Selfbuilt does actually say that the reflector on the Niwalker is deeper.
Clearly, the BK-series is using a large reflector – it's one of the deepest ones I've seen, in fact. Overall dimensions and appearance are again very similar to the Thrunite TN31, but the BK-FA01 is actually slightly deeper. For an equivalent drive level, I expect it should have at least as good (if not better) throw than the XM-L2 version of the TN31.
Now while width of the reflector is the bigger factor to producing a thrower, the depth, and shape also matter. Based on what I've observed, the increased depth helps to concentrate the beam more.
The Armytek Barracuda, and Crelant 7G5CS for example (both lights I used to own) had almost identically wide reflectors. The Barracuda has much better throw.
All of that said if throw is what you're after, the MTG2 is not the right LED for that. The XML version of the light, stock no mods, has more than double the throw.
Still, compared to most flashlights, and certainly multiemmiter lights, it is a thrower.
My hope for the light is that with a boost from Vinh it will gain a bit throw simply through added power, and it will make for an overall more practical light.
What I am absolutely torn on, is whether to ask Vinh to dedome it, or leave the dome on.
I used to the term sinkpad as heat sink nowaday. I forgot that sinkpad is a brand. What else are you confused about from the list below?
*Direct copper bonding.
*New permanent thermal adhesive from copper sinkpad to host.
*Upgrade larger wires where needed.
*Upgrade High stiffness low resistance springs where needed.
*Touch up poor connection where needed.
*Tune for best beam focus.
*Lube O-Rings where needed.
*Dedome LED for extra throw.
*Current boost to the max while keeping reliability and Factory UI.
FYI, if I recall, when I de-domed an MT-G2, the light tint got cooler (the opposite of other emitters). There was at least one other user that saw the same thing when he de-domed his MT-G2.
Same effect I observed with my accidental dedoming. I'm hoping this is because I didn't do it properly and took off a lot, if not most of the phosphor.
Even so, even after that, the tint was still better than a domed xmlt6. Nowhere near as nice as it was with the dome (with the dome it was just gorgeous) but still nice.
This is all generalities. "where needed", so on this Niwalker model is it needed? What's being directly copper bonded? Are you re-using the stock emitter by removing it and reflowing it back on or are you reflowing on a replacement emitter? What exactly is the new thermal adhesive? If not AS5, something newer? On this Niwalker, are you replacing the springs? Do you do all these steps conditional from piece to piece, or by model, or both?
I don't mean to be a PIA (but I am I know), but that's what I'm confused about. Please, dont take this the wrong way - I know what your end product is, and they come out fantastic, well worth the troubles, and you keep a high level of quality while turning out some huge numbers.
While I don't know exactly what he does, I can say with certainly... it works.
I ended up with two TK75's and sent the worse of the two off to Vinh to mod.
After getting it back, I ended up having to send the other one too. The modded light beat out the stock one by a very clear easy to see margin, it wasn't even close.
If I had to say, I'd guess it was a ~30% improvement over the stock light, which is no slouch to begin with.
To keep it short and simple. It’s a trade secret. I offer full customer satisfaction guaranteed. If you do not feel the mod was worth the money I will gladly offer a refund, and if you want I can also restore the modded light back to factory specs. I will cover all shipping charges. Thanks all!
I’ve just read both of selfbuilts reviews on this one, the pre shipping and final shipped versions. While he does not measure the reflector, he does clearly state that the diameter of the bezel is 80mm. The diameter of the S2200 is 81mm. He estimates the reflector as “the deepest I’ve ever seen” and compares a couple of lights, but not the direct competition.
It has been said that under a high load, the Vf on the MT-G2 climbs quite high. With a Vf of nearing 7V when the output is pushed, 2 cells sag appreciably in the first few minutes of operation. Quite possibly even below the Vf of the demanding emitter. This makes the 2P2S battery configuration a questionable venture. The Vostro will be highly capable of extreme output, dropping fairly quickly after the first few minutes of use. This means that very high quality cells will be a must with this light. Samsung INR18650 20R cells would do well here. Hopefully they can be had, with the shipping situation going on overseas at the moment. Flame type cells would probably be best avoided. Panasonic NCR18650PD cells will also be a good choice but I’ve measured AW 2600mA cells taking a hit with this emitter and not delivering the amperage we’re all looking for.
Yes, I’ve built a K3 head to take 2 cells at over 6A using a Q-Lite driver. I also ran it at over 8A in direct drive. This was done on a very large copper heatsink. The Samsung cells were the top performers, surprisingly enough Efest V1 IMR18650 cells were the next best delivery with their V2 version following fairly closely. The protected AW’s were last in the cells I tested.
So what I’m saying is, if you’re going to bump performance of the Vostro using the MT-G2 I strongly recommend using the best cell you can find, and that is arguably the 20R.
Essentially, the Vostro is running 2 cells with a nominal 8.4V to supply the greedy emitter. The S2200 is running 3 cells in series, easily handling the hunger of this emitter. Two different approaches, both handled by the right battery. Either is an excellent choice, and I’m sure Vinh will push this one to the maximum of it’s capabilities.
I ordered 40 of the Samsung INR18650 20R earlier today. I tossed in a few other odds and ends as it seems mixed orders “might” have a better chance at going though. We will see. I order 2 batches of NCR18650 late last week and they are not moving so far…
My experience with Vinh has been superb as well. During his mod my M2S he encountered a problem offered to reimburse my cost of the light or build me custom driver at no additional charge.
I think the questions are a good thing and not meant to say anything about the quality of Vinh’s work. Modding is a learning experience with each new light and the more data that is shared and scrutinized by the community only furthers the hobby.
Overall dimensions and appearance are again very similar to the Thrunite TN31, but the BK-FA01 is actually slightly deeper. For an equivalent drive level, I expect it should have at least as good (if not better) throw than the XM-L2 version of the TN31.
