If you’re primary goal is sheer output with the smallest package then Emisar all the way. TBH you should really look at the new D18… it’s 3x18650 and the smallest multi 18650 light ever (basically)… not going to be an edc though.
single emitters use more power than multi emitter lights because the emitter draws more current rather than sharing the workload with other emitters. The cost is that you need expensive optics or shallower/narrower multiple reflectors rather than a single larger reflector. If you want throw then you want a single large as possible reflector or an aspheric optic (not much in the $50 price range for aspheric). it seems more like you just want great output which means the D4 / D4S should be great. You can order a more floody optic right from intl-outdoor when you buy an emisar product.
the biggest difference is that lower emitter count lights with high output tend to be one of the XHP variants which have max output and ugly tint. Most 3-4 minimum multi emitter lights are designed to give us flashaholics choices of great emitters such as the emisar or the fireflies which you can choose Nichias, SST-20s or XPLs
If you want the best price with insane output and smallest package buy the Emisar D4 with 5000k SST-20 at 4200 lumens $35 (your sacrifice is going to be runtime and heat production - it’s a mini flame thrower)
if you want the best price with insane output and some bells/whistles such as extended runtimes and auxillary leds buy the D4S with 5000k HP-L HD V6 3D at 5000 lumens $48 (less heat than D4 but still hot)
If you want to spend more money and gamble on quality go with the fireflies E07 with the 5000K XPL-HI V2 (discount code still available from Neals or BG)
out of those I already own the Fireflies and the only reason why I don’t own the Emisar is because I’m buying the D18 instead of collecting any more lights that are nearly identical (D4S or E07 or MF01 mini are direct competitors that are only ever so slightly different EXCEPT Emisar is leap years ahead in quality control - all are designed very well but fireflies has had a lot of problems and astrolux is quite reliable but not at Emisar levels)
