How Many Modern Super-LEDs Can Match the Maxabeam in Throw?

LED Flashlights – General Info
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It’s been a dang long time since we looked up to and salivated at Maxabeam-type HID lights. Now that sooo many flat LEDs of super power are available, I wanted to ask: how do modern powerhouses perform against the once-untouchable Maxabeam?

I’m genuinely curious.

According to the specs…

"Every Maxa Beam Searchlight has the following range when set to high beam and focused to its tightest 1° spot:

  • 0.25 lux @ 6,925 meters (4.3 miles) [ANSI/NEMA FL1 Standard Range]
  • 1 lux @ 3,500 meters (2.15 miles)
  • 12 lux @ 1,000 meters (.62 miles)

The measurement and calculation of Range is defined by the ANSI/NEMA FL1: Flashlight Basic Performance Standard. According to this standard, a flashlight’s range is the calculated distance at which it will provide a light intensity of 0.25 lux on target.

Using the calculations set forth in the ANSI/NEMA FL1 Standard, the Maxa Beam’s range is nearly 7 kilometers!"

Is this still a blow-us-out-of-the-water scenario? Or do modern measurements yield something different? To me, it looks like nothing we have can get near this.

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Answer is simple: none

1 Thank
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Yeah, unfortunately.

LEDs are inherently disadvantaged for throw, since they require a low operational temperature, which prevents very high power density from being achievable: there isn’t enough surface area to get the heat out at a fast enough rate.

On the other hand, an HID does not have this concern at all and can operate at very high temperatures and thus achieve much higher power density, which translates directly to throw.

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I believe they are only 1000 lumens which makes is more amazing.

5

This is crazy. For all of our crazy-big-headed LED powerhouses, we’re lightweight division!

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2 Thanks
9

Unreal! Wacky translation.
All the Best, Jeff

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I loved it! I’m in awe!