I’ve seen a few posts about the “old style” 504b vs. the “new style” 504b… but everywhere I’ve looked, they only show the old style as the ones being sold. So…I’m confused.
1. Was the new style discontinued because everyone preferred the old style, or
2. are vendors still trying to sell off old stock, or
3. is there really no such thing as old style and new style.
Here is one example:
You can find the "new" style, but it extremly offerrated about the price - for example here with a XM-L for $32,99. For this you get a Solarforce L2N with a XM-L2 or a Solarforce L2p with a XP-L (ok, this cost $33,98).
I prefer the old style (I own a few and also the better quality Solarforce L2 / L2p), because it has a hexagonal part on the head and do not roll away. This is a big plus and I think many others like this feature, too.
Right. I’m just wondering why almost everyone still sells the old style, if there really was a “new” style introduced years (2?) ago.
Are you asking if we comprehend “why” manufacturers do something? I’ll get back to you after I consult my spinning ouija dart board. 
please don’t take me seriously and you’ll fit right in.
LOL… no, just trying to figure out if I’m missing something.
I really prefer the old style 
I didn’t even know there was a ‘new’ style and I’m a big fan of P60 lights.
Here, quick! Someone take my P60 badge away
Whats the best LED or newest LED to have in these?
XM-L T6 or XM-L2 U2….or …?
Thanks
Tony
Hello Tony,
you should buy a cheap one (maybe only the host, if available) and put in a new drop-in. If you can solder, combne a Nanjg 105 driver with a XM-L2 U3 (if you like cool white) or a XP-L.
Here are some threads about these LEDs:
https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/28878
https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/27500
If you look for a good thrower, the second thread could give you some input or this:
https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/16621
I bought both the silver and black 504B hosts from DX (link in first post), and built custom drop ins for them. Their quality is pretty good (other than the switch which is meh), and overall I’m pretty pleased with them. One is using a “whatever the hell it is” med-cool white XM-L emitter that came in a cheap eBay module, along with an 8* 7135 driver from Mountain (running 10% and 100%) and an OP reflector. Gets a little warm on high, but is pretty bright.
The other one got an XP-G2 S2 3C on Noctigon from Mountain, along with a Qlite 3.04A driver and SMO reflector, and a replacement switch from SF. This one throws like crazy, and is a fun light….but I’ll probably change the emitter to a 2C or 3B as it is just a hair too warm for me. I run it at 2, 25, and 100% modes.
I’ve discovered that the XM-L2 in 3C has a bit more green in the tint than an XP-G2 3C. I don’t know why, as 3C should be 3C I would think. But I have two XM-L2s and two XP-G2’s, and they all show this.
Can’t wait for my C8 host to get here so I can start working on a “serious” small thrower.
Excellent, thanks guys!