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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.