For seriously driving one XM-L you need about one 18650 cell. I'd be interested if that light took 5*18650 - Well, ok, 4*18650 would be interesting, too, like in 2 rows of 2.
It has often crossed my mind that a 5 emitter light with an XR-E R2 center for extreme throw and four XM-L's around it might be a terrific light. Just a thought.
VFM, the beam profile of 4 x XM-L and 1 x XR-E would be quite wierd too.
Driving XM-Ls optimally, ie > 2.5A per emitter, in a 75mm head = DRY kind of performance. Pocket rocket.
TK70 with 105mm head and 3 x XM-L driven optimally raises the head from 30 deg C to 45 deg C in 10 mins of run. I think this Sky Ray gives about the same performance in lumens OTF, maybe 35k cd of throw and around the same heat rise characteristic in a 75mm head, with the 5 emitters driven at 1.5A.
So in a cold country < 10 deg C with some wind, you probably can run continuously....not too bad for close to 2500 lumens OTF.
I am asking Ric to get more info from the "factory" ie specifically the tailcap readings as we all do not trust manufacturer specs. Any info is better than no info, this is not a $50 triple. Also the availability of spare drives for purchase.
Actually I was thinking of a new light not a re-work within the current head size. More like an MRV sized center with smaller XML reflectors around it. The biggest problem would be the drivers.
If you read Manafont and forums threads here, people are already having issues with 2.5A discharge rate (and ramping up to low 3 amps). With this one it would go up to 7A. Slot in a TF/UF unprotected battery and it would surely go BAM.
Seems it have an adapter-ring. May(be) it can be fitted with bigger diameter battery tube D size perhaps? Fenix TK70 have 4, so this should could manage with 4 or 5 Ni-MH ? If one need to go bigger and safe current..
I think this will be much better and its has a claimed max current draw of 7.5 amps not 1.5 amps like the skyray, it does not have to fry ray name, looks much better, but it is $2.80 usd more, But you can run either 18650,s or 26650,s.