Help Me Build a Flashlight So Cool It’ll Impress Girls Who Think I’m Just “That Flashlight Guy”!

[LashFlight (Matt C)]

Im working on a custom flashlight build with a goal of at least 5000 lumens, but ideally closer to 7500+ lumens, with high CRI, smooth tint blending, and possibly tint ramping. I’m exploring a few options and could use some input from those with experience. Here’s the plan:

The Setup

•	Lumen Goal: At least 5000 lumens, aiming for more if possible.
•	Tint Ramping: Ideally, dual-channel functionality for transitions from warm (~2200K) to cool (~5250K).
•	Beam Style: Considering a mule for perfect tint blending or TIR optics for a mix of flood and throw.
•	Priorities: High CRI (~90+), low DUV (rosy tint), and consistent performance.

Emitter Configuration

Option 1: Full Multi-Channel Setup
Channel 1 (Warm):
• 1800K FFL351A (rosy warm).
• 2700K DD519A (cozy and inviting).

Channel 2 (Cool):
• 4000K FFL351A (neutral rosy).
• 6500K B35 (bright and crisp).

Option 2: High-Power Simplicity with FFL909A
• Use 2x FFL909A emitters for maximum output, paired with:
• 75/25 1800K/4000K rosy bin FFL909A, acknowledging the tints might not be independently operable within the emitter.
• Add 2 other LEDs (e.g., 6500K B35 or 2700K DD519A) to complement for tint blending and flexibility.

What I Need Help With

1.	Emitter Placement: How to organize these setups for optimal blending and output.
2.	Driver Recommendations: A dual-channel, Anduril 2-compatible driver to handle the setup, especially with FFL909As.
3.	Mule vs. Optics: Which setup will deliver the best beam and performance for this configuration?
4.	FFL909A Feasibility: Can I integrate these emitters into a custom light like the E12C, D1K, or Noctigon MU V2 without sacrificing heat management or tint quality?

Resources Needed

•	Suggestions for custom MCPCBs, drivers, and optics.
•	Recommendations for modders or machinists who can help bring this build to life.

Looking for advice, insights, or resources from anyone who’s worked on a similar project. Let’s make something powerful, versatile, and incredible!

[RichH]

Not sure how to break this to you, but the criteria set out above only really apply to the brunette. The blonde and redhead have very different needs in terms of battery size, tint, and led choice. Believe me, many of us have tried, but very few of us have ever managed to impress a girl with a light.

[phouton]

Candle mode helps more than raw lumens

[gravelmonkey]

What does the DT8K not do that you need? https://intl-outdoor.com/tint-ramping-instant-channel-swiching-led-flashlights/dual-channel-dt8k-1-21700-dual-quad-high-power-led-flashlight.html

Unless you want REALLY rosy tint, I’d go with domed 519a version, dedoming makes the light slightly more pink, the issue is that tint mixing also makes the light more pink, see post below for explanation.

@thefreeman

I don’t think you’ll find any LEDs with a duv this low, except maybe an overdriven sliced sw45k for ~4000K. But you can achieve this sort of duv level by CCT mixing. For example E21A 2000K + 4500K in my tint ramping IF25 :

I used 4500K because I only aimed for –0.01, but 2000 + 6500K gives 3700K ‐ 0.0120 at 0.7A per LED, it can probably reach –0.015 at higher current, though Maukka’s E21A data isn’t accessible anymore so I can’t calculate it.

The only manufacturer offering E21A lights in CCT mixing configuration is Emisar Noctigon I think, unfortunately they don’t have E21A 6500K, only up to 5000K.

[Henk4U2]

I think for the blonde girls you should buy yourself a Maglite 6D or 7D. With a clip for concealed carrying in your cargo pants.

[sp5it]

There was a meme with girl “impressed” with big maglite, but I won’t post it here

[gravelmonkey]

Also, as ever in life, just do what makes you happy, not “to impress other people”.

[pinkpanda3310 (Pinky)]

!

[FunkyRider86]

I mean, a planned sabotage of power grid during night time might be more effective than any fancy light you are going to build. When in pitch black without electricity, any light is a great light.

[FunkyRider86]

Size absolutely matters.

[curlydonkey]

I think maybe he needs an IF23 PRO… https://youtu.be/Xm1TtACh5R4?list=TLPQMDIxMjIwMjRZJZd-gxmaiQ&t=340

[Perception]

Trying to convince girls you’re not just the flashlight guy by building a bigger flashlight is a bold strategy, but sounds like a pretty cool project anyway.

[Ledhead]

Maybe this is the ticket…

LED Column Night Light, Hand Pull LED Night Light,Desk Lamp for Bedroom,1200mAh...

Sorry This is the second time I’ve linked this

[Lightbringer]

Just carry a 3AAA zommie that’s wrapped in a roll of 100s.

[turkeydance]

well, what ages?
my nieces are 4 and 6
and they like the ones
that change color.