Flashpilot,
Okay so it took a day to recover from that pummeling… I don’t have time to respond to all that but I will try to address a few of the main arguments. I’m a rookie who unintentionally stepped into the ring with a heavyweight.
Keep in mind I am coming from a different perspective. I can’t build lights like you can. I have a huge amount of respect for you and those like you who can but I’m not there, so I want to buy the best stock hotrod within my budget.
FlashPilot: …several of your comments seem to show a lack of knowledge and experience in what Convoy has offered and what has been offered recently in other XHP-70 flashlights or other large flashlights of recent past.
Me: This is true. If you’ve read my posts you know I don’t claim otherwise. I in fact am completely new to XHP70 lights. I don’t even have proper soldering skills. I do love this hobby though and I’m learning all I can about design along the way. I’ve managed to form a good working relationship with Simon that I saw was missing from BLF and I’m happy to say that has resulted in some new lights and rebirth of ideas that had been shelved.
FlashPilot: At 4-5 amps, the current L6 will be another light that overheats very quickly in high mode while providing far less lumens and throw than its larger competitors.
Me: Maybe, but most of the larger competitors you mentioned (that share the same problems) are 3-5 times the cost of this light which puts them way out of my league. I think there are others that will also want this light because of its budget friendliness. Those that could not afford a XHP70 light will now be able to and look darn good doing it!
FlashPilot: The TrustFire TR-J20 already showed us what is possible, and it would have cost a great deal more to manufacture than the light I have proposed. If not Simon, Trustfire would be the next to approach, and they will be very capable of delivering. But Id much rather it be a Convoy than a Trustfire, and it will cost less.
Me: I like some of what Trustfire does too but in my opinion the TR-J20 is hideous. I can respect it for raw power but dang it’s ugly.
FlashPilot: Its in the same ballpark as other large lights. The X60 is close to 110mm. BTU Shocker and TK70 come in at around 100mm. Pick any and they are large. Besides, the large reflector is what is required to maximize the potential of the XHP-70. The 32650 is the same diameter as a D cell so its quite comfortable to carry and balances the light in longer configurations. Anyone who has handled a TK70 will know the huge benefits when carrying it single handed, especially for any length of time. Far easier and more comfortable than fat battery tube lights with a battery carrier. I personally dont find much difference between handling large 26650 lights versus large 32650 lights, so the choice is far more than obvious from a performance and cost perspective
Me: I can’t afford any of the lights you mentioned there. I’m not arguing that a huge head diameter would better make use of the XHP70s potential but that is considerably larger than anything I want to carry and if Trustfire is my only battery option I’m out. They make some half decent cells but I’m not unwrapping a cell and removing protection circuits to try to see a performance increase. For many that would be just plain dangerous.
FlashPilot: With different battery tube, reflector finish and driver options, this could be a modular system offered from 2 – 4 cell configurations to handle the XHP-50, XHP-70 and XHP-35 while properly dispensing with the enormous amount of heat these emitters generate. A modular system would also keep manufacturing costs down while offering several different configurations… rather than just one mediocre, hot running, inefficient flashlight.
Me: I love that idea and I hope you pursue it.
All that said, my opinions are just that. You know way more about this than I do. I certainly was not/am not trying to challenge you on a knowledge basis. It just seems you are coming from the point of view of a highly advanced builder/modder which excludes some of us, myself included. I am not in your league in that regard and at this point I don’t have the budget or desire to be so some of what appeals to you does not to me. I do however have great respect for the amazing things I’ve seen you build. I’ve read page after page in awe. If you can convince Simon to build the massive modular system you are describing and help him through the design that would be amazing. I hope you do.
I’m still fairly certain I’m going to be happy with the L6 and I can’t wait to get mine.