HDS Systems - Golden Dragon LED emitter....

[Lithium466]

The rotary interface
Also better efficiency (not on the low side, lost probably because of the rotary "communication system" with the tail), which allows a 40s burst (that you can disable, contrary to the legacy) but consumes some power.

Honestly between legacy and current gen, I don't notice any runtime difference in use (should talk in the past, don't have a legacy since like November), except the legacy are able to go longer on a depleted CR123A. I didn't go check runtime difference in the reviews...don't forget newer emitters are more efficient.

Also the legacy doesn't feel like a dinosaur compared to the current gen, switching between the two is almost transparent. Switched to an Ultimate 60 from 2004-2005, and that one feels like a dinosaur in comparison (compared to the current HDS only, the old Ultimate 42/60/85 are still very modern by today's standards, just less "polished") !

I would say, definitely try with legacy driver. The GD+ led...is still nice, I think. No high CRI, probably not the nicest tint there is (compared to modern standard). Feels like a nice vintage luxurious Mercedes, that could still kick you in the butt when you floor it! All things considered, of course, we're talking 170/200lm.

As for the adaptation of the newer led boards and emitter to the legacy reflector, well...

The legacy reflector isn't anodized, which isn't a problem...except if the new led boards used are thicker than the original. Are they? I think they are. Or is it just the new machined heads that are less "deep"? I can't be sure
You wouldn't have a modified light with a reflector you can't screw in completely, right? Surely it's been considered, but perhaps worth asking.

(Bottom, regular HDS, top, factory High Noon with old orange peel reflector, doesn't screw in completely. Both current gen so perhaps apple to orange withthe legacy lights)

 

[Lithium466]

A very bad attempt at white wall beamshot.

GD+ on the right, with a hotspot so bright it steals the show. The beam is very focused. Tint is pretty good on this one!
High Noon on the left.

[OT]Osram is doing some modern throwy emitters, not sure they have the 3535 form factor though.[/OT]

 

[RCS1300]

Thanks for the photo. I have the high noon and the titanium will be here tomorrow. So I will have the weekend nights to evaluate.

 

[usdiver]

That review was the one with the green table mat, right? I must have watched that review 3 or 4 times. Thank you.

I prefer the Executive interface.

Yes it was actually a beach towel from Tenerife but apologies the quality wasn't better. My technology has been lacking ... was my pleasure to do though

 

[usdiver]

Thanks for the photo. I have the high noon and the titanium will be here tomorrow. So I will have the weekend nights to evaluate.

If my calculations are correct the high noon will out throw the gd but keep the dragon it's a rare one and very pleasing to the eyes!

 

[thermal guy]

The legacy lights an I'm talking 2005 or so can keep up runtime wise with the modern day crop. As long as you stay away from the higher settings.and to be honest the lower levels are where I'm at most of the time. Runtimes on the lowest levels are way better the the new batch. It will squeeze every drop out of the battery more so then the new lineup. As you say they are still pretty much cutting edge. Comparing say aU60 to hds lights of today is not really night and day. They have improved yes but if you are using and old school hds one should not feel under Gunned at all. I know I don't.

 

[RCS1300]

Were there any 18650 battery extension tubes 24 TPI (Threads/inch) made for the Titanium RaClicky or for the aluminum RaClicky?

 

[Lithium466]

For the aluminium, yes. Maybe not 18650, but at least 17670, and several "prototypes". Titanium I don't think so, except maybe prototyping? But really I don't think it ever existed.

 

[Modernflame]

Nice catch, RCS. It looks fantastic!

 

[RCS1300]

Nice catch, RCS. It looks fantastic!

Thank you! I think Henry's lights are best in class and I wanted to own his top of the line light in the Executive model. Once upgraded by Henry, this will be it.

 

[RCS1300]

Had a chance to use the Golden Dragon LED Emitter on two different 45 minute dog walks last night and pre-dawn this morning. Wow! That emitter/reflector combination really punches out a hot spot. Spectacular is a word I would use to describe the focused beam of the light. It is not high CRI.

My HDS High CRI 219B 5700 R9050 High Noon light has as much lumen output but the hot spot is more diffuse so the light beam is not as focused. The Golden Dragon light beam might reach out a few more yards of distance but nothing more than slightly noticeable. The headline with the Golden Dragon is the hot spot beam focus. It is nice. See photo in post #22.

I will be moving to a new LED emitter. It will almost certainly be the High Noon High CRI but I am still looking at Dan's special sourced XP-G3 for the focused beam.

 

[Lithium466]

Thank you for your feedback. As a "user" light, I understand you want to change to a newer emitter (even if I'd personally wait for new offerings in the HDS lineup). After all, I don't use my GD+ ! Just turn it on from time to time and awe with nostalgia But more modern emitter see most of the work, since my HDS is better suited at close distance.

I don't know what emitter the reflector was originally designed for, HDS started with Luxeon emitters, then Seoul P4 in the Novatacs, and then for a while you had a choice of narrow beam (with GD and GD+ leds) and wider beams (Seoul P4). Then the P4 were replaced with XP-G, and the GD+ subsisted for a while.

Hogo said he threw away recently a full reel of emitters, I'd be curious to know what kind, GD+, XP-G ?

I have yet to try a Luminous SST-20 emitter in a modern HDS reflector, but maybe that could do a 325 with longer range in low CRI ? A modern replacement for the GD+.

 

[AndyF]

A GD+ Hyper Red emitter is an option. I'm happy how mine turned out.

 

[novice]

I'm rather late to the party, but I just obtained my first HDS light in a trade; an RA clicky with a GD emitter at 140 lumens. I'm still getting used to the UI, but have the operating instructions to look at and review. The tint looks a bit bluish, but when I compare the beam side by side with my SF E1L, it looks whiter, with EDC E1L looking a nasty greenish-yellow, which I don't normally notice, so I'm sure I'll get used to it. The light is more compact than I realized. I might look for an extension tube for this 3rd gen. Ra, but almost all of my lights can use Li-ions, so if I have no luck finding an extra tube, I will probably just keep this a primary-dedicated light. Focused hotspot with a smooth transition to spill. This is an old model, but I'm thankful to have it.

 

[peter yetman]

You can use a 16340 in the Clicky, or do you mean that you specifically want to use 18650? I reckon 18650 tubes are like Hen's teeth, and I've never heard that they made extensions, sadly.

P

 

[Lithium466]

18650 tubes fir legacy lights are rare, but maybe you'd find a 17670 👍

 

[novice]

Thank you both for your suggestions! I'm aware that I could use a 16340, but I do wonder about runtime. I picked up one of the 17670 tubes for $5 years ago at lighthound, but it is the earlier version with 36 tpi. Time to do a WTB for a 24 tpi tube.