The reason that I mentioned the SFH55 to be possibly used in the Convoy 3x21D, is that it appears that all parts already appear to exist, making swapping in a SFH55 in the 3x21D relatively easy. The only unknown is how well the SFH55 will play with the existing (smooth) reflector, so that I’m not able to judge.
I just checked the Luminus data sheet for the SBT-90.2 and even the overall dimensions of the SFH55 are almost identical (9,9mm x 10,9mm vs. the 10,0mm x 11,0mm of the SBT-90.2), so quite possibly the same gasket can be used and at least the reflector hole will be big enough.
I would almost be tempted to ask @Simon_Mao if he could sell the 3x21D as a host, in combination with the 54A FET driver (used in the 3x21C/E), to give it a go myself!
Thank you for the very nice LED review, as always. I have this SFH55 LED in Mateminco PD90S, available with discount at the Mateminco site in case anyone is interested. The highest I could get it to hit is 7400 lm using Nealsgadgets Lishen LR2170LH.
It’s the only light in my collection that could compete on equal footing with my Wurkkos SBT90.2. (The Wurkkos thows futher, the Mateminco has larger hotspot.) The PD90S’s large size also allows the highest sustained lumen, around 900-1200 lm, among all the lights that I have during my evening walk. I increased Tmax to 55° and the light sustains output with absolute ease, barely warm to the touch.
SFP55.2 in the Nightwatch Super Valkyrie 103S is something else though - 13000 lm with same Lishen battery as measured by TA lumen tube. I like it so much I bought a second one. Obviously that Turbo madness is ephemeral, but it IS tremendously fun. An honest to goodness wall of light in a single LED single battery light is just insane. I use it for a one hour walk and YMMV but for me sustained brightness at the level I use, T-1 or T-2, is good to great. It is a heavy light with VERY thick metal wall that helps with heat transfer. This light is currently on sale for an insane $50 (code: Christmas) if anyone is interested (and read up on Nealsgadgets before ordering).
The reason I suggested the SFH55 over the SFP55 is that I wasn’t sure if the SFP has the same package size (9,9x10,9mm). Also because it’s easier to find for sale (at least at consumer level) than the more ‘illusive’ SFP55.
But ofcourse if it’s just a straight in fit like the SFH55, then I would also prefer the SFP55!
What driver did you use? The 3V/18A (SBT90.2) that is being offered for the 4x18A?
I know that Simon offers a 3V/25A (buck) driver for the SBT90.2, which is a nice bump and combined with the slightly higher mass of the 3x21D (617gr, but with included handle) over the 4x18A (425gr) it should be able to handle the extra heat. That should (in theory) according to Koef3 his test, result in ~8000 lumen. Big amount, but it’s roughly have the amps of what this LED can handle. It feels like a shame not to use all that extra headroom, even though all those extra amps don’t result in the same amount of lumen as in the first 25A, there is still a bit to gain!
Because of that, I would love to try it out with that 54A FET driver that Simon offers/offered in some of the other 3x21- lights. Maybe with some modding afterwards, with thicker driver wires, spring bypasses in the tail and 3 of those new extremely high discharge 21700. So much interesting potential to play with!
I would be willing to try it myself, if Simon would be willing to sell the needed parts seperately. (I could buy a 3x21D, but than it would still have that 25A buck driver and a expensive SBT90.2 where I currently have no need for. I would absolutely prefer to use the SFP55.2 IF I could find that (for a reasonable price), but so far I’ve only been able to find the SFH55, for example from Kaidomain and today I also noticed Pioneman also offered it on it’s Aliexpress store, but it’s pre-soldered and I still have to confirm if the (one size) MCPCB is the right size for the 3x21D.
And in the end all also depends on price; if buying all those seperate parts (host, driver, LED, MCPCB) ends up more expensive than a complete K90, than I can better buy that and try to push it a bit more with some light mods.
FYI the Vastlite General seems to be kind of a 3x21A/D middle ground with an SFP55 and a 160W driver. Based on a review it is a bad driver though, steps down in under 30s. The Q8+ with SFT40 or XHP50.3 Hi would likely be a better option.
