So… I am quite new to all of this but I was putting a lot of credence into the 4040 camp. And I have to agree with you here, based on my experience. Here it is-
I recently ordered my first two convoys - the m21a cslpm1 and the L21a CULPM1. And although the reflector is smaller, the m21a appears to throw almost as much and be as bright as the CULPM1. Now, I don’t know how to measure lumens and throw and don’t really care to, but in real world use the 6a driver with cslpm1 really runs the 8a driver L21a CULPM1 for its money. I actually had to check them by taking out reflector because I thought they had the same emitter. I just expected the L21a to CLEARLY with bigger driver and CULPM1 to outperform the m21a. I just don’t think I’ll be buying a CULPM1 again soon for my lights. Side note- I really like bth lights and do not regret buying the L21a. It’s still awesome.
Hi I recently got the L21a osram and I absolutely love that thing!
When I turned it on for the first time the hotspot was very off centred. The hotspot had no corona on one side but three cones on the other side. I tried to readjust the reflector but nothing helped until I jammed a tiny piece of wood (the end of a toothpick) between the emitter and the cantering ring. Is this normal?
When I modded my M21C to CULPM1 I had to put a shim between the bezel and front glass. The 4040 centering ring is quite a bit thinner than the 3535 or 5050 variants which caused the reflector to sit very loosely in the head. I wonder if L21A has a similar issue?
The Osram leds are so small which makes them extremely hard to center 100%. Most other brands, if not all, have off center Osram leds. I find it’s the mcpcb that tightens down with screws that throws it off center.
Throw xhp35 hi > 3v xhp50.2 > xhp70.2
Lumens goes the opposite way. Probably along with battery drain if that matters to you.
xhp70.2 is a beast, expect it to be big and bright but not carry as far.
Xhp35 is the only de-domed one which makes it throw better (+ the fact that its smaller and that generally = more candela) the 4000k is super pleasant of you’re into warmer (possibly higher CRI) tints. It’s also discontinued, what ever that means in this hobby anyway:P
I just would like to ask, if you have access to either XHP35 HI or the new XHP35.2 HI (introduced in March 2020) emitters.
Basically, the XHP35.2 HI has very similar performance stats to the older XHP35 HI, but I think, at some time point, XHP35 HI will be more difficult to access, and XHP35.2 will be better available.
The most important question is, can you get 90 CRI tints of either the old XHP35 HI, or the new XHP35.2 HI, and if so, what CCTs you can access at your Cree retailer?