Would a different reflector (textured vs. smooth aluminium) make a considerable difference to the light quality from the same light?
I ask because I just noticed that the Aurora SH-036 I ordered has a textured reflector, whilst the TrustFire T23 and Yezl S7 incarnations have smooth reflectors.
It can affect beam quality.
A textured Orange-Peel (OP) reflector will smooth out a beam, merge the hotspot into the corona, and generally reduce ringiness, but at the expense of reducing throw.
A Smooth (SMO) reflector will show more defects (typically not noticable outside in normal use) but will result in a longer throw.
A dedicated thrower for long-range use would use a SMO reflector while an OP reflector will make a wider/smoother beam suitable for close-range illumination.
Most of the places (if you have P60 size drop ins) we buy from have SMO and OP reflectors in the parts sections, they are cheap.
- try one or two as an experiment…
its interesting, sometimes a new reflector can ruin your favorite light by changing the beam characteristics significantly, sometimes (my favorite example being an MC-E light) a new reflector can make all the halos and artifacts do a bit of a mind meld and you are blissfully happy…
And, best part (unlike soldering, etc) if you don’t like it, the old way is just seconds of work to change back.
Thanks so much, guys! :bigsmile:
It sounds like I got the right one. I just hope the hotspot isn’t too blinding.
I did consider getting the TrustFire to compare but if my Tank007 TK-703 is anything to go by I don’t expect they will be easy to take apart. This will be my first stainless steel torch too…