Flashlight manufacturers should advertise their lights like this (just an example):
4000lm max output for 60 seconds (@ 25°C ambient temperature, zero wind speed /also mentioning battery, which was used during measurement/)
700lm sustainable output (same environment specs, output after temperature regulation settles).
This would speak clear enough for most of the users.
Anyway, I also find, that flashlights with turbo lasting only a few seconds are impractical, and an annoyance to use. From cold state, I need turbo to last at least 60 seconds - this is enough for scanning around briefly for identifying important objects in my surroundings (but for some use cases, I would prefer it to last several minutes, even if it isn’t so high level).
I’m probably not the only person sucked into buying a light due to max lumen claims on the packed. I’m pretty sure I won’t be the last. Manufacturers are in the business of selling lights. They also don’t tell you next too the 1 month runtime claim that it’s on moonlight mode at 1lm. Big spec numbers sell lights.
like my convoy l6 can do highest turbo 3000 lumens something nonstop no termal stepdown really until batteries wear down first… but can i fit the light in my pockets ? not realy… but a fw3a and similar that can punch out almost that evne for short time is fun xd
You need to look at the mass of the light, something like the fw3a can’t possibly put out high power for too long. You can tell this by just looking at it.
Max output…Turbo whatever you want to call it.I have NO use for lights from factory whose drivers only sustain Turbo for 10, 20 30 seconds or whatever.
I have a dozen modified lights that sustain Turbo for awhile.Basically they sustain the highest output possible in direct proportion of battery depletion. The output loss is not that noticeable until 10, 15. 20 minutes later until battery depletion.
Those are the lights I like.In addition my Hand determines the step down in warmer months, Not these bursts/ timed step downs that are for amateurs!
Well, in my opinion and experience turbo is actually pretty useful when you need that extra light, even if it doesn’t last. It goes without sayibg that a small host with minimal heatsinking won’t hold high output for long until throttling back. A big light with lots of thermal mass or active cooling will be brighter longer also. As was mentioned, thermal management on the UI side has gotten continously better also.
I say we get rid of turbo & go back to old single glass light bulbs. At least you knew you flashlight was consistent & sustainable albeit very low output. Power would throttle down as the cells went flat. Who’s in?
A lot depends on how fast it steps down. A few seconds is useless.
But something like a Streamlight Protac HL 5-X
Gives a little extra for a short time. Maybe all ya’ need for a quick peek.
Of the late lamented Tacklife.
But make no mistake, I would sure like a mode that gave me the maximum brightness sustainable without stepdown.
Allowing for external conditions. Winter in Michigan vs Summer in Texas.
I scan at an appropriate throw for the terrain until eyes glow in the distance. Then double click to see what they belong to. Very useful and practical for those who do not live in a city.
So I asked my wife if she would prefer a small one that had very high output for a few seconds or a bigger one that sustained a lower output for much longer. She thought about it and asked “we’re talking about flashlights right”?.