kakster
Flashlight Enthusiast
I have been using a Katokichi 5 watt Luxeon module for some months now, and have been very impressed with its performance in the KT4 Turbohead. Having read previous reviews of the various different Turboheads available, i knew i just *had* to see how these 5 watt modules would perform in the various different incarnations of the Turbohead.
After many months of searching, i finally have a sample of each of the following; KT4 2.5" , T4 3" and the SRTH 2.5" compact turbohead.
I also included a stock KL6, as its currently Surefire's 5 watt range-topper.
Down to the nitty gritty...first up is the KL6
Zoom 1600Lux@1m
Now the Module in an M6/KT4
Zoom 2600Lux@1m
12PM/T4
Zoom 4700Lux@1m
Z3/SRTH
Zoom 5000Lux@1m
The KL6 looks the weakest in this test, but truth be told, it offers the best photon management if you are looking for a close-medium range light. Whilst the Luxeon Turboheads give a very intense spot, they do so at the expense of weaker spill. The KL6 has a very smooth transition from hotspot to corona (my pictures dont reflect this i know, but thats down to my lack of the ability to take good beamshots).
However, if you want a "reach out and touch someone) LED, these Turbohead modules are the way to go. Heat is an issue thats been bought up before, and to be honest, i cant say for certain that it isnt. I've been told that it should be ok, but i havent put enough milage on these to be certain yet. My oldest one is a few months old with approx. 30 hours on it, and it hasnt shown any drop in Lux yet. Heat is definately less of an issue with the older T heads, as they dont have the shock isolation of the KT4, providing a direct thermal path to the outside world.
After many months of searching, i finally have a sample of each of the following; KT4 2.5" , T4 3" and the SRTH 2.5" compact turbohead.
I also included a stock KL6, as its currently Surefire's 5 watt range-topper.
Down to the nitty gritty...first up is the KL6
Now the Module in an M6/KT4
12PM/T4
Z3/SRTH
The KL6 looks the weakest in this test, but truth be told, it offers the best photon management if you are looking for a close-medium range light. Whilst the Luxeon Turboheads give a very intense spot, they do so at the expense of weaker spill. The KL6 has a very smooth transition from hotspot to corona (my pictures dont reflect this i know, but thats down to my lack of the ability to take good beamshots).
However, if you want a "reach out and touch someone) LED, these Turbohead modules are the way to go. Heat is an issue thats been bought up before, and to be honest, i cant say for certain that it isnt. I've been told that it should be ok, but i havent put enough milage on these to be certain yet. My oldest one is a few months old with approx. 30 hours on it, and it hasnt shown any drop in Lux yet. Heat is definately less of an issue with the older T heads, as they dont have the shock isolation of the KT4, providing a direct thermal path to the outside world.
