First off it you havent noticed I am trying to do my “reviews” adding in the Amazon version too (help ppl with search for info on the lights).
This one is a REAL Solarstorm X3 for GB. Neutral White version.
Out of box not too bad (I got light head only). Bit of heat issue, VERY SPOTTY light for my liking and due to reflector/lens set up, light looked very yellowish for being 3C tint. Opening it up on the other hand….I had to grind a allen wrench very carefully with my dremel cause the screws front and back were some never before known size. The “size” youd think I tried every new and old one I had, just started to round the screws out (doubt this is a problem with other brand versions, seems to be a solarstorm direct thing).
I did expect this to be “better than normal” inside as it was a revised version, but nope still not a version with pills. Just emitters on single plate with emitters that was not snug in the case. Thermal paste there took care of heat issues for testing purposes anyway.
And onto the fun. Made a “uni-pill” (way easier for me with a dremel than trying to make separate pills), 16mm noctigons again and simply transferred stock emitters to the noctigons. And upgraded to 18awg silicone wire. Also converted to full optics. This required a spacer to hold the center optic up even with the sides (sides fit optics perfectly). Made it from 3/4 copper coupling I had, cut about 10mm slice out of the side(after cutting to length) so it could be compressed down to fit in the hole. Not realizing it till I test fit it, it works as a press fit retainer for the pill plate. Then thin copper plate on the back of the pill plate to make up for holes (tried to machine to fit plate in the holes… missed something in calculations, so had to use copper to fix it lol.)
And finished with 2 carclo wide spot optics and 1 eliptical spot optic:
Now for beam shots. Tint is identical to my KD 2 Clone (current tint) and I about fell over when I realized….this thing has half the power per emitter but holds its own against my KD 2. Compliment each other very well. Not sure if Im going to push the driver any harder or not, think if I matched beam patterns my 3.29A output on my KD 2 wouldnnt be much more light than this.
Longer exposure time (usually beam shot settings) KD 2 left, SS X3 right:
Cut exposure time down a bit to pull beam patterns better, same KD right, SS x3 Left.
Other than running this thing through thermal tests, MAYBE after sorting out how this frequency driver works (hear a hum like old tv on low and medium), boost power a TAD from calculated 1.6 to 1.8-2A per emitter.
But very happy with this light, stock reflectors SUCK, covert to optics and OMG!!!
Ill post thermal testing pics when I do them tomorrow.
