Lumintop GT98
Reviewer's Overall Rating: ★★★
Date: 1/1/2023
GT98 Short Review - Reddit Version
Lumintop GT98 Specs & Measurement Information
Emitter(s):
8pc - Luminous SBT90.2
Price in USD at publication time:
$999.95
Cell(s):
8pc - 21700 Molicel P42A (included)
Waterproof Rating:
IP65 Equivalent - do not immerse in liquids
Switch Type:
E-Switch
On-Board Charging?
Yes
Charge Port Type:
USB-C
Measured CCT:
5100 - 5300
Measured CRI:
62.5
Claimed Lumens (lm):
43,000
Measured Lumens (at startup):
42,000*
Measured Lumens @ 30 seconds:
38,000*
Claimed Throw (m):
>2500m
Claimed Candela (Kcd):
>1563
Measured Throw (m):
2,315m
Measured Candela (Kcd) @ 10 meters:
1340kcd
*Lumen output was measured after modifying my lumen tube to make a reasonable attempt at measuring output from a light with a large diameter head like the GT98. All of my lumen output testing is done without active cooling unless mentioned in the review. I suspect my readings are on the high side, but they will give you a general idea of what this light can do. I’m curious to see what other reviewers report.
Pros:
- A massive chonky beam of light
- Build quality is above average
- Can be used with the extended battery tube, or the short tube
- Useful spill/flood in addition to the chonky beam
- USB-C Charging - PD & QC protocols available
- Powerbank functionality
- Batteries can be accessed & replaced
Cons:
- Price - very expensive
- Big/cumbersome
- Generates a lot of heat
- Output steps down fairly quickly
Summary: ★★★
This light is a pure novelty. It is BIG, and with that, it is cumbersome. I purchased this unit because of the uniqueness of EIGHT, eight SBT90.2 emitters in a form factor very similar to the well-known BLF GT94/GT94X. The CRI measured at 65CRI. The CCT jumped around depending on where the sensor was within the beam, but the range was 5100 - 5500k. On the lower output levels, I was getting quite a bit of green tint, but this lessened as I ramped upwards.
Relative to the light, the output doesn’t drop significantly during the first 30 seconds and remains steady until 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, the light becomes hot, and output starts to drops quickly. At the five-minute mark, the light is extremely hot (uncomfortable to hold) and has decreased output to about 4,000 lumens. At the 5 min mark, I concluded the test.
The build quality is above average. The USB-C port and onboard charging work very well. You can remove the four screws on the battery contact plate to access and replace the included P42A cells if you'd like - use a 2.5mm hex wrench. I found the beam profile to have a super chonky hotspot but a usable spill, albeit with many "rose pedals" present in the beam at close ranges. I was able to illuminate a skinny communications tower at 500 meters in urban lighting without any struggle. The UI doesn't suit this particular light - I believe it to be Narsil. The default on my light is smooth ramping with instant access to Turbo (double click). At this light's price point, I'm left wanting considerably more. It is a unique light with the "wow" factor but cannot sustain high outputs for very long. As I mentioned earlier in this review, it is a novelty item that can't quite make its way into the practical realm as some other high-power lights do.
Disclaimer: This light was not provided to me by any entity and was purchased utilizing my own resources. I have not been paid or otherwise compensated in any form to review this item, nor have I been withholding any problems or defects.
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