Lightbringer:
Maatman2012:
Correct me if I’m wrong (again, very new to this) but according to a review that was done by djozz on the XP-G3 shows approx ~1120lm at 3A. From what I’ve found, its comparable to the XM-L2 at 3A. The XP-G3 shows 3.25V going to the led at 3A, and the XM-L2 shows 3.2-3.4V to the led at 3A. These stats seem too close to see with the naked eye, and the XM-L2 was 1. Out of stock and 2 almost twice the price.
Again, I am new, so if I am completely overlooking something on this please teach me!
I just try to not stress out LED chips too much, and the G-size chip would have a much higher current density than an L-size chip.
Don’t recall what’s the maximum “safe” current for each. Ie, the XM-L2 might be listed as max current = 3A (just about redline), but the XP-G3 maybe 2.5A (definitely overdriven).
I just tend to be conservative with my designs.
— later —
Okay, “by the book”, max = 2A for the XP-G3, 3A for the XM-L2. So definitely 50% overdriven for the XP-G3.
If the area of the L chip is twice that of the G chip, that means the current density of the G is 4× that of the L. Or put another way, the same wattage (heat) in ¼ the area, or 4× hotter per unit area.
So for the same exact amperage going through the G chip vs the L chip, the G would be 4× as high-strung as the L.
Point is, just because something can be done, doesn’t mean it should be done. Unless you have a setup where you’re definitely going for throw (like in a C8 or L2), the bigger chip wouldn’t make much of a difference in the final beam (smaller OP reflector), but would definitely be cozier. Less heat, less stress, better lumen-maintenance over time.
You want a thrower, put an XP-E2 on a solid Cu block with lots of heatsinking and run it ’til it’s screaming, and you’ll have an überthrower, albeit maybe short-lived.
For an S2+, again, me personally, I’d stick with an L-sized chip if running at/above 3A.
After doing some additional research and from some other responses from others on this post, I think I may switch the emitter from the XP-G3 to the XM-L HI. It’s the same size as the XP-G3 (better throw) but is designed for max output of 3A instead of 2, so I won’t be hot rodding the emitter at 3A like I would be with the XP-G3.
Also, I think I’ll stick with the OP reflector as it doesn’t seem to reduce the throw much and cleans up the beam nicely
I have just finished testing the XPL High Intensity emitter and thought I would share the results. I wanted to see the difference between the H.I. and a dedomed emitter. Keep in mind, this test was only a single emitter test and if the test were repeated several times, each outcome would probably be a little different.
I used a single host (Convoy C8 3.8A potted) and a single battery (Efest 35A 18650) for the test. I used three emitters: an XPL V5-2A, XPL V5-2A heat dedomed - unsealed, and an X…