I don't think you're going to like an aspheric with a reflector. You're probably not going to like an XM-L with an aspheric but that's a personal preference I suppose. Personally I only like aspherics with a XR-E.. Regarding the reflector/aspheric combo though...try it sometime as see how you like it.
EDIT: Actually I have a 6P with a XM-L drop-in (Thrunite) with an OP reflector and I have a 28mm lens from DX laying around and it's now dark here so I took all that outside to see what it looked like and how it performed.
It looks like a disco ball until you get to the reflecting of the emitter image. That image is of course larger than that of a XR-E but it didn't throw that far. It didn't throw much further than if I didn't use the aspheric. It certainly didn't throw as far as a XR-E in the same 6P using the same aspheric would have thrown.
My particular XM-L is only driven at 1.4A. One driven at 3A would throw a little further still not as far as a XR-E. 3A can get pretty warm in a small 6P anyway.
I would recommend http://www.bavauto.com/ they are right up the street from my house and they have everything you could possibly need. I think these would be the best budget light for your application.
Thanks for the detailed and quick reply.. Since I'm not a dancer, the disco ball XML is not for me..
but you're right, probably will buy an XRE R2 or XPG R5 drop in, and the aspheric lens since its so cheap, and try it.
I guess all flashaholics get that itch sometimes a lot of times, to experiment with various "legoable" parts available, just to see the result and get it out of the way.
By the way, an aspheric thrower doesn't have to be ugly! You need to just buy a cheap XR-E drop-in and dedicate it as a thrower rather than trying to keep it so you can switch back and forth.
Just buy an $8 DX XR-E R2 drop-in (1 mode) and a $2 aspheric lens for your P60 host. Paint the reflector flat black. Paint that little Cree ring flat black. Take some Scotch "Magic" tape and mask out a large rectangle on the back (flat) side of the aspheric. Put it all together and you will have a "light sabre" with no spill and no artifacts.
If you're going to make a thrower however do it with the XR-E and not a XP-G or XM-L. Throw is about emitter surface brightness and about the diameter of the reflector or lens. The XR-E or XP-E have the highest surface brightness not the XP-G or XM-L. They have greater lumen output but not greater surface brightness so they won't throw as far.
Thanks for the links, and all the wise advice. You guys really are part of a great little community. I'll post some thoughts once everything arrives, should be within a couple weeks. I'm getting anxious already...LOL! (and it's only been 4 days since I placed most of the orders.)
Ps. How would I go about getting a couple pairs of those 18700 xtars through the group buy? Any help is much appreciated!
I don't know about other folks here, but I am done with XR-E dropins.
Sometimes they seem impressive in terms of throw, but I think it is almost an illusion. An XM-L seems to throw just as far AND it lights up everything around it as well. The only exception to that would be a light with a big reflector like the masterpiece pro that Foy has. If they optimized the reflector for an XM-L, I think the XM-L would still be a better light.
Maybe if I was going to use the light only for indoor use, the XR-E might be a player, like my Trustfire Z1.
XM-L has this reputaion of not throwing enough. XM-l was introduced on many small lights initially with relatively small or "normal" reflectors. Now once proper reflectors are built for it, it does appear to throw some light after all.
Check this guy's mod. A Trustfire STT-50 to XM-L from 24.000 LUX to 42.600 LUX
Found that the KD C8 was in the mailbox when I came home today. Not bad considering I ordered it really late on the 15th. Ten days from the other side of the world. I'm impressed. Anyway, build quality is great. No flaws on the anodizing at all, threads came lightly lubed, and overall, very clean. One little surprise, the tail boot is GITD, as opposed to the black shown in the picture. No thoughts on output yet, as I'm still awaiting the delivery of batteries and charger from Manafont.
Another delivery today. This time it was the L2T from Solarforce, and the optional pocket/belt clip. It too, arrived safely, in perfect condition, just 10 days from having placed the order. I'm surprised the shipping has been so fast.... so far. Now if only these damn 18650's and the WP6 would show up, I'd be in business... :-)
the manafont xml P60 drop-in showed up today... FYI, to my surprise, the extra OP reflector threads on perfectly.
It's a little strange the drop-in showed up before the batteries and charger, as they were both ordered from Manafont, but with 3 days in between. (the charger and batteries being ordered first)... Hmmmm..........
