High CRI "Duty" light

In the spirit of BLF I’m looking to see if I can put something together similar to a Surefire G2X Pro/LE or Malkoff MDC hi/low without the price tag and with a high CRI emitter.

1. Price under $100. Preferably under $50.
2. High CRI. 219B/C or SST20, are my strong preference. Around 4000k.
3. Comparable durability to a Surefire or Streamlight. Or Malkoff, but that may be setting the bar too high.
4. Two modes. High and low. In either order.
5. 18650 and 2xCR123 support. Or 21700 with 18650/2CR123 support.

Now I don’t mind assembling myself and indeed is this about the only way that I see. I’m tempted to the G2X and mod it with an SST20 or 219 myself but its just a shame to waste that money on a SF just to void the warranty. Alternatively, I have a couple of LF Seraph hosts but the closest P60 that is suitable is the neutral M361, which I don’t want to cycle through three modes.

I think I'd be inclined to buy it and mod the emitter...seems simplest and the cost would be minimal. The old LD-29 driver might work for you - 20mm with dual voltage support. After buying that and a host, board/emitter, and potting compound or silicone thermal blocks the price might be getting close to just buying the light and modding it, plus you wouldn't have your two-mode preference. I've got an S21 host and that LD-29 driver but I won't be able to dig those out to check fit for a couple days (host takes 22mm I think but it may work). Last I checked, the buck and boost options at MTN were all unavailable but if/when he has them again then he can certainly set up a firmware with two modes for you. Those LH351D high cri emitters are really nice in the good bins, if you haven't tried those before.

Good thoughts, and maybe the G2X led swap would be simplest. I have tried a few LH351D in various bins and temps ranging from 3500k to 5000k. The 3500k from Simon are the only ones I’ve liked at all- all of the rest have been way too green for me. And this is coming from a SST-20 fan.

The one i am looking for with the same requirements as yours is Fenix PD36TAC

Now, stock emitter once removed will be replaced with R9080 Nichia B35AM. The only struggle is which CCT to install....