I think you are mixing up the LED package size (size of the whole thing, including contacts and dome) and the LED die size (size of just the light emitting part, the yellow part).
While the package size is greatly reduced from the XM-L2 to the XP-L2, the die size is the same, so unfortunately it won't throw any better (at least not due to die size, maybe they tweaked the reflector).
Changing the die size wouldn't change the ratio spot/spill, only the spot/corona ratio. The only way to increase the spot/spill ratio is by deepening and/or narrowing the reflector.
You could be right about that, as I thought I was using
the size of the XP-L2 LED itself, so I'm going to backtrack and study
the equation upon which I obtained the factors affecting throw intensity, and the size I used. Please note I did not calculate the throw. I only compared the ratio of factors that changed--the lumens and what I believed to be the size of the LED discussed in the article. Then knowing the intensity of the H52 at 300 lumens (66m) I used those ratios to improve it.
I was told the emitter shrank (from the
XM-L2 in the prior generation) and that change, according to the article, would improve throw. I was also told from someone who had the H52w and the H53c, that the intensities were almost indistinguishable. Similar intensity (of spot) equates with similar throw. So I thought I predicted the results properly, and posted them here.
I've always stated the spot/spill angles never changed going between generations (at least when I was discussing it in the H53c thread). They remained 12 and 80 degress respectively. If the LED shrinks (not saying it did, that's just what I was told) that it approximates a point source better and less lumens are wasted in the spill. Instead, they go into the spot and increase throw (without changing beam geometry).
Any other geniuses on board that can help sort this out? I was trying to determine the throw myself because the Zebralight clerk wasn't forthcoming with information about whether or not the reflector changed (thought I was asking for TOP SECRET internal dimensions) or the lux at one meter (which she nor the designer of the flashlight apparently didn't know either:shakehead).
Others have asked similar questions in the past and Zebralight was more than helpful to respond with details. Apparently, the clerk I got was certain I'm a corporate spy after their chiefest secrets (internal dimensions) determined to take reflector specs and use them to take over the world. :laughing:
Thanks for pointing out I used the wrong dimensions for the LED dies.
If you'd like to be exceptionally helpful, could you direct me to information on the
die sizes of both LEDS (XP-L2 and XM-L2) so I can recalculate
the surface brightness ratio which is proportional to throw? I'm really just after the throw distance. If the throw suffers in this generation of ZL AA headlamp, this unit is a useless waste of money (as far as my use is concerned), and everyone who has been "whining" about the loss of Li-ion support is probably my best friend right now.
I calculated the effect losing 500 lm boost output on the H53w had dropping the XM-L2 and adding the more efficient XP-L2 emitter has on the max range of the H53w, assuming the die sizes did not change as the Belgian states. The range will suffer a 10 m reduction from 85m to 75m. I'd still like a good reference for the die sizes, then I'll conclude that this "brighter" lamp description is just a Zebralight marketing play on words. You can't take away boost and say it's "brighter" while sacrificing the throw. That's not bright at all.