(Last update) Wanna buy BTU Shocker, but...

Wow is it possible that something else is wrong? Even though the NWT6 would be less bright it should still be, Holy hell that sucker is bright! Mine is just amazingly bright and throws as far as I can see.

I have a 3T6 it gets blown away in brightness and throw by the SRK and the SRK gets blown away in throw by an Trustfire T8 that I have modded with a XM-L2 on copper. The BTU shocker throws easily as far as the modded T8 and puts more light on target and it’s flood blows away the SRK by a ton. I have a 6T6 and it doesn’t flood as well as the BTU.

It sounds like you must have gotten a dud. Have you considered buying a DRY driver for $5 and throwing it in? Ric might even just send you one.

Seriously the BTU should impress even a hard core flashaholic.

I know it seems very strange that is isn't performing similar to a TK75.

I am most likely going to sell it or have it modded. The light has some serious potential so I don't want to let it go.

Although even if the BTU U2 is similar to the TK75 I would still choose the TK75. I'm usually under-whelmed by lights that are hyped up but the TK75 is the only one that actually lived up to it.

I claim that mine is under-performing (originally a U2 version, now XM-L2 on copper) but so far I cannot pin-point the problem. The reflector appears OK (compared pics to rdrfronty’s reflector), the current is definitely OK (over 5A), and lens is not eating a ton of lumens (I’ve tested it lens on and lens off to make sure). With XM-L2 @5A, mine performs about as good as the stock version others have received. It makes no sense yet.
I want to fix it, I just do not know what to change. :~

Well the TK75 is a thoroughbred and the BTU is a Clydesdale, but I've played with both, and both are impressive, but if you want decent throw, hands down the Shocker is the winner there with it's bigger, deeper (and more complete) reflectors and confirmed in the published throw numbers. You gotta go with the U2 version though - the T6 3C will under achieve, but still should impress. Thinking also there's something wrong with that unit, but also, a nice neutral tint will be deceivingly appear to be a lower brightness that what it really is, least I think so in comparing a lot of lights, some 3C's in XML or XM-L2.

It's funny how every discussion about BTU Shocker starts to sound like politics at some point. Or religion. Maybe it should be added to the list of prohibited topics? ;)

This light really splits people. Don't know why.. I love mine. A lot!

Even the NW version is very bright and throws more than most of us would never need. And with a tint suitable even for photography.

Plus it's fully user serviceable, unlike TK75. You can easily mod it with new generation NW emitters on copper SinPADs. Or you can try CW and enjoy >3500 lumens or kick down to 2500 lumens, as told by rdrfronty.

Ps. I can vouch Ric. He might be busy and doesn't always respond fast, but he delivers. And you know that his goods are the real deal, not any random clones. I have bought a lot of lights from him (currently waiting for 2 x DQG 18650) and will buy even more in the future.

i have no issues with BTU it’s a beast of light, but i held both TK75 and BTU in my hand before, if i have to go searching for somebody lost in the wood or have to carry it for a long time, i would definitely leave BTU in the car as it is Daaaaamn heavy and even TK75 with the extension tube still weight less than BTU :stuck_out_tongue:

I think Joe here is doing a huge disservice to the OP and all the members of BLF. The NW version of the BTU sucks! Plain and simple. If you buy the BTU go for the CW version and possibly even with the dry driver if you really want things bright (but you won’t have the same turbo runtimes then).

I have the CW version and its a VERY impressive light. It will out throw the TK75 easily (and by a lot due to the deeper and bigger reflectors) and the feel of it is amazing. When you hold it just feels like a incredibly well built tank. I really appreciate the heavy solid feel of it.

Now the one negative in mine is I don’t think the turbo mode is working properly since I see no difference between turbo and high so I think there might be a driver problem… Ric was nice enough to send me a free dry driver so I’m going to take the old driver out and solder in the Dry driver so that will hopefully fix my issue and make the BTU an even greater beast!

Now having said all this I recently bought a 85w aliexpress HID light (the long one) and it beats my BTU pretty easily in terms of throw… hell it would beat an SR90 easily…. it would probably destroy almost any of the typical LED lights in terms of floody throw. But then you are talking about HID which is not really fair. Just thought I’d mention that.

I personally think they are both excellent lights. I’ve spent a good amount of time around both. The BTU is slightly cheaper, has better throw, and is much easier to mod. The TK75 is a little floodier, is lighter weight, and has excellent thermal/heatsink properties and regulation.
I prefer the BTU, my brother prefers his TK75. Both wouldn’t consider trading for the other. But on the other hand both of us like the opposing light quite a lot.
Basically you won’t go wrong with either light you choose.

Hey Rdr any idea how to do the dry driver install on the btu ?

you failed to mention the run time of HID light… AFAIK it can only runs few minutes at a time before the protection kicks in because the heat issue.
it’s only for show and tell, not useful for everyday use :slight_smile:

+1

Few mins? I ran mine at 45W for 20 mins and it gets hot for sure but it doesnt shut off or anything. It has a pretty nice heat sink on it. I havent tried doing that in 85 w mode though.

Best to ask Tom E, he was the mod guru on my BTU. I don’t wont mis-direct you.

Ok… I asked him before but he didn’t reply to that specific point (he addressed other things) but lets see what he says later.

A little off topic, ok a lot, but has anybody actually measured the lumens and lux on these 85wt HID’s? I HATE the delayed power on of HID’s. But I’m curious if the output is truly enough to make me look past the delay on these 85wt lights.
I mean I have a 35wt Ryobi HID that I haven’t turned on after it was perhaps a month old. Nowhere near enough power or throw on it to make up for the delayed power on. Though I tested it at about 2500 lumens and 600m throw.
So any REAL numbers out there on the 85wt?

I don’t have any real numbers but from most estimations these lights are easily 4000 lumens minimum. My 85W hid crushes my BTU (but keep in mind I’m not sure my turbo mode on my BTU is working). It throws much further and has a lot more spill.

Having said all that… my 55W Thor cyclops absolutely obliterates all the lights in question… heck it would destroy the BTU + 85W ebay HID combined. Its that bright. Don’t even get me started on throw…. I mean remember Fritz modded barn burner 55W HID that hit clouds? Lets see an SR95S UT do that lol (I know I know its not fair to compare).

Bibihang, since you are from Malaysia, I would advise you not to buy BTU if you are not serious modder. Spend RM100 extra and get TK75 which is better in many ways and come with 2 years warranty.

Thanks for the info.

If you care about throw (and modding) then BTU is the better choice. TK75’s throw is a bit underwhelming. But in other respects like warranty and UI and weight… the TK75 is better. But as I said before, I like the BTU’s heavy feel.

Like my brother said (rdrfronty) I do prefer my TK75 but still love the shocker and will happily take it off your hands if you decide to sell it. I most definitely think you would regret selling it but the offer stands. If I were you I would change it to XM-L2 U2 on copper sinkpads and maybe bump the stock driver. Ask Dale how much of a difference it made on his.