XPL-HI versus SST-40 for throw build?

Anyone have strong opinions on this? I’d like to build an L2, kind of a semi-tight beam thrower. As opposed to a small-die, tight pencil-beam.
>Leaning towards a FET-DD circuit
>IMR26650 or 21700

Unsure about the emitter though. How would the SST-40 compare with an XPL-HI?
How hard is it to de-dome an SST-40, and would there be significant difference in terms of lumen output and cd ?

Any other suggestions?

thanks!!

Do you like to build it yourself?
There is an L21a with SST40 available.
Oherwise i’d suggest an Astrolux FT03 with SST40, which is an awesome light, It comes with Anduril, it has good throw but due to the large die it will not end up with a pencil beam.
And even more important, it’s cheap, there are enough codes around

Well, the SST-40 is a 5050 and the XPL HI is basically a de-domed 3535. My XPL HI C8+ has a pretty tight beam.

Don’t think you can run an SST-40 direct drive?

Oh yeah… anyone have thoughts on that one too?

You can buy a Convoy 5amp or 6amp four mode driver for the SST-40 in 17mm. I’m using the 5amp one with an Osram W1.

I wish I had a little workshop set up, that would be a fun bench test. :smiling_imp:

It has NarsilM, not Anduril, only on the FT03S