Not sure if this has been asked before, but Google didn’t really bring much back.
The FT03 can be had for almost identical money with either the SST-40 or the XHP50 LED in. The latter has a claim of nearly double the output and almost as good throw.
Does this mean it is a no brainer and that the XHP50 is the only and obvious choice? Or are there reasons to go for the SST-40 instead? I’ve managed to see a couple of vids on youTube of both, but not in the same video. The XHP50 seems to suffer with the CREE yellow/brown tinted hotspot (i.e. the hotspot and spill are different colours). While in the vids the SST-40 didn’t seem to suffer this.
Does anyone own both and can they share their preferences to which emitter they prefer in this light?
I own both (all 3 actually -sbt90.2 ) and they are some of my favorite lights. You hit the nail with the tint, the tint on sst40 does look better (preference). I did dedome my xhp50 ft03 and put a -green lees filter on it and its a nice warmer thrower now, though.
Case for the sst40-
it’s throw is obviously farther then xhp50, lumens obviously less (to the eye that is)
they both handle the heat of their emitters well, but the sst40 handles turbo heat exceptionally well
Dedome sst40 and throw REALLY seems further then the xhp50
I like them both and (because i have a problem) i am glad i have them both. But to be completely honest, if i could only have one i would buy the xhp50 (even if i didn’t dedome). Its lumen output is awesome and it handles the heat really well.
ya i bought the xhp50, then was made aware that sst40 throws farther, i was gonna buy the sst40, but i tested out the xhp50 today, its not bad at all, and my main purpose is to walk my dog with it in the woods, so i do need some spill and somewhat of a wider beam, i dont need it to be THAT throwy, if i wanted a laser, i would probably just get the k1. so i think im gonna settle for my xhp50 for now. its good enough.
i also compared it with sp70, on high, they are about the same with ft03 having a tighter hotspot, on turbo, sp70 is noticeably, but not significantly, brighter. of course sp70 having 2 x 26650 will have longer run time, which comes at a cost of a much bigger and heavier body.
I have both and I prefer the SST40. Mainly for the throw. There may be a little difference in the tint as mentioned but it is not noticed when you are not looking for it. Both are excellent choices though. Definitely the FT03 is my favorite light. Its size and weight just feels right.
the SST40 throws visibly better with a much tighter beam and useful spill. It also has better run time on high. I vote SST40. I have both and prefer the SST emitter
Noticeably dimmer, I don’t think smaller. Pretty much xhp ft03 stock is, in my opinion, one of the most perfect all around medium sized lights for price. Considering size, feel, weight, price, Lumen - both spill and throw, heat dissipation, build quality (kind of light weight tho), looks. It’s just awesome. the sbt90 version is better, but it just gets hot too quick, but it’s fun. But xhp50 is better general purpose, especially in the $35 range!
well it was a little bit more expensive for me to get in canada, but ya, it is pretty solid. im actually replacing my sp70 with it because of the size. i actually think it could be lighter, i wouldnt mind something like sc31 pro weight, but of course that would either mean worst build quality in body, or more expensive light metals.
I like the idea of the XHP50. But looking at this vid, you can see the awful hotspot and corona tint. Very yucky green And for some reason this really really bugs me!
The same YouTuber seems to have reviewed the SST-40 version too, which to my eye looks much nicer. A real shame they didn’t do any side by side comparisons over distance though.
However I already have some pretty good XP-L HI lights, so I’m not sure how much of an “upgrade” the SST-40 would really be. The XHP50 however would be making a heck of a lot more lumens than my XP-L HI lights.
it really depends what needs u have, if u want something that throws very good and nice beam the sst40 is no doubt the best, but the xhp50 is not bad either i can stand some corona shifts etc i still think its a fun light to have and it doesnt cost much, both lights u can get under 40$ they are a steal.
like if u go alot in woods i would think the xhp50 is better to illuminate better wider area and the hotspot is bigger…
I would send a side by side beam shot but my xhp50 version is so different then stock now you wouldn’t get a good idea of the comparison. i almost want to order another xhp50 just to keep it stock, because the beam throws and is pretty large and its just unique for that reason for such a good sized light.
Those pic’s above are interesting. An FT03 is next on my list and I think from how much cleaner a beam the SST-40 looks I’d have been drawn that way. I’m not a massive tint snob, but those clips above don’t look good.
But I’ve just had a K1 arrive. So I’m having a hard time talking myself into the SST-40 for more general use.
Love my FT03 XHP50.2. I have the neutral’er version, I think it was 5700K? Anyways, real powerhouse of a light for its size. Can even drop in it my jacket pocket if I want to. Bit bulky but doable do a dog what or what have you.
Definitely a thrower, though. I find the narrow beam of limited use on lower settings.
And for some reason this really really bugs me!
