Mod in-progress. Here’s how I removed the HD10 bezel:
I slipped the head of a small nail under the bezel (I had to grind the head of this nail thinner to fit). It just pushes against the oring and should slide under there. I lined it up over one of the optic posts so as to not scratch an important part of the optic. Then, leverage the nail toward the center of the optic. I used piers for a better grip on the nail.
As with any press-fit bezel removal, do a little at a time, moving frequently, so you don’t bend the bezel. I scratched the optic a bit from prior attempts at removal. The scratches aren’t a big deal but I may try to buff them out. The nail in the pic is bent from leveraging it. That bezel was really stuck in there!
Next, I will attempt an emitter swap with hot air on the face of the MCPCB. I’ve never done this so I’m a little worried. The goal is to put some E17/E21 (I forget which I have) in there.
Edit: Emitter swap a success! First, I failed at reflowing on the face of the MCPCB. I had to remove the board. @ebastler 's review and teardown gave me the confidence to continue. I used de-soldering braid to remove the solder on the board. It’s not necessary to remove the switch.
The reflow was easy enough (maybe I got lucky though). For some reason I decided to keep one of the stock 4000K LEDs, and I installed two e17a, a 2700K and a 4500K. I figured I could save a few bucks and keep using one of the stock LEDs, while still getting a good result from the two Nichias. I should have figured out how to test the mix without needing to re-solder everything - I’m not sure I’m happy with the tint.
I think the design with the driver, MCPCB, etc. is pretty neat. Unfortunately, it’s a little time-consuming to mod but not too difficult.
Here’s a pic with the three different LEDs (stock on bottom, Nichia e17a 2700K top-left, 4500K top-right). I put DC Fix on the optic. I think it makes a slight tint improvement and a little extra flood is nice (plus it hides the scratches). The pic is a little weird I think due to the PWM interfering with my phone’s camera.
