Unfortunately that is just how ANSI measurements work, output for the entire run is taken at 30 seconds to 3 minutes and runtime is taken until 10%. This leads to misleading figures for lights with a timed or thermal step-down in turbo mode for the reasons seen here. The specs of a number of other lights are similarly biased due to this system.
He’s also included a runtime test where he bumps it back up to turbo after each step-down (after a 10 minute cooling down period), which may give a better idea of what you are looking for regarding turbo runtime, it’s around 50 minutes.
It steps down to high after 4mins the cells aren’t depleted by 50%.
I want this light badly but im waiting for a few reviews before deciding to go with standard or modified. The problem with the modded version is it gets hot VERY fast and can be uncomfortable to hold after only 45 seconds. As much as I want the massive output Im not sure if this is making it a little impractical.
I was so so close to getting one of Vinh’s.
In the end though I am a bit glad I didn’t. To me it seems like an floodier M6 with a showoff mode that can only be used for 90 seconds.
Has anyone done any beamshot comparisons between this and the FF4. As much as I want one I’m having a hard time trying to justify it given I already have an FF4, because let’s face it neither would be used for much more than showing off. Haha
Keep in mind, vinh is a dealer, so he makes money on just the sale, like a dealer would. This is why he can keep the mod price low on new lights he sells, not all, but ones he is signed up as a dealer for. Think he makes that clear in his posts.
For the buyers, of course, it's a good deal for the modding work, but he's still making his money on the mod and sale - it's his business.
It maybe too bright (!!??!). I also don’t like the step-down feature. I think such a light is more for enthusiasts, and as such, the enthusiast should know when it’s time to turn down the light.
I’ll leave my bright, floody duty lights to my DRY and S6330vn lights. I am hoping to add a modded Yezl Y3 into that floody list (replacing XM-L2 with an MT-G2, which should give a good balance between flood and throw).
Rod - the Y3's pill top is 8 mm, 6 mm at the center where it dents in underneath, nice uni-body pill design, beauty for heat sinking. Ran mine for 12 mins on a FET based driver, figure about 5.5A with a XM-L2 on copper and it got pretty toasty though, slight smell of burning though I couldn't find anything burnt. Bottomline is just not enough mass for prolonged runs at such high amps, but difficult to find any light that can take that.
@ Tom E. Planning to mod the existing driver for 4A. It should put out around 2500 OTF lumens. Again, hoping to get some usability on the modded light should I wish to run it for extended periods of time.
On-topic - still a great price though. But I kind of having more diving lights on my list at the moment, so another reason for me to say no on this one.
I love the Y3's - well designed for the cost. Got 4 in right now - 2 to go out, 2 keeping for now. I'm doing my own e-switch custom FET driver for them though - one cell.
I followed the reviews/threads on the MiniMax. Got one on the way - will probably experiment with resistor modding it, plus usual tweaks to the battery carrier and wires, etc. It's a one-of-a-kind right now, for that much power flood, in such a small package. Not crazy bout the temp limited turbo mode though - maybe can find a way to fool the temp sensor...
HKE's price on this light is the best around last I checked! Awesome deal! Plus a reputable dealer here for us.
please keep us updated with your mods to this amazing light. but honestly even if you did fool the temp limited on turbo, i doubt it would do much good because the light would just be waaaaay too hold to hold anyways. unless you use the handle, but now you risk frying up the internals.
i hear you can always turn it off, and run it on turbo again though.
Let me air it out: I wished I would never have seen this offer. I keep checking the site, HOPING they are all sold out, that would solve my dilemma. I have about 30 lights after 3 years. I have no multiple emitter lights, and my most expensive light was like $65. And I want this light badly. Don’t know why, it’s just another light. But it would be $200 as I need cells also. Am I insane to spend $200 on a another flashlight, on this one? What could I get instead for $200? Quite a bit. I could get the Mountain M6 (but it’s more a thrower), and a Sunwayman D40A for $50 and have a lot left over. I have said YES and NO to this light so many times. Will logic and rationality win out? I don’t know. Hoping they run out still. What would I do with this thing I have read all the reviews on this light. I can well afford it, THAT is not the issue. Logic is. Is it logical? I have a light ‘on the way’ and I’m thinking of ordering another? What is the matter with me? I keep saying “ok, just this one more and then call it quits!” Nobody helps, you ALL just feed the addiction, if that is what it is.
This must end. It will either end with a purchase, or by them all being sold out.
(Selfbuilt will be doing reviews on this light, as he has received a manufacturer copy, and this light modded by vinh as he has received a couple of those as well. I believe they will be ready in around a week according to his post.)
another thought: if I got rid of my computer that would put an end to this sickness as well.
I hear you and I feel your “pain”, but here’s the messages from Niwalker:
WE ARE THE BORG. LOWER YOUR SHIELDS AND SURRENDER . WE WILL ADD YOUR BIOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL DISTINCTIVENESS TO OUR OWN. YOUR CULTURE WILL ADAPT TO SERVICE US. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.