Good host for a DIY thrower?

I’m looking for a good host that will work for a 1st time DIY thrower build. Something which is a step up from a Convoy or Xintd C8 and that could be drive an XM-L2 or XP-L at 4-5amps. I’ve looked at the Xintd X3 host and it seems like it could be the part, but has the weird divot in the pill where the mcpcb would go (I assume I could fill that with lead free solder and copper shavings then flatten it, but I’ve no idea what works). There was also the Convoy L2, but that seems to be discontinued. So something with a sizable reflector and good heatsinking. I could just buy a Maxtoch M12 but I’d like to build my own.

Also I am looking for single cell as I’m doubtful of my ability to handle multiple batteries safely at this point.

There are other lights that will out-throw it, but the X3 is a gorgeous host. A noctigon is going to basically nullify the tiny divot in the shelf anyways. (and my sample didn’t even have the divot) I say go for the X3, or go whole hog with a Courui D01 (which is a lot more work)

X3 ordered. Now I need to pick an LED and a driver. I’m thinking XP-L HI for this.

Are there any good suppliers in the EU for drivers and LED’s?

Sorry, can’t help you with local places, but intl-outdoor.com is a great source for emitters and they have free shipping

I’ve got lots of drivers and LEDs :slight_smile:

Well there ya go!

You can use my brand spanking new website as well! :wink:

If you want to max out the terms “DIY” and “Thrower”, djozz may have something you’d like:

Hard on the pockets, although not in the usual way…

Looks good. I need to work out what I want to buy first.

New EDC right there.

LD-2 driver

+1

LD-2 driver and de domed XML2 U4 1A

Or XPL HI, even if it will be harder to centre!

Didn’t know you could run a XM-L2 or XP-L HI at 6amps.

Just how much of a difference does de-doming making? And is it possible to do without the beam going yellow?

Yep,
I’ve never had an issue, I’ve got 2 X3’s with LD-2 drivers one de domed and one dome on
Both are impressive

De doming pretty much doubles the throw and tightens the hotspot

And no there isn’t a way of not getting a tint shift, however… The XPL HI doesn’t need de doming because the ‘dome’ is ‘flat’ so there’s no tint shift but you get greater throw

I’ve not actually compared a de domed XML2 to an XPL HI in the same light but i expect a similar beam pattern

Edit: the beam won’t always go ‘yellow’ just warmer than it is, if you use a tint around the 6500K point the tint will drop to about 5000-5500K point which isn’t yellow, more netural