Finally got a chance to run my new BTU Shocker CW through its paces tonite. Did lumen and CP tests on it. Also did a few other throwers, though more moderate ones, for accuracy sakes particularly on the cp., and a few powerful lights for lumen testing.
Using my PVC lightbox and meter, I tested my BTU at 2850otf after 30sec… It did pretty much the rated 3000 at startup. Then dropped quickly to about 2900, then became pretty steady after the first 15sec. or so, just dropping very slowly after that. As a comparison with the same meter, my SRK tested 2200otf, Ryobi 35wt HID tested 2500otf, my late model SR90 about 1950otf, and S18 tested about 1175otf, all after 30sec. So not too bad I think.
Now for throw, we did tests at 5m, 10m, & 15m. Did an average of the three for a more consistant cp numbers. So again the BTU held its own. Was fairly consistant over three ranges, gaining slightly just a couple Kcd at the higher ranges, but overall average was 117kcd. The other throwers tested tonite- Crelant 7G5 V1 averaged 59Kcd, SR51 got 50Kcd, HD2010 got 55Kcd, and Jacob A60 posted 62Kcd. I didn’t have it with me for tonite, but my SR90 has always tested in the 135-140kcd when tested at more than 1m. And my SR90 I have done real life test throwing of 700m., verified with my meter at that distance. So my BTU should be somewhere in the 675m range I’m thinking.
In the next couple weeks ill break out all of my 400m+ throwing lights and do some real life throw testing and beamshots at different ranges. Then I’ll be able to see how the BTU stacks up against my SR90 in real life. Should be close, but I think the SR90 will edge it out. In throw that is. Even though my SR90 is a healthy one, the BTU spanks it by almost 1000otf… And 650 more than my SRK. Pretty impressive.
Overall I’m very happy with my BTU. Looks great with that massive head, but isn’t too huge to be carried around on short walks. It’s very solidly built, has flawless anodizing, and a nice deep reflector. Only complaints is I would have prefered a side clicky and the battery carrier isn’t as nice as lights like my S18 and SR51. But those are minor and outweighed heavily by the pluses.
So this light is well worth the $150 in my eyes. It’s a beast!
Thanks for the thoughts and I would love to see a shootout with those other throwers you have.I love the looks of the shocker the only flaw is the lack of a side switch on a light that big and the(now)$180 price tag.I would really like to see this as a host kit and enquired about that option,it was a no go.
I agree about the side clicky. Though a light this size really isn’t intended for every day use. It could be, but the 4” head and 1200 grams make it a little cumbersome.
So the rear clicky really doesnt bother me on this light. I intend to just get it out to admire the beam and simply have fun with it.
Just curios about the host thing. What else could go in there that would out perform its current state? I mean 3ea XML U2’s driven at 3.8a each is pretty respectable. I guess a driver with different modes I can see. Or a triple SST90 - that would be a 6000L monster there, but driving it would be next to impossible. I mean the 11.4a its doing now would pale compared to the 30a it would need then.
Honestly,I wanted to make the light with an electronic switch and do some hefty modding to it,with xml2 (when available)and task led drivers.Wishful thinking,but I like to experiment and having a host would be cool.
Cool. Very true about the XML2’s. I might look at that myself once the U2 version is released. Those would put it easily over 3000otf I would think. Maybe 3200 or so. And maybe another 25m. Ok, got you now on the host. I guess us flashlight guys are never content 
No doubt luminus stuff is tough to find adequate drivers for and that said,I think cree can come pretty close without having to find that unattainable driver.I like options and to make the light "my own" so if someone's btu dies,I'd scoop it up in a heartbeat.