Hello everyone, I’ve been on CPF since 2005, thought I would check out BLF. I’m impressed so far, there seems to be tons of technical knowledge. I’ve always been a Surefire/Fenix guy who recently became a fan of Zebralight. Now I’m currently in the market for a 1x26650/1x18650 single LED thrower, so I’m having fun researching that.
I’m also looking at getting into modding, but I’m really struggling to find beginner information that just plainly explains the latest LED’s out there and how I should know which one to pick. The information out there either doesn’t cover why certain LED’s are chosen, or is so advanced that it’s over my head. Here’s the type of information I’m looking for:
XP-L2 - Runs at _ voltage, best used for type of light, with _driver.
XHP35 - Runs at voltage, best used for type of light, with driver.
etc for all of the latest LED’s…
Hey there fellow flashaholic, welcome to the forum. The most common LEDs are the 3v variety but they vary considerably based on the maximum current they can handle. I think the easiest way to visualize this is with Djozz’ tests thread where he has crash tested most of them. The smallest LED dies like xpe tolerate lower currents, above that are Nichia 219/A/B/C and xpg-/2/3, then XML /2. The XPL is an XML 2 die on an XP size substrate with the dome sides sheared off to fit, the XPL hi is also an XML die but with no dome, only a thinner flat silicon cover that doesn’t optically enlarge the apparent die size so it makes a better thrower at the expense of a slightly diminished output. The next step up is to the higher voltage LEDs like xhp 50/70, MT G2 and 12 V xhp 35. The 35, 50, and 70 are all quad die LEDs similar to the old P7 and MCE. As with 3V LEDs, current capability correlates to size but virtually any led with a center heat pad can tolerate much higher current with more output if mounted on a direct thermal path (DTP) copper mcpcb. Have fun!
