I’d like to solicit tips from the experts here if there is a way to fix the mess I did to my 4Sevens Maelstrom X-10.
It all started after seeing some disassembled flashlights posted by BLF members. I observed that there were tiny specs of dust in the reflector of my Maelstrom X-10 so I decided to open my flashlight and ‘clean’ the specs of dust. I used a lint-free cloth normally used to clean sunglasses and was dismayed to discover that I made permanent marks in the SMO reflector.
To make things worse, I later found out after reassembling my X-10 that the pattern of its beam was also affected. The yellowish beam (corona?) immediately surrounding its hot spot is no longer a perfect circle and it has some spots in it. |(
Is there still a way to fix this? I like my X-10 so much that it is my EDC, and every time I turn it on, I am reminded of the silliness I did to its reflector.
You have learnt a harsh lesson Nightbird 95. Is the reflector aluminium or plastic. If its ally you may be able to polish it to a mirror finish. The only other hope is if you can find a similar reflector at one of the many Chinese shops.
Yes, you’ll have to either put up with it now or buy another. I think foursevens do sell them, the X10 is called MMU now I think so this might be it: https://www.foursevens.com/products/UMB1
Actually, wait a second. That is the link for the ‘MMU’ reflector, looking more closely it seems the MMU is the Maelstrom S12 and MMU-X is the X10.
I would contact them via email and ask if they can sell you a replacement X10 reflector, I’d expect they will have some available. If not then perhaps the S12 reflector will work, but it’s designed for SST-90 so I’m not sure…
Anyway, if there are Chinese reflectors with the same diameter & depthe as the X-10’s, the details will never be the same. The X-10 reflector is uniquely shaped inside. Its reflective side goes about 10 degrees 3mm from the emitter, then about 75 degrees for 8 mm, then about 60 degrees all the way to the top.
Maybe you could spray it with the clear stuff that a few others have used to stipple stock smooth reflectors to DIY orange peel ones?
That should hide the imperfections on the reflector and give a nice beam.
Aside from that, I have actually done the same as you have a few times on P60 reflectors and never found it to noticably affect the beam. Are you sure it is all sitting back together as it should? As it could be some other change that’s actually causing the beam profile changes.
