This is my first post here, and I am hoping that all your combined expertise would be able to help me find the flashlight I am looking for. I recently purchased the SS-A100 (http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S020028) after reading CopperTop's post (https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/5241).
I have really come to like this flashlight. The features of this flashlight that work for me are the following
1. Super wide flood
2. Round shaped flood
3. No hotspots in flood - It a clean light edge to edge
I am now looking a flashlight that would give me all the about features and also more power (Must be a single emitter flashlight)
As far as flashlights are concerned, my experience and knowledge and limited as I have just recently developed an interest in it. I presently have just two flashlights the SS-A100 (http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S020028) & the Ultrafire Zoom Cree XM-L T6 (http://kaidomain.com/Product/Details.S020560). The ultrafire flashlight does nt work well for me as the flood is not wide enough, which I suspect is because the emitter is too far away from the lens.
Below are some images for the SS-A100. At a distance of 18 inches the diameter of the flood is 29.5 inches.
Like leaftye said, modding is the first option. New emitter, better driver, better batteries. There are dozens of threads here where BLF members describe their processes to better their lights output.
Whats your budget?
Single emitter choices - If you could see your way to a SolarForce K-3 MTG-2 accessory head w a SF host battery tube and switch, that would be a huge upgrade from what you have. Outstanding tint, throw and flood in one nice cost effective package. DBCstm has a great thread on his very effective noodlings to create a monster from this light.
SF’s 2200 MT-G2 is also a wonderful light, but at $135-150 US, alot more investment.
it sounds like you have an aspheric zoomy (sorry, I didn’t click the link to check) I’m also guessing your a photographer and are using the light in your work.
That being the case, I really would suggest modding rather than buying, as you’d probably benefit hugely from a hi cri xm-l2 or xp-g2 or nichia 219 (lower output than the first two, but THE go to emitter for cri).
tir’s can give you the same floody hotspotless beam but I’m not aware of any easy swaps other than tube hosts and they wont run on high for a long time without over heating.
A little more info on use would help with suggestions.
Welcome by the way, hold on tight to your wallet. …
I remember CopperTop's post well. I would suggest trying this Ultrafire 26650 zoom light. Same as the Poppas W-878 (review here). The Poppas from Manafont sometimes comes with a hollow pill, so I'd go with the Ultrafire one. It's a wide flood and mine is direct drive (or close to it) and uses 18650's, 26650's, or even AAA's in a pinch.