I think the astrolux ft03 sft40 version has one of the best throw in this price range, but maybe there is something equal or better around that price?
There are many but the one that comes to mind is the Convoy L2 with Osram. This thing is a beast. Even better would be the Convoy 4x18 with SBT90.2. This will set you back about $65 give or take. Both are worth every penny.
At the price range you won’t get larger than a 70mm head. So the furthest throw would be FT03 or similar host with an Osram W1 (CSLNM1). It will throw around 1600 meters or 1 mile. The beam will be very narrow though and not very useful.
Overall, the most practical thrower would be the SFT40 version that you have. An SBT 90.2 emitter in the same host would have a similar candela but will cost 30 dollars more. Though the beam would be even wider and more useful.
Thanx for the tips!
The convoy 4x18A sbt90.2 looks like an awesome thrower for a very good price!
Hard to beat the FT03 kcd/$.
But I will say that the more time presses on, the more I appreciate aspheric type beams without any spill. If the idea is to use the light to actually look at targets at hundreds of meters, then spill does zero good, and only blinds you with reflections in the foreground (especially when the air isn’t clear). LEPs are still priced out right now, but something like a B158B with a Yinding 5050 round flat puts up 320kcd and has an awesome round beam and zoomable for short range work. 55mm bezel makes it jacket pocketable and I’ve even comfortably carried it bezel up in my back jeans pocket.
This build would come in under budget as well.
If you are interested, i do have a Amutorch XT45 SBT90.2 which i am willing to sell.
Shelf queen, with original box.
why is no one talking about the convoy l21b with sft40?
Indeed, I also had that one in mind, but the ft03 sft40 has more kcd and costs the same
But the l21b has a nicer driver
Questionable. Mine only would push 6.5A or so to the SFT. Barely broke 300kcd in my case. I found the PM1 to be a natural match to this driver/host. That setup did just over 400kcd
So which one should i buy for a sustained brightness of around 1000 lumens?
The Astrolux FT03 with SFT40 is a beast, i have not measured Cd’s yet, but i think its pretty similar to my L21A with CULPM1.
The FT03 is driven pretty hard, so it will sag and step down faster though
In a thrower, lumens shouldn’t be much of a concern. A PM1 light will struggle to keep 1000lm OTF for long without getting very hot. An SFT40 will fair better, but again, kind of missing the point. But per amp or per watt, the PM1 will outthrow the SFT any day of the week. In any given host, you are limited by sustained wattage and it’s accompanying heat production.
Two things matter for true throw applications. Beam angle and intensity (yes, the integrated product of which would net lumens, but in the hotspot). Size of your target, optics you are using (i.e. scope or binoculars), color/reflectivity of target, etc. will determine what you need. You then work backwards from there.
It really is up to you. Are you using the light at it’s limits of reach, or at a fraction of it? Inside of 200yds, I’m sure you’ll prefer the SFT, go beyond and that will change I bet.
Chances are this is just a toy for most here. In that case, get both and have fun!
My favorite “search” thrower is a Thrunite TN31 running an SFT at ~9A and making ~525kcd. It compares quite favorably to my WT90, which is much larger and just outside of the size range I deem remotely portable without a backpack or in the car.
The FT03 theoretically would make 410-420kcd and be similarly impressive I’m sure. Definitely a fun setup.
Another option would be the uf-1504 with w1, i imagine it would out throw the ft03
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000321611399.html
There is this zoomie that hasn’t ever gained popularity, but can be had for 55usd with 3 pills/modules and a remote tape switch.
Why that one that has rings in the beam and not the convoy z1 or a Uf-1504?
1504 is heavy and had inconsistent quality glass lens. The convoy has a tiny lens.
The rings can be addressed with blacking out the internals, especially the white centering piece. Flat black spray paint is what I’ve used with success in other zoomies.
But hey, don’t listen to me. I’m just a dude on the internet
i bought mine on sale
and it has been worth it.
this one is $29.00.
https://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-Tactical-Flashlight-Flashlights-Batteries/dp/B0199Q73LO
Uh… no thanks. The reviewers claim it’s the brightest flashlight “you’ve ever seen” - nope. It’s a typical bad “layman” flashlight that uses non-rechargeable CR123A batteries.
Also, this thread is about throwers. This light could not match up with any of the lights mentioned here.