thrower’ can be pretty cheap if you do not mind cold/neutral LEDs, and large head size

What actuall KCD for Convoy L21A KW CULPM1? or any guess?

Simple math my friend, the L21A with CULPM1 indicates it produces 1190 meters of throw so based on FL1 standard it would produce 354kcd give or take.