Just for something to do, I thought I would do a little test. I wanted to see the difference in spot for different sized reflectors, using the same led.
I picked 5 different reflectors.
1.- A 21mm x 15mm reflector used in some multiple led lights.
2.- A 33mm x 27mm reflector used in some smaller XM-L lights, like a Rook.
3,- A 48mm x 38mm reflector I use as a replacement in Maglites. It came from CNQG.
4.- A D Maglite LED reflector, 48mm x 41mm.
5.- A 48mm x 30mm shallow reflector that comes from CNQG and I use it also in Maglites.
I put an XM-L cool white on a 35mm star and used AA to put it on my Aluminum test rod.
I just went DD with an Efest 18350. I didn't want to put out mega amps, I just wanted to use the same setup for all of the reflectors. The distance was 6 feet from the wall and I handheld the reflectors against the led centering ring.
I measured lux with my meter and held the led in the vise, setting the reflectors down on the led centering ring, like this.
Here's the photos and there is text showing which reflector and the lux measurements I got afterwards.
Now, this is not a scientific test, but I am just a layman and at least it gives me a feel for what I already thought.
The Maglite reflector gave the highest lux reading. I do Not believe it is because of the depth. I DO believe it is because of the profile of the reflector. The Maglite LED reflector has a huge center hole for the led. This is because in a Maglite, there is a post that the led sits on and the reflector has to clear that, to work in and out. The large hole, means the reflector has a (well, I don't know the words so bear with me), a tighter angle because the bottom of the reflector is larger around, so the reflector doesn't angle in as close to the led, as the others do. I am sure someone has a better explanation.
Anyhow, there it is, for what it is worth.
Oh, the low lux numbers? Remember I am using only an 18350, so it's not putting out lots of amps.
