Well after my recent experiment potting my sand ano C8+ with XP-L HI, I kind of want to build another one (might have to get one from Simon with the flat white LED also). Looking for something less “light sword” than the XPL HI. Maybe something more similar to the profile of my S2+ with OP reflector and SST-20… just balanced with a bit of throwiness. Definitely thinking neutral or warm white, and bonus points for every number above 80cri. I figure this suggests a 5050 LED, or maybe even larger but I don’t have a point of reference for how much difference it would make. This would be a pocket/camping/etc type build so while I do want a good strong high/turbo I don’t really plan on running ultra-high-drain cells for 45 seconds of runtime In other words, the latest and greatest max output LED isn’t wanted just a good, balanced emitter.
Thinking it really boils down to SST-40 vs XHP50.2 but not sure if there is a better option? Also, the LH351D is quite floody for a 3535, but will it be balanced in this large (44mm?) reflector?
Gotta imagine that’s not too far off from my XP-L HI U4 7A (3000-3300K). Sure its not as bright as the cooler tints but it projects well outdoors and indoors looks like a high output incan
I have a few C8’s and have changed LEDs in them a few times.
In fact I’ve just put an Osram W1 in place of a Nichia219B. But that is very much a throw focused light and the tint is what it is. The throw is pretty awesome and I’m getting 93,000cd from it and that’s with an OP reflector. But it is very much a one sort of use light. The beam is super narrow and intense and spill beam dull. So it is completely useless up close, even in low modes.
Overall I like the XHP50.2 with the BLF A6 driver and a Samsun 30Q best in the C8’s.
The beam profile isn’t that of a thrower, but on Turbo it still manages 40,000cd on my light meter. vs my XP-G3 one that only does 47,000cd. So it still has great beam distance. But the profile is that of a nice wall of light. So it works close up too, while the small throwy emitters don’t.
Mine is super cool white, but I’d prefer neutral white tint if honest. But easy enough to swap in.
I can’t remember the full specs of the 219B, I have quite a few. All bought from Hank at International Outdoor store on Noctigon boards. So whatever it was he was selling.
I quite like them, went through a phase with them in a lot of lights. But there is no denying they don’t put the same numbers up as other emitters. And often with a lot more heat too. In the C8 it was ok, but had a smaller beam than the XP-G2/3, so close up use was not as good. And while on a fully charged battery the output was good, it would seem to drop off quite quickly once the battery had dropped a bit of voltage, where I found the XP-G2/3 would maintain performance for longer.
Tint/CRI was nice, although I’ve never found any of the 219B’s to match the 219A’s in this regard.
BTW - the vid in my post above has the Nichia C8 in action
If you can work out how to fashion a centering gasket for the 4040 footprint the Luxeon V is a good option too.
Beamwise i think the LH351D is more on par with what is expected from a 5050 LED than a 3535, i put a sliced LH351D in a Tool AA and compared it side by side with a standard XP-L version and i was surprised at how similar the beams were.
In other words, the latest and greatest max output LED isn’t wanted just a good, balanced emitter.
