Swapping an XP-G R5 with either an XM-L2 or XP-G2

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I have a Trustfire R5-A3 single AA torch which uses an XP-G R5 LED, however, I would like to do an upgrade and since I’m new to this I need a bit of advice.

I’m looking at two LEDs, the XM-L2 or the XP-G2 and trying to decide which to go for. I have a few questions:

1. Which has the least power consumption?
2. I presume the XM-L2 is brighter and floodier?
3. Do I need to replace the driver or can I simply solder either one in and be done with it?
4. Can I use my Arctic Silver heatsink grease and simply retain the LED/board with the snug fit of the insulator?

Any other pertinant advice?

Cheers,
Tom.

2

You could just do an emitter swap if you want. Xm-l2 will make the biggest difference.

I did this exact thing with a AA powered Uniquefire S10. Unsoldered the xr-e and soldered in an XM-L.

Light was brighter and floodier.

You may or may not need to open up the hole in the reflector for an XM-L and the centering disc / insulator may not fit over an XM-L either.

Yes, use a little heatsink compound.

3

Blitzwing,
Thanks for the info.
I think the reflector will just about be ok but I can drill it out if needs be.
I’m also getting a set of new insulators to accomdate the larger LED.

Cheers,
Tom.

4

Sounds like you are set.

Should be a quick and easy, worthwhile mod.

5

I have replaced several old XPG's with XPL-HI's and didn't have to open up the reflector even used the same centering ring.

If it has a centering ring, the XML will be too big to fit.

6

Both the XM-L2 or the XP-G2 have pretty high Vf's. Given you have a single AA cell. You're driver will have to boost voltage more and therefore pull more current from the cell.

You would probably get higher lumens intially with the XML2, but I would go with the Nichia 219C that RMM sells. In addition to more run time, you'll get the added benefit of a decent CRI whiel having a 5000K tint. Beam pattern should be more balanced too. It will reflow right on to your existing emitter base. Your XPG isolation ring should work ok.

EDIT: Fixed serveral typos.

7

Thanks for the input everyone. I’ve bought a copper backed XM-L2 from Kaidomain, so we’ll see out it goes.

Tom.