New XM-L T6 lantern - contender?

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

I picked up a new Superex brand XM-LT6 single emitter lantern yesterday at Ocean State Job Lot* for about $20. It is absolutely the same form factor as the common and well liked Rayovac (which I think has three, not named emitters). Its a 3D light with high, low and flashing modes. The LED is Cree branded XML-U2 mounted (as the Rayovac) on aluminum pill.

Couple observations. The dome over the emitter is clear, making a horrendous beam pattern when used upside down with the lantern hook. The Rayovac by comparison is opaque and masks effectively any/all lighting artifacts.

The manufacturer claims 500 lumens on the light itself with alternate claims of 582 w the reflector mounted and 754 when used without the reflector, printed on the cardboard box. That’s typical manufacturer creative thinking.

A quick side by side comparison w all new D cells shows a noticeable difference in output between the Superex and the Rayovac w the nod clearly to the Superex. With the reflector off, the nod clearly goes to the Rayovac, if only because it has a really smooth and artifact free output. The Superex has a fairly bright white output through the dome while the (my three anyway) Rayovac is a much more neutral to warm output - which I had never noticed before comparing it to this new XM-L U2 light.

You turn it on in low, then high, then flashing. Annoying.

It also (like the Rayovac) has a flashing indicator light by the switch.

Wondering about the heat sinking of this and while we have never had any issues with the old Rayovac, this could clearly put out more heat and that probably explains the optimistic lumens ratings - there is really nowhere but the empty spaces of the lantern body and airspace around the dome to collect and to then dissipate the heat to. To me it looks like 20% brighter on high over the Rayovac but a less pleasant and harsh color. Until I can collect my MM, I can’t tell what its drawing.

Given the choice of a Rayovac on the same shelf for the same dollar as this, right now I would pick the Rayovac, though I am not sorry to have this, will have to open it up and see whats inside.

*Ocean State has stores in CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME, NY

2

Interesting. I own the Rayovac and really like it, esp. since I learned to hang it upside down and remove the reflector / top assembly for much more output. Mine has seen a lot of use and is still on the original alkaline D cells. I have wondered about an XM-L mod to it. I don't think you mentioned it, but the Rayovac is simply 2 mode, no strobe.

-Garry

3

You sure Garry? my rayovac strobes if you hold the button for 2 sec. Are we talking about the same model?

4

Hmm . . . I've never seen mine strobe, though I'm not sure if I've ever held the button in. I have the Rayovac Sportsman Extreme 3D 300 Lumen as seen here:

I see now it does say "strobe lighting mode" in the product description. Well if it's there it's hidden quite well!

-Garry

5

Is it this lantern shown in this link? Right in the middle of the page “Cree Technology”. Camping Lantern 500 Lumens?

http://oceanstatejoblot.com/flyer/

6

Yessir! That be the one. It should strobe if you hold the button while on.

Not really sure why anyone would want it. Camping rave party? :stuck_out_tongue: I think beacon would be much more useful… anyways…

I have been wanting to swap a 5C or 7C XML in mine. mmmmm warm yellowy goodness :slight_smile:

7

that is the one, for sure. Since I keep one of my vast collection at my shop, i compared Rayovac and Superex (accidentally) parts and pieces…the reflector from one fit on the other, the base from one could be made to fit…any other differences are pretty incidental.

I am on the hunt for ‘the next best thing’ in lanterns (stock)so I have two others on my radar. Bright Guy sells a similar looking, but supersized lantern (6D cells) though I don’t think they say what the emitter is - I am going to ask. ’
And Coleman’s best high output lantern uses 8D and 4 XPE emitters, I have seen that one and heard from a few others, now need to see it again to compare.

In the meantime, my BS Terminator w an old plastic globe draped casually over it, remains/is my standard of excellence in lantern output…

8

yeah my FF King clone is my benchmark :slight_smile: