Looking for interesting C8 replacement

My Astrolux C8 never had much use due to its cool white tint and now I finally sold it. Now Im looking for some interesting replacement, that would ideally meet these parameters:

- C8 sized, but preferably running on 21700 cells for extra run time

- primary use around cabin in the woods, on the trail etc

- not a thrower, but rather larger, defined hotspot with a lot of spill - something like BLF Q8

- neutral white LEDs, or even high CRI

- BLF approved or at least acceptable UI and driver and no serious design flaws

At the moment I am considering the Sofirn C8F triple XPL, but your suggestions are much appreciated.

Sofirn SP36 BLF Anduril?

Second this. The reflector setup provides a ton of flood but also has a defined hotspot, so the mix of flood and throw is pretty good.

That one is on my radar, considering it as well. But besides being heavier, the SP36 also seems like an all out flooder, I would prefer a bit tighter hotspot.

Astrolux FT03 with XHP
Convoy M21a

I have the FT03 with SST40, definitely not for close/medium range. I assume even the XHP50 version is still too throwy for my current needs. With the M21A I dont like the very basic driver and according to Simon, only OEM 21700 fits, any rewraps would not work.

Sofirn C8F or sp33 maybe?

The C8F looks very appealing, just gotta check more reviews. I wish it could have an Anduril or Narsil driver and possibly a type C charger.

Convoy M21A 5000 K version. I have two of these and the tint is about perfect on the two highest settings (100% and 30%). This light is a thrower but has a larger hot spot.

Convoy S21A host. Use a Cree XP-L2 (I would use a 5000 K tint) or in my case I used a XP-L HI V4 3C. Drive it at 3 amps. I used a 105E 20mm 7135x8 driver with guppydrv group 20. This give you a wall of light with some throw. Driven at 3 amps it will get hot after a minute of use, but stepping down to 33-50% it is very useful and can be sustained until discharge.

You can change most C8 throwers into flooders by swapping out the reflector to an Orange Peal reflector. Pardon me if I was stating the obvious as if it was inspirational.

As someone helpful said “Good Lux!”

If you want anduril, check out Astrolux EC01 as well. I would’ve ordered one but it’s only available in cool white. I’d prefer neutral white. It’s currently on preorder in banggood and you can also get it cheap(er) with a coupon.

Yea, finally a single emitter Anduril light and no good LED choices. I wonder about modding potential.

They could have at least offered a 5700k tint like they did with the ft03 xhp50.2. I guess, we’ll have to wait and see.

Exactly my thoughts. I dont like XHP50 LEDs for the green corona and usually only cool white tint. Besides that the EC01 is probably one of the least appealing Astrolux lights, together with FT04, design and aesthetics wise.

I am throwing in the MARCH C8 model as an eye pleasing alternative. Need to check more on its specs.

Have you looked at the Emisar D1? It is a wonderful mix of throw and spill, very compact and has a great UI. On sale at International as well.
https://intl-outdoor.com/emisar-d1-mini-thrower-p-922.html