Is there any reason to choose the W2 over the SFT40 other than CCT? Seems like they fill a very similar role and I’m just wondering about pros and cons.
W2 is 3030 footprint and limited to about 7.5 amps. It is lower Lumen output than SFT40-W as well. However, it throws slightly farther and has a smaller hotspot, so for throw it still edges out the SFT40-W in similar size reflectors. The difference isn’t much though because you can drove the SFT40-W harder and get higher output.
SFT40-W is a 5050-size and can be driven much harder. The Lumen output is almost double the W2 CSLPM1 and it can handle heat better. I prefer it in general purpose flashlights over the W2 because of the larger hotspot.
What about sustained brightness at 55-60 degrees Celsius. Does the SFT40 win in that category too?
I have several SFT40-W lights and a few W2 and a Boost HX (CULPM1) and the SFT40-W beats them all in output, but not throw (the margin is small though, except the Boost HX which throws farther). The sweet spot for the SFT40-W in a larger light is 8-9 amps, bit you can drive it harder. I have an L21B with th SFT40-W and it does about 2000 lumens at start and can sustain about 700-800 for a while and stays cool. The W2 likes about 6 or 7 amps. In the Acebeam L18 it’s driven pretty hard and only sustains 540 Lumens max and the light get super hot (over 70 C). The W2s have a low vf though so they’re pretty efficient when paired with a buck driver.
A month later responding here, but thanks! The L18 and L21B are a very useful comparison.