I ordered this C8s host (the 20.8mm driver version) from Sofirn last Jan— and although it wasn’t shown in the listing (at AliExpress), it came WITH a nice MCPCB that fits the XHP and larger leds out there (and for my project this afternoon… the SST-40) :heart_eyes:
After reading this test post a while back, I thought a good single shaved SST-40 led might just be the ticket for a nice C8 sized thrower (with a little flood) using this Sofirn host. I realized a good driver was a must and as Lexel hooked me up with my 17mm NarsilD drivers (for my C8F triple led lights), I asked him what would work for this host— he suggested this driver:
20.8mm Bistro HD 2.7V LVP.
No, I really don’t know the specs on this driver except that I asked for a driver that would LIGHT this (or an XPL HI) UP using a single 18650 config! And tonight I took it out after building it this afternoon and I am a happy camper. 
I bought the led from KD Litker (Kai Domain), got it in this week and finally got a day to play with my soldering station and these parts. I flowed it onto the Sofirn MCPCB using a lighter- it took about a minute AFTER I prepped the MCPCB with a light dash of resin and just a touch of solder. I also built a bypass into the tail switch (using 18g wire all around).
When I turned it on, I was happy enough UNTIL I realized I was starting out on the “muggle” mode (at about 50% output). So, after thoroughly getting lost in the Bistro HD programming paradox (still figuring that all out), I did find turbo and WOW!!!
I was going to slice this SS-40 for more throw, but taking it out with a fresh 30Q tonight… it was getting out there REAL nice “as-is”. I don’t think I’ll be shaving this led as this light has a natural throw built into it (as it’s working with this Sofirn C8s host’s reflector anyway). Compared to my KD Litker C8.2 with a XHP50.2 (at 3 amps on that factory driver), tonight— this C8s/SST-40 build has significantly more throw, but less flood (but still usable side lighting for a lot of applications).
I’ll know how it compares to the Sofirn C8T (the light reviewed here) when I get mine in (bought last week). Everything takes 4-6 weeks to get (as we all know), and so all these “plans” hit the back-burner a while. Anyway, when I get that light in, I’ll try my first pictures here and compare these C8s to my C8Fs too.
As I am using the C8 form factor for my night-time pig rifle, I could use this light TODAY for hunting out of blinds (for further shots typically over feeders- 200 yards or so) where I’m sippin’ wiskey and waiting (and can use more throw). As mentioned, I am working on several Sofirn C8Fs (triple leds): one with XPL HIs and another with some shaved XP-L2s. Going to see how they ALL throw compared to each other. I know both my C8Fs will have a LOT of flood and throw— so they WILL be used for my primary gun lights (the plan right now anyway) for “run and gun” hunting; where we hit the pigs closer in (and they run every direction- FAST)! So GOOD side light is GREAT to have for that close range— with fast moving pigs (while using a red-dot “two eyed” site Vs. a longer range scope).
The Vf is said to be really optimal when used in higher current draw designs with the SST-40 led, but the XHP50.2 (I compared to this eve) is also being run at a lower current: 3 amps Vs. (EDIT: confirmed up to 8 amps for the SST-40). So I’ll have to run a comparison with them both to see what the run time difference may be. But for my use (100% TURBO ON- for a few seconds- just long enough to acquire the pig in the scope and make the shot), run time isn’t an issue- brightness is… and this driver rocks! :smiling_imp: I ALSO went with this Bistro driver… as I can program it to ONE mode: OFF/TURBO! (for use on that gun ALSO using Lexel’s tail FET switch; which is super cool too— with no current loss using a pressure switch).
It’s a good time to be playing with C8’s on my gun. 
Great hosts and finished lights (especially from Sofirn lately), cool drivers and tweaks like my FET tail switch (from Lexel and a few others here who KNOW their stuff) and BLF solutions that are cost effective AND provide WORLD CLASS performance (surpassing 99% of all the high priced “tactical” stuff out there) for a fraction of the cost. Life is good
More to come after I get the C8F done with XPL-HIs, another C8F with shaved XP-L2s, this C8s host and the C8T on the way from China (as of the big sale last week in AE— where I bought WAY too many lights). :person_facepalming: