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.
in my avatar the MT-G2 is in direct drive at over 3000 lumens. Picture taken through a #11 Gold Filter Plate intended for a welders mask. That’s why it appears green. Pretty much looks like the sun does, when seen through this filter. Shot with Canon 5D MkII and 100mm Macro f/2.8L Hybrid IS on a tripod with Really Right Stuff slide focus rail.
Cellguy, just to make sure im clear; if you get 10 buyers in two days, the GB will still run until 9/30 no matter what (unless there isnt enough buyers at the end). Just want to make sure I can plan this out right and get the $ in time.
10 is the minimum threshold, not the max. There is no order limit/cap at this time. I cannot offer the sale price without at least 10 sales to make the incoming shipping reasonable enough.
10 is the minimum threshold, not the max. There is no order limit/cap at this time. I cannot offer the sale price without at least 10 sales to make the incoming shipping reasonable enough.[/quote
Will the GB continue past Sept. 30th if demand is still there?
On the other hand, how will the XML2 VostroVN’s throw compare to the TN31VN, Kcd-wise? Hell, I can’t even decide which light!
Some unhappy news to report. Niwalker has demanded the end to this group buy. While the “See Price in Cart” model of MAP compliance is a widely accepted practice it is Niwalker’s assertion that I have violated their MAP policy by publicly providing a coupon code directly related to one of their products. While no pricing or discount information was conveyed or advertised in the listing their USA dealers and International Distributor were unhappy with the GB and complained to Niwalker.
MAP is Minimum Advertised Price. This listing never advertised price. Be that as it may, Niwalker refused to fill any orders related to this campaign so it must end.
The purpose of MAP is to create a fair and level playing field for all dealers regardless of size when advertising most any product from grills to cell phones to flashlights. I have read hundreds of MAP agreements and not a single one ever addresses a final sale price, just the advertised price. In this specific case Niwalker was responding to the complaints of their established dealer base - this would have been just my second order with them. I did not violate MAP since no price was ever advertised. However, it it is still their prerogative to fill an order or not. I requested a written MAP policy but was not provided one. I assume they did not want me to post it as proof I did not violate it and they were simply cowing to their dealers demands.
