Hey there, sorry i just saw the thread updates here!
So yes, the xpl-hi 4000k i ordered was a "special request" from Jack. I just emailed Jack AFTER I PLACED MY order, with the order number i got from the website, and asked for the xpl-hi 4000k emitters. I also put a note in the "special comments" section when placing the order. I usually do both just so they are less likely to miss it. They are pretty good and Jack or Oliver will email you back confirming your request. He told me it took an extra 4-5 days to make my xpl-hi request, and he was right - my light shipped out 6 days after i ordered it lol (i consider a 2-3 day processing time on a regular order to be normal).
Yes, xpl-hi 4000k are Not Hi CRI, as u/Lojik has stated. I do not mind a all though, i have the sst20 4000k FA4 version of the e12r and e07x and also the xpl-hi 4000k version o fthe e07x, and i really prefer the nicer tint of the xpl-hi 4000k 5A and 5D bins over the Hi CRI versions of the sst20 (this is my opinion, and most people may disagree). But i agree 100% with Lojik, once you find the tint and emitter you truly like, you will use it to judge every other emitter off of. that is what i do with a nice tint of xpl-hi 4000k (and Jack at FireFlies has nice bin tints, the 5A bin)
I prefer xpl-hi 4000k for its much higher output, better tint (my opinion) and better efficiency. efficiency to me means that its cooler/using less amps to be as bright- at non lower modes while running the light. So at turbo it still gets HOT, like all the other emitters, but at lower amp outputs it puts out more light with less energy needed. which is good in the small-ish hosts.
The only other emitter i would seriously consider is the Nichia 219b 4500k, i know Lojik can attest to that! lol. But i have that emitter in a emisar and it is really nice! also, i have read (in this thread earleir on) negative things about the samsung LH351d 4000k, that it is not as hi CRi as the sst20, and that it is green especially compared to the nicely tinted FA4 bin sst20 4000k emitters FireFlies uses.
so that is confusing, but basically i would go for these emitters, in this order: xpl-hi 4000k, nichia sw45k 4500k, sst20 4000k.
i like 4000k by far the most.
even though i own (and i really like) the sst20 4000k version, if i could go back i wouldve ordered the Nichia version. but, keep in mind, the output capabilities of these three 4000k lights will rank like this:
xpl-hi 4000k
sst20 4000k
nichia sw45k 4500k
So if your looking for that HI OUTPUT and Hi CRI, maybe stick with sst20 4000k, because it will give you a good middle ground.
Good luck! What color are you going to get? I have the sand and i am waiting on the black to come in. Pretty excited myself.