Group Buy: TERMINATED by Niwalker

the group buy price is about 10% lower than… the “best price” i have seen (keeping it quiet for those ugly MAP police)

Sweet lights! I would like the details of the Vinh mod too.This may cause me to buy this light thanks for getting this together.

While this light is supposed to be great stock, Vinh is likely to thoroughly upgrade it. I would also suggest a dedome... :D

I'm also tempted to get the XML2 version and getting it modded, given this statement from Selfbuilt;

"In terms of throw, the BK-FA01 is my 3x/4x 18650 leader at the moment. Although I don't have the TN31 XM-L2 on hand to compare, I doubt it could beat it (based on the performance of my XM-L version). The larger reflector of the BK-series will likely give a consistent edge to this build, for equivalent drive level."

I am going to wait and see as well. This could be my first mtg2 light…

Added links to Selfbuilts text and video review.

For the moment, the Niwalkers are respectively the best MTG2 and XML2 production lights out there.

This opinion is based on scouring every review I could find, every video and having tried out a couple of MTG2 lights firsthand (Eagletac MTG2, Crelant 7G10, and a custom build).

I would agree except that it should be noted that the niwalker mtg2 offers a “direct drive” like output (output tapers as cells deplete) vs the solarforce s2200s is constant output. this was the deciding factor for me personally - it might not matter to some (in fact im actually considering a vinh mtg2 vostro hehe)

I dont want to bring opinions into this or start a debate - its just something people should be aware of when they are considering the light thats all

they are very nice lights

True, but the stock Niwalker is driven slightly harder. People are also likely to use topped of batteries with this light, most of the time.

Also I think the SF S2200 has a slightly smaller reflector? That would translate to a bit less throw.

I think if you're getting the light Vinh modded, than the choice should be strictly cosmetic/personal preference.

If you're buying it, and keeping it stock, the Niwalker is the better choice... better UI, more throw, driven harder (even with some direct drive like properties).

Besides, the tapering off in brightness is not likely to be so steep as to be noticeable, unless you have a second light side by side with it, or have it on a meter.

Vinh mod details have been posted.

Given that Vinh modded the TN31, and K40, which are similar at least in form factor, most likely the FA01 is likely to be even better.

Also dedoming is optional... if you want a THIN searchlight beam, the XML2 version is likely to be the better option.

CPF member Slow2go has a Vostro MTG2 version modded by me. I will see if I can ask him to write what he thinks.

Please email me at vinhnguyen54@gmail.com for any questions. I am most responsive with emails.

The email above is not my paypal email. Do not send money to that email. Please email me for payment instruction. Thanks!

I am sending Vinh a MTG2 and XML2 tomorrow for modding. This will give Vinh a chance for some hands on time with XML2 and answer any questions.

Ughhhhh this litteraly comes 12 hours after my order from Vinh……MY WALLET HATES ME! Now i need to scrounge for some more money!

yes, you are correct - i went with the solarforce just because of a personal choice - i like the looks of it and actually wanted the op reflector :slight_smile:

thanks for not getting mad at me for having a different opinion lol - i am used to the other forum ;p

Lol, why would I get mad... I think people over there are a bit too touchy... there is a reason I have almost a thousand posts here, and only a couple dozen there :D

Given the properties of the MTG2, wanting OP reflector makes perfect sense actually.

I have one concern….isn’t the starting price of the XML2 version lower by about $20 to $35?

$20 at retail but the wholesale price difference was only a few dollars and not worth trying to maintain separate codes and minimum purchase levels. Equalizing the price keeps it clean and simple and still offers a great price for the end user.

Will you be ordering from China or do you have stock with you in the US? Reason I ask is that I would prefer them to ship from China to me as it’s much closer and I wouldnt have to pay exorbitant USPS prices :smiley:

I understand and would prefer to do that way as well, but unfortunately they were not interested in a manufacturer supported GB. They will not/do not drop ship. I have to place the bulk order and then reship.

I'm curious - selfbuilt said it was a larger reflector than the TN31 - the diameter of the bezel is 1mm more than the TN31 according to the specs (79 vs. 80), but it looks like there's more on the outside rim to make up that 1 mm, so is the reflector interior actually bigger?

It sounds and looks like it's the same OEM making this, as the TN31, as the SupBeam K40, but this has an advantage with the 4 cells. I'm confused - I don't see this with an XM-L2 out throwing a TN31, maybe, but doubtful, and with an MT-G2, far worse, though it will put out a lot of lumens bridging the resistors as usual, as with the TN31 and K40.

vinh - can you please be more specific? Why are you referring to a SinkPAD? Why would you replace a superior copper star with a thinner, smaller SinkPAD?The listing of mods above are a very generic list -- I'm confused.