The only aspherical lensed lights (are they called “lensers”? Or is that something different?) I have are really inexpensive one 18650 cell lights from T-Mart. But I want something with fantastic throw, but not be locked into that tight of a beam. This sounds ideal. Comments? Anyone here have one? Too much for a noob to tackle?
I have the single cell version UF 1504, also available at MTN. I think these are the easiest way to get really big throw. Be aware that they are sort of heavy and a bit bulky.
Paired with an XPL HI you will probably get mid 300kcd.
With the two cell 1405 you will need a buck driver. In this case you can drive a dedomed XPG2 S4 2B to 4 or more amps and get more than 500kcd.
You will hear a lot about how the new XPG2 is no longer good for throwing. I think this is mainly because some of them have a higher forward voltage which leads to them not performing as well with a single cell, but the 2 cell with buck driver will fix that problem. In my opinion they are still the best choice for getting maximum throw.
I think dedomed XPL V6s with cool tints also perform very well for throwing.
The mod is really not any more difficult than a C8, except if you do dedoming, which is not very difficult, but is an additional step.
For a zoomie you could check out the Jaxman Z1
There is a groupbuy for the host.
I have Uniquefire 1501 , UT20, Cometa and Jaxman Z1 XML2 NW as not cheapie zoomies and the Jaxman is really in a different league.
As a matter of fact, I bought the XML2 NW for modding since the groupbuy fell apart.
Yet I love it so much stock I also ordered the host since I do not want to take it aparr yet do want to mod one with a special led.
I got the 1504's (single cell) in green, red, and special de-domed XP-G2 S4 for throw - outstanding in all 3 variations. The green is laser like - can be used to point out stars and planets. The dedomed XP-G2 of course is the brightest at 540 kcd (1,470 meters).
You can't get that hot emitter anymore, but a dedomed XPL, for example, would do very well.
There was a time everybody really benefited from a new PC
Since a couple of years 95% of users will not noticenthe difference between a new PC and a two year old one
Maybe not dangerous but true, at the 1000lumens level most 95% of users will find a light super bright and adequate.
But why you prefer the 1504 over Z1 for camping?
IMHO the Z1 has broader flood, better lens and that is a smaller much better quality package. As a matter of fact why use the 1504 at all?
I think of the 1504 as a dedicated thrower that is relatively portable. I doubt many of us need to see 500+m away at night, but this is the light for it. The larger lens size of the 1504 gives it the advantage. Of course there are always compromises. If you need a better all-around light the Z1 is probably better because of its smaller size and apparently better quality.
I really like the B158 (great throw for it's size and cost) and the Z1 (great quality all around), but the 1504, to me, is outstanding but bulky, and a lot of fun. Of course all must have dedomed LED's and FET based drivers - no other way...