Acebeam K30-GT – what's better?

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

I tried K30-GT and overall I like it. It’s not a gimmick light but there are a number of issues that make me rethink the steep price.

Form factor of a good size to performance ratio, but absence of external charging makes it awkward to fumble around with cell change, and worst of all the voltage cut off is at 3.2V measured on VTC5A cells.

That’s a considerable amount of capacity not used, and with 3 cell design feeding 90.2 it’s just not that much to begin with.

I really do like the handle, it does work great, but the button design negates the use of the handle while wearing gloves. The button is nearly impossible to locate while wearing gloves.

The drivers seem to do a good job stabilizing the current, but the time lag between mode switching is pretty bad. It’s SLOW.

I looked around for similar form factor 90.2 throwers and did not have much luck. I did look at Manker MK37 but it’s even smaller then K30-GT and has the same 3 18650 cells.

Throw some ideas at me guys, I’ll appreciate it.

s. How about Mateminco MT90 SBT90.2?

2

Noctigon k1, ft03 sbt90. Fireflies t9r, fireflies rot66 osram, astrolux mf01 mini, manker mk u22 version 3. Manker mk37 but you already acknowledged that.

3

Convoy 4x18A w/SBT90.2 is on the way, I’ve heard both 4x18650 and 3x21700 versions will be produced

4

This may be the best pop can light to date if true. I love these soda can lights. I have over 10.

5

Thank you. I was about to pull the trigger on that Mateminco MT90 but 3×21700 90.2 version of Convoy might be just what I need.

6

To me 84mm head diameter of the MT90 vs 69mm of the 4X18A is preferable, but the beam profile and hot spot of the K30-GT was good enough for me, so if 4X18A in 90.2 can do the same as K30-GT then I’ll be very happy.

7

Any more news about the 4x18A 90.2? I’ve been looking at the K30 and MK37 as well and it would be nice to have a third option.

8

Not that I could find. I held off on Mateminco 90 and waiting on 4X18A 90.2 myself. K30-GT did not work for me. It’s a great light but combination of very difficult to locate switch, 3 cell configuration, and need for cell shims to use since Acebeam does not actually use a real 21700 format, all forced me to look for an alternative.

The KG30-GT that I tried also had a donut hot spot, with a severe drop in the center and a very pronounced ring which got worse at distance.

If it wasn’t for the donut hot spot I would have probably kept the light as a novelty.

9

I keep staring at the 4x18a as well, but i kinda really want it to have anduril, and not not sure if there are any good anduril boost drivers that could be shoved into it, or if it would even be a good idea to go to a 3v led.

10

That’s too bad to hear about the K30, I hadn’t read anything too negative about it’s beam before.
I wish more of these lights were just 3x21700. Hopefully we get some news about that Convoy soon.

11

I found that 3x18650 is not enough capacity to juice 90.2

4x18650 or 3x21700 is the way to go.

Sanyo 3500mah 18650 true capacity is very close to stated. I can’t recall exactly what was the low voltage but I did get a 3400mah charge with change.

In a x4 pack it’s 13,600mah, and with 4 cells amp draw is not an issue plus 14+ volts = less regulation. Not sure how discharge curve would stack up to 3x21700, but given true 5000mah capacity, 3x27100 would still outperform 18650s.

Waiting for 3x21700 is why I held off on the Mateminco. That and the high price.

12

I’m not sure about anduril. My anduril lights occasionally flake out and lock up. In task use lights I much prefer simpler and more reliable UI.

To me anduril is good for edc lights, but not for serious and dependable lighting tools. While I do like certain toys for fun factor, I’m into reliable tools.

13

Yea, when are those coming anyway? ( I stopped asking Simon because I felt bad pestering him, it’s been in the works and “close” for a while) .

14

Couple questions: 1. why no love for the Astrolux MF02 V2 sbt 90.2 (4 or 8 x 18650)? Similar form factor to K30 but 750KCD.

2. Does anyone have a Fireflies T9R in hand as of yet? Thanks.

15

Yea does anyone know when it’s coming out?

16

I think the most interesting thing about the K30-GT is its driver. It’s using those three 18650 cells in series along with an efficient buck driver which minimizes the waste heat at high outputs. This is also why there is no inbuilt charging. There are SBT90.2 lights that get brighter, but this one is very efficient and stays relatively cool for its small size.

I like the removable handle, particularly when wearing thick winter gloves. It makes it much easier to maintain a positive grip, and once I set the level I usually don’t fiddle with it much. It’s easy to find the button though as it’s exactly 180deg from the handle.

FWIW I don’t have a donut beam on my K30-GT. It has a nice concentrated hot spot with a gentle falloff in the corona. It’s actually pretty nice and one of my favorite outdoor lights.

I’m more intrigued with the L6 with SBT90.2 than the 4x18A since the L6 will also be using a buck driver.

17

The k30gt used to be my most wanted light, for months it was. Then I lost the want for it because the high price finally kept me away for good.

I am really glad for your post because those are all th8ngs I never knew about the k30gt. The driver, the beam, etc.

Thank you!

18

It’s same as Mateminco MT90 SBT90.2. It’s much bigger and heavier then K30. I held off for now, waiting for 3x27100 Convoy.

19

Yes, the Astro/Mateminco MF02s V2 is much bigger and heavier then the k30gt. especially with the 4x 18650 and the head size. I had the asto mf02s and i have the hakelite hk04 (4xSST40) which is very similar in size to k30gt, and the hk04 and mf02s are significantly different size. hence the 750kcd versus the k30gt’s 265kcd.