However, there are more/different LEDs available in the LED & TINT dropdown:
W2.1 (Osram CULNM1.TG), 6000K, 650KCD
W1 Green (OSRAM CSLNM1.F1) 720KCD
W1 Red (Osram CSLNM1.23) 140KCD
W2 Deep Blue
W2.2 (Osram CULPM1.TG), 6000K, 600KCD
SBT90.2 5700K, 4500lm, 420KCD +$49.95
XHP35 HI, Cool White 6000K +$15.00
XHP35 HI, Neutral White 4000K +$15.00
My main contenders are as follows:
W2.1
W2.2
SBT90.2 (I am kind of interested in this one because of the high lumen output, then again, maybe I couldn’t run it for as long (relative to the KCD) due to heat of driving more lumens?)
XHP35
Could someone synthesize these emitters from a pro/con perspective? W2.1 vs W2.2 vs SBT90.2 vs XHP35?
How can the SBT90.2 output so many more lumens out of the same flashlight but not result in more KCD? Is it because the reflector doesn’t focus it as tightly as it does, for example, the W2 versions? And is that mostly focus loss in the hot spot (a wider hot spot) or in the spill being brighter?
Personal opinion: is the SBT90.2 “worth it” (~50 bucks) for you? Why/why not?
Throwiness (candelas per lumen):
CULNM1.TG “W2.1” (722cd/lm) > CULPM1.TG “W2.2” (400cd/lm) > XHP35 HI (155cd/lm) > SBT90.2 (93cd/lm)
This is mostly to do with die size. Osram NM1 emitters are 1mm², PM1 are 2mm², XHP35 HI are 5.9mm², SBT90.2 are 9mm². Smaller die = narrower beam.
Efficiency (let’s say efficiency in lumens per watt at ~500 lumens, based on Google search results for EMITTERNAME blf test):
SBT90.2 (~185lm/W) ≈ XHP35 (~180lm/W) > W2.2 (~125lm/W) > W2.1 (~100 lm/W)
SBT90.2 has a much larger hotspot than the Osrams. The spill is also considerably brighter, though a decent portion of that is just a result of having 3-5x the output. It’s definitely worth having an SBT90.2 light around, and this is a good host for one. Having said that, the WT90 is a much more practical use for this emitter since it gives off so much heat and uses so much power at full output. Big list of Luminus SBT90.2 flashlights – Dave's Tech Reviews
SFT-40 is the best match to this size reflector IMO, and is the most lumens you should practically expect from 1*21700
My guess is that Hank will offer this combo soon. In the meantime, I think a 3000K xhp35 sounds like a nice light to use, and the w2 the best visual thrower. 90.2 for ooooohs and ahhhs for a few seconds at a time. Reality is though, that’s all these ever are for anyway. So don’t overthink it. Have fun!
The K1 is for me a good compromise. KR1 or a size that small wont focus the beam tight enough and heat up in 5 seconds, WT 90 is huge. The TS30S does seem ok but will heat up a bit faster than the K1 and also suffer from an un focused beam.
If you want a really sick, and slick, light cannon, id go for the K1 SBT90. That one will not sustain turbo for long either, but in sweden right now, it’s helping with –10C outside…
I have the K1 with SBT90.I can run it on Max for far more than a few seconds. In the summer between 2 and 3 minutes. In the winter 5 minutes. Cool down for a minute and a half right back up to Max!
And mine was modded by Tom E. With even more output. 5825L at turn on and 530Kcd.At 30 seconds its 5230L. :sunglasses:
My NI40 modded with FET driver can run on Max 10 to 12 minutes in late fall winter weather before I change the battery. :+1:
EDIT: I will add this. Say it’s the summertime and I’m able to use it on max to 3 minutes. The last 30 to 45 seconds I may be holding it by the tail cap!!
I am addicted to Max output and started meetings in my area. They are called MOA Mtgs. Max Output Anonymous.
I was going to say… I have a WT90 and even that massive (relative) host gets pretty damn warm after 3 minutes. After 3min of ~20A, even a Samsung 40T would be down to ~3.6V under load and at 75% SOC. So You get one or maybe two hits of ‘max’ output per charge. Not my thing, but YMMV, and more power to you!
I just know that I have a Thrunite TN31 running an SFT40 in the 9A range and I love it every bit as much, or more, than the WT90. If the SFT came in the same CCT, it wouldn’t be a competition. Half the amps for the same peak kcd and double or triple the ‘max’ runtime.
I’m wishing for the return of the SBT70. A dot 2 version of that would the end-all thrower LED for me. Something like 4500-5000 lumens at ~18-20A and a round die. Dreams…
