How small and how much throw? I’m really liking the Astrolux EA01 with the SST-40 in. Very compact and with the TIR optic gives some useable beam distance. More semi thrower than true thrower IMO. But very useful. You also only need to run it on high not turbo and output is pretty stable.
Imalent just recently released a sbt-90 hunting torch UT-90, it has a 2x21700 battery pack. I bought this light and is throws the light out but doesn’t have that high intensity small clean spot that say an Olight warrior Turbo or Javelot has. FT03 is a good light IMO but it neither has that fine clear straight spot.
Remember, the side switches are too easily activated, so if I can’t have tail forward clicky or momentary only (like the ft03), it won’t work for jacket pocket carry,
If you dont mind DIY… mtn has L2 hosts back in stock. You’ll need to pick your emitter and driver though. I like MTN because they offer wire/spring solder service.
I think they will do emitter MCPCB reflow too for a small fee. For me and my shaky hands those are always the hardest parts of a build.
I’m partial to the UF-1504, DIY with an XPL-HI and FET driver. It’s aspheric focus and reverse clicky though which is OK for me. I have used this setup for years car camping and coat pocket night hiking with zero problems.
Either of these hosts will project a tight pencil beam with a CSLNM1.TG. I dont have first hand experience with one however. It seems a little beyond my DIY skills when it comes to drive current. I just need to see ~200-300 meters, which the 1504 / XPL-HI will very easily do. Still though I am kind of tempted to build a new one with a CSLNM1.TG.
+1 for going with an L2 w/ CULPM1.TG.
I'm pretty sure that Simon will be able to prepare one for you after the Chinese New Year holidays are over.
As a reference, here's a beamshot of my L2 w/ an CSLNM1.TG (White flat) and a linear driver that I modded a couple of years ago.
Hitting a white van @400m.