I also got word on the silver / clear options.
They said if they can sell at least 45 silver units that they can make up a batch of them. It will take 30 days from start to finish for another batch is what I am told.
So if you want silver / clear, let your voice be heard. I counted them up and as of yesterday there were around 20 reservations for silver.
I told him I am pretty confident they will sell 45+ silver units but he wants an idea of how many more to make before he submits the order.
Yeah the quality for the price is quite nice.
Tripod mount is almost a must for a light of this size, didn't realize it didn't have one.
I'd prefer the SS bezel but usually it's a hefty price increase. For a 100-110 mm head diam, maybe $25 extra?
Yeah, it is a hefty price increase but also a hefty weight increase in the wrong spot.
If this is where they chose to cut costs, I would say they picked the right spot IMHO.
Do you have a head diam #? If the reflector is 90 mm, I'm guess 102-105 mm, assuming the prototype's dims are reflective of production.
Looks like it is around 108-109mm total head size, there is a fair amount of meat on the body to allow heat to flow to the fins so it makes it a bit thicker.
That absolutely makes sense, see how wel the light sells before committing to an extra involved process in manufacturing. Also, Very Glad you pushed for clear Ano :+1:
As much as I like the look of SS bezels, I am realizing that I wish none of my throwers had them. I would take a aluminum bezel that matches the body color over SS just because of the beam rings that occur from the Stainless bezel. Although, I have no understanding if the SS bezel helps with thermal transfer or anything like that. Regardless, I’d take aluminum everyday over stainless. My new ft03 with ss bezel has rings that my all black ft03 did not. Disappointing.
Is this 45 silver in addition to the originally planned 25? Meaning the first 25 silver should be available in ~2 weeks to order?
Thanks for helping create this light, it’s large mass should pair well with SBT90.2.
TA, this is all looking very good so far.
Can you please ask them to add a tripod mount option? (1/4-20 UNC) It will be needed most of the time in my usage case and should be simple enough for them to include it.
I dont want to push it too much, becuase im sure its too late to add th tripod mount anyway, but i just watched that (awesome) production video in the OP, and it looks like even thought the button is above the LED that there is a natural location for a tripod mount opposite the button location, if they just flattened that area like they did for the button? Or are you saying that the tripod mount screw would stick through and interfere with the internals if it was placed there?
I only ask because it looks like it could be added without making the handle larger, by just flattening (instead of milling fins) opposite the button, and because it would be really nice to have a tripod mount for this light. Making the handle is easy, but i’m afraid i am incapable of milling my tripod hole… Either way i am buying this one, but if they could do the tripod mount, that would be fantastic. but if they need to make the handle larger for some reason, then i agree its not worth adding it.
At this size, I’d really expect about 950kcd. The TN42v2 is very close in size to the WT90 and it claims 864kcd, though, so maybe I’m expecting a bit too much.
I’d love to see beamshot comparisons vs the MF02Sv2/MT90.
TomE, what do you expect to get out of this one?
I'm getting about 800 kcd out of the triple HK90 after tweaks, so I'm thinking 900-950 kcd maybe? Figure ~10% gain just from single vs. triple, plus more amps because of 3 parallel good batts, like 40T's. Might do better, but don't think over 1000 kcd, or if so, barely. Of course should de-lens the LED for another bump.
I think they mean 45 total, so it would be another batch of 20 clear lights is the smallest they can order is my guess. If the demand looks higher they can add more to that number but once the order is submitted it is kinda locked in.
Yes, the first 25 should be ready in ~2 weeks ish along with 75 black.
Anyone know if the raw aluminum tarnishes with time? It looks like SS in the picture.
Ahh, the tripod threaded mounting hole. I dont mean to stir the hornets nest or clutter the thread, but now I see this requires some explanation. With the temperatures this light reaches during continuous turbo or high mode, you’re going to need to add a handle to carry it… unless you enjoy 180+ degree F skin burns. As mentioned by Artiet59, there is plenty of substantial material available on the anterior portion of the head, opposite the switch by not completing the cooling fins/scallop in that one small area. If its too late during the current production run for the change, Id be more than happy to wait on the second batch to get the light I intend to use to its full potential.
As an aside, most of my successful reliable lights are resold in large number to outdoor enthusiasts and public service/emergency/rescue personnel who put them into service (no shelf-queens or collectors among them). I test every light to assure they perform as expected before passing them on. On so many levels, the omission of a simple threaded hole kills dozens of potential sales for this particular light.
TA, please bounce the idea off them and see what they have to say (including adding it later or during the second batch if necessary). Pending full review, reliability shake-down and mounting hole, this light should be a real winner for the masses.
I can ask about it but looking at the CAD designs, there is no room for a full depth tripod thread without making significant changes to the design. It could be done but would either add a much harder machining step (oblong grip that would have to be milled instead of turned) and/or it would increase the grip size to a point uncomfortable to hold for most people.
There is but mere mm’s of space behind the button before you reach the reflector. The wires actually run inside the light next to the reflector to the switch.
It would require a rework for sure, I think the more practical option is something like was pointed out above and using a camera mount to adapt it to a tripod since in the big picture it is a niche use case as far as I am aware.
If the camera tripod adapter simply won;t work and people really want a tripod mount, I can push for it but realize it will come with some downsides and possible higher cost.
Yep, something like this is what I was thinking as well for those that need a tripod mount. If it is really something that people want I can see if they can make or find one that fits this light well to offer as an option. This should be doable.
VOB is not replying to me, guess he is taking a break, anyone else ya’ll trust you would like me to send the prototype to for review? I have been away for awhile so not sure who is still around.