The issue I have had about doing reviews of my own lights is I could unconsciously look at them with rose colored glasses. This is why I try to keep my “reviews” on group buy lights I am running as fact based as possible to remain above any possible mis-representation.
I have no problems with others giving honest opinion based reviews which is why I am trying to get this prototype into the hands of someone that could do an unbiased review.
The usage of the light is identical to the GT70/90/94 as it uses the same firmware.
If I can find some time I might take some quick beamshots one of these nights and see how they turn out. I have about 10 projects going on at once right now (including building a barn that is a bit more work then I had planned lol) so have not had much time to sit still much less go take beamshots recently.
Ok, that makes sense; woth the expanding width of the inside cavity of the head, resulting in less substance for the tripod hole.
And I am not at all opposed to the style handle you, Yokiamy, and others had been mentioning. That seems like a completely reliable and reasonable solution to me. I would pay extra for that, depending on price. If it was included even better, but I’d rather see the price of the light stay down and just purchase a handle after the fact.
Thanks TA for explaining this to me and your patience with it. Can’t wait for this light!
The tripod mount should be centered well to the weight when loaded with batts, for such a big light. It's somewhat odd to have the switch in front of the LED. I would think it puts your hand in the hot zone when holding it to operate the switch. Seems like they are trying to keep the length as short as possible while using a reflector as deep as possible. I'm not a fan of deep reflectors for throw, I know some are. Not sure if it's proven they result in any more kcd.
Without knowing the center of gravity, hard to say where it should be. Without a tripod mount it's not a deal breaker for me and does sound like only a re-design of this light would allow one to be designed in. I agree to punt for a designed in one for now, as TA is saying.
There's always the trade-off with switch position, making the hold area narrow enough to hold comfortably, and thermal design. I recall the old modded TN41's had a nice thin zone to hold comfortably but it was right where the LED is, and boy did that get hot.
TA, I recommend Tom E to do a deep dive on this light. If he is willing of course?I know it would help me make a decision getting his two cents on it after he was able to handle it.
If I can ask, why do you not like a deep reflector For throw? I honestly have never noticed if a light has a deep reflector or not. Is it because the effect it has on the beam? Or switch placement like you were mentioning?Or something else?
Ok, got an update, they will look into adding a tripod mount to future lights, not confirmed but they are going to give it their best shot if it can be done without effecting the rest of the light too much.
Also looking into handle options as well, so we will see what they come up with.
Deep reflectors do narrow the spill, not sure if they narrow the hot spot much. If there is a gain in throw, it's not much. 3 main factors for throw in reflector lights:
width, and width. Did I mention width? Actually the I.D. (Inner Diameter) at the outer most edge of the reflector.
It is strange to have the switch above the LED, and yes the grip does get hot but I worked with them on the thermal path quite a bit so the grip is only a few degrees warmer then the fins in my thermal test, so big picture it doesn’t seem to have that much of a real world effect on temps. Still took 6 mins to reach 60c at the grip in my test. I would say it is pretty close to the GT thermal gradient.
Loaded with cells the center of gravity is right below the switch it appears, feels pretty good in the hand. They got the balance pretty good for hand holding.
I also got word they are planning to make 70 silver lights, total time should be about 30-40 days until those are ready (largely depends on the China holiday that is coming shortly). No word yet on if they will include a tripod mount, not sure if that will make it into this batch.
I just noticed this- the silver picture is from 28 seconds into the OP video, And black picture is from the end of the video. Different head shape/design/roll stops. I like them both, but the silver one is nice. Kindve has a K1 feel to it. I wonder which one will make production?
I would be interested in testing/review of it. I could do vids as well. I have a better meter now I've been using for throw, as recommended by djozz - the Extech LT45, and even learned how to use it . I also have a set of Vapcell T50's I'd like to try out in this light, as well as T30's and T40's
Ohhh - didn't finish my post before bout reflector depth. Some manufacturers think they need depth for max throw, so they add quite a bit to the length of the light, which is mostly a waste. Unless you really like the reduced spill area, and probably more brighter spill, I don't see the point of added length for basically no gain in throw.
I see what you’re saying about depth / vs. pure kcd benefit, makes sense. I guess I’d be neutral on it unless it added too much to the length of a light or really interferes with other design aspects. Good info I appreciate the explanation.
And I REALLY hope the prototype finds your doorstep. I think we would benefit from you having this light on your work bench. I know it’s helped me with other lights in the past. I’ll speak for myself, and I know others feel the same. Thanks guys.
Also- TA, any update about when We can PAY for this light? Lol. I have the money Burning a hole in my pocket :innocent: and I don’t mind the whole “group buy” aspect where you throw your money in the hat before production is done. If that’s an option, If not no worries.
Actually the I.D. (Inner Diameter) at the outer most edge of the reflector.
