Amber LED options in flashlights in 2024?

[Schokokeks]

I've been interested in trying out an amber light, as I've heard good things about them, and seen some decent scientific literature to substantiate the "less bugs" claims, but I feel like I kind of missed the boat on the heyday of amber lights.

I see Convoy sells a T3/T5 with an Osram CSLNM1.FY, but who else is still making lights with dedicated amber emitters?

It looks like Cree used to make (still does?) and amber emitter as well (XP-E2), but I haven't found anyone selling a light with it installed.

Is this just a really low demand, that people just DIY swaps to these?

Seems like it'd be a cool option for a floody headlamp, even.

I've messed around with red, but like most humans, I find that bizarre. I also read that Navy study, so I'm 100% on team "dim white light > red light" for preserving night vision. Amber seems like a neat compromise.


For the $20, I probably with just do the T3 or T5. I LOVE AA lights, and I think the $20 Convoy AA lights are kind of an amazing deal. I was just curious if I was missing some context on amber lights, because they really seem hard to find (I could imagine a few companies went all in, then sat on inventory for years, and vowed "never again").

 

[GMT2330]

Not a traditional flashlight but how about a Pak-Lite in yellow or orange. They advertise the yellow as being non attractive to bugs. These will run for ages off depleted 9v batteries from a smoke alarm. Very good for power outages.

 

[Schokokeks]

Not a traditional flashlight but how about a Pak-Lite in yellow or orange. They advertise the yellow as being non attractive to bugs. These will run for ages off depleted 9v batteries from a smoke alarm. Very good for power outages.

That's a really interesting product that I'd never heard of.

But, I was looking for something I'd be able to carry around, with a walking distance amount of throw.

 

[jon_slider]

I've been interested in trying out an amber light

Convoy is an excellent low priced option for an Amber light.

At a higher price point, with a lot more features, that you may not need, Emisar offers the most mind boggling range of LED options for their lights.

For example, here is the link to the Emisar D3AA, which is a unique dual fuel AA/14500 light with the most efficient and advanced driver on the market. It runs Anduril UI, arguably the most advanced programmable UI in existence.

Here is the list of LED options on their menu, which does include Amber:

Here are a couple of my Emisar D3AA, to give you some idea of the form factor, with my two favorite LED options:

Emisar lights are Custom built with the LEDs of your choosing.

 

[Schokokeks]

Convoy is an excellent low priced option for an Amber light.

At a higher price point, with a lot more features, that you may not need, Emisar offers the most mind boggling range of LED options for their lights.

For example, here is the link to the Emisar D3AA, which is a unique dual fuel AA/14500 light with the most efficient and advanced driver on the market. It runs Anduril UI, arguably the most advanced programmable UI in existence.

Here is the list of LED options on their menu, which does include Amber:
View attachment 66302
Here are a couple of my Emisar D3AA, to give you some idea of the form factor, with my two favorite LED options:
View attachment 66304
Emisar lights are Custom built with the LEDs of your choosing.

Oh, yeah. I'd forgotten about them, because I was looking at that dual channel light, but then found it tends to create a squareish pattern, and I know one can run into UI goofiness (which is solved by using the kit to update the firmware), so I was a little less enthusiastic. I've always heard good things about Emisar, but that they can also be a bit quirky.

If they did a non-Anduril option, I'd probably give them a shot. Their AAA twisty actually seems really interesting, but no amber in that one :/

 

[jon_slider]

I was looking at that dual channel light, but then found it tends to create a squareish pattern,

the beam is perfect if we choose the floody optic:

and I know one can run into UI goofiness (which is solved by using the kit to update the firmware)

the UI is not goofy, but it does require a deeper understanding of the Dual Channel UI. There is no need to update the firmware, and it does not change the mode of operation.

You may be reading info from people that are unfamiliar with Anduril. It is certainly not a beginner's light. Since Im deeply invested in Anduril lights, for me the Emisar D2 is an Apex design for a dual channel light.

Emisar lights cater to Tint Snobs and Anduril Aficionados. ;-)

But some people just prefer simpler lights with simpler UI's. If you want a dual channel red plus white without Anduril, I recommend a Skilhunt EC200S, also available in 18350 size. They offer a 4500K 519a (I dedomed mine). As with the Emisar D2, the Skilhunt driver has regulated output, excellent runtime, and uses NoPWM.. The light comes with a 2 way pocket clip, suitable to use as an impromptu headlamp, if you are wearing a basebal hat. Recommended

 

[alpg88]

Yep, Hank (international outdoors) is the one to go to for amber lights, I got 21700 emissar quad, 2 whites 2 amber. not that i needed amber, i just wanted a flashlight that had an alternating white/amber strobe for road emergencies. W1 amber has a small die and its beam is tighter than white sst 20, the amber hotspot is half as big.

 

[scalpel_ninja]

…
If they did a non-Anduril option, I'd probably give them a shot. Their AAA twisty actually seems really interesting, but no amber in that one :/

You can also email Hank for emitter requests not listed on the website. If he can make it work, he'll likely build the custom light for you at a reasonable price.

 

[Schokokeks]

The UI is not goofy, but it does require a deeper understanding of the Dual Channel UI. There is no need to update the firmware, and it does not change the mode of operation.

You may be reading info from people that are unfamiliar with Anduril. It is certainly not a beginner's light. Since Im deeply invested in Anduril lights, for me the Emisar D2 is an Apex design for a dual channel light.

Oh, no, I mean that there have been a few lights Emisar shipped out that had a goofy UI, and needed the firmware reflashed, which required a like $35 additional kit to fix.

I think the new 14500 from them is using a new power regulation circuit, too, so I will probably wait for other people to test that out before I jump into something like that.

But also, I did read a lot of people saying the dual channel operation with Anduril leaves something to be desired (and, I'm already not a huge fan of Anduril to begin with [I've sold off all my Anduril lights]).

I know many people are okay with some of the quirks of enthusiast lights, but... I am perfectly happy with single mode through 3 mode lights, and have really tapered down my use of anything beyond that.

 

[Schokokeks]

You can also email Hank for emitter requests not listed on the website. If he can make it work, he'll likely build the custom light for you at a reasonable price.

That's actually pretty cool.

I should get a bucket of those AAA twisties...

 

[jon_slider]

Since you prefer simpler UI's, Im not posting this to change your mind, but rather to dispell some innacurate info,

which required a like $35 additional kit to fix.

the flashing kit for most Emisar lights is $14.50, and is not necessary,
nor does it work, with the D3AA, since it uses a newer type of flashing tool, that cost $6.50. But the light ships w the latest Anduril and does not have any issues that would benefit from reflashing.

The driver IS a new design, Ive been testing it extensively. The quirks Ive discovered are
1. a slight preflash when turning on,
2. there is a slight blip when ramping up past 10 lumens in smooth ramping mode
few people besides myself have noticed those two quirks, they are very subtle, and are hardware based. They can not be changed by reflashing.

otoh, the D3AA has a very efficient boost driver, over 90%, and it is dual fuel AA/14500. What I like most about it, is that the output is flat regulated, and uses NoPWM.. It also has a ridiculously low minimum output, considerably lower than an HDS.

There have been zero reports of any serious "early adopter" issues with the D3AA driver. The one issue that plagued the first run was that the O ring groove in the tailcap was too shallow, and the O rings would move onto the threads and get cut when unscrewing. That has been corrected, the latest version has a larger O ring groove, And a thicker O ring. I have had zero issues with the O rings on my D3AA lights.

 

[Schokokeks]

Since you prefer simpler UI's, Im not posting this to change your mind, but rather to dispell some innacurate info,


the flashing kit for most Emisar lights is $14.50, and is not necessary,
nor does it work, with the D3AA, since it uses a newer type of flashing tool, that cost $6.50. But the light ships w the latest Anduril and does not have any issues that would benefit from reflashing.

The driver IS a new design, Ive been testing it extensively. The quirks Ive discovered are
1. a slight preflash when turning on,
2. there is a slight blip when ramping up past 10 lumens in smooth ramping mode
few people besides myself have noticed those two quirks, they are very subtle, and are hardware based. They can not be changed by reflashing.

otoh, the D3AA has a very efficient boost driver, over 90%, and it is dual fuel AA/14500. What I like most about it, is that the output is flat regulated, and uses NoPWM.. It also has a ridiculously low minimum output, considerably lower than an HDS.

There have been zero reports of any serious "early adopter" issues with the D3AA driver. The one issue that plagued the first run was that the O ring groove in the tailcap was too shallow, and the O rings would move onto the threads and get cut when unscrewing. That has been corrected, the latest version has a larger O ring groove, And a thicker O ring. I have had zero issues with the O rings on my D3AA lights.

That's neat info. The efficiency is cool, but I'm never an early adopter of things, as I prefer others to work out the kinks before I pay money for things.

Also, I don't mean to sound rude, but in the same breath, it's "there haven't been early adopter issues," and then mentioning that they were eating o-rings. I saw some pictures of that, and that was definitely not impressive, haha. I think it's perfectly possible for two reasonable people to conclude differently as towards the severity of that, too.

I can tell you're quite a fan of the Emisar lights, and that's awesome. From my perspective, they still seem a bit quirky, and not really my cup of tea (save for that AAA twisty). I really love the dead nuts reliability of things, so single through triple modes are more my style. I am not min/maxing my lights, as I can just bring a spare AA or two, and not really have to worry.

I appreciate the input and enthusiasm, though. I still might pick something up from Emisar one day, but I think I'd have to get something specifically as more of a goof around toy (Maybe a W1 twisty).

For the amber, I was more looking for something for hiking around during summer, so simplicity/reliability are more interesting to me. I know the Anduril people swear by it, and I'm happy for them, but it's just not really a compelling UI for me. I'd rather get a set, simply UI than customize anything. Heck, I am not a fan of Reylight and Convoy for similar reasons. I know, I know. I've heard the arguments, but I simply disagree, and have found the disadvantages far outweighed the advantages for me.

It's looking like maybe a 4 mode Convoy might be my winner.

Again, I do appreciate the info you're sharing, and your perspective - even if we disagree on some things philosophically.

 

[jon_slider]

I don't mean to sound rude, but in the same breath, it's "there haven't been early adopter issues," and then mentioning that they were eating o-rings.

You dont sound rude, and Im enjoying the respectful tone of our discussion.

fwiw, my comment was
"There have been zero reports of any serious "early adopter" issues with the D3AA driver."

I was not an early adopter (and I respect your desire not to be an early adopter either). I waited for the O ring issue to be solved. There had not been any reports of Driver issues, when I decided to try the D3AA for myself.

If anything, Im the most critical poster in regards to the D3AA driver. I see things almost nobody else has noticed.

It's looking like maybe a 4 mode Convoy might be my winner.

I think Convoy is a great option for an inexpensive Amber light, I hope it suits your needs well ;-)

 

[Schokokeks]

Sorry, I misread what you said. You're 100% correct on the driver. I haven't seen anything negative on it (though I haven't been following it too closely, since I don't really get into Anduril lights).

I also appreciate the discussion and civility.
I lurked for YEARS around the internet, because I just saw way, way too much drama (I'd been on some automotive forums decades back, but grew tired of all that). I finally made an account here because of this exact reason, haha.


I wonder if I reach out to Simon at Convoy, if I could get the amber put into a T3 (I swear they used to sell those), instead of the floody lens on the T5. I have an older 219B in a T3, and that extra little throw for a single AA outside really helps. I've heard he's pretty accommodating, but have no first hand experience with that.


I wonder if anyone makes an amber P60 drop-in...THAT would be perfect!

 

[Schokokeks]

Okay, so I did just find this, but $9...?

KDLITKER P6-COLOR XP-E2 Amber 585nm 280 Lumens 3V - 9V 1-Mode OP P60 Drop-in

KDLITKER P6-COLOR XP-E2 Amber 585nm 280 Lumens 3V - 9V 1-Mode OP P60 Drop-in

kaidomain.com

If it was a lower voltage, I'd consider getting one for a Frankenstein MD3 2xAA setup...

 

[jon_slider]

Okay, so I did just find this, but $9...?

you could pay $1 more, and get a complete Single Output Amber light ;-)

 

[Schokokeks]

you could pay $1 more, and get a complete Single Output Amber light ;-)

My god, that's the ugliest light I've ever seen, hahah.

I might have to look into how these perform. While it's only $9, I still REALLY dislike creating more e-waste, haha.

 

[alpg88]

look into convoy, some lights have "orange light" led as an option, it is amber led

 

[Bogie]

I really like my SF Aviator in amber also have a Overready scout head with Amber secondary

 

[Schokokeks]

I really like my SF Aviator in amber also have a Overready scout head with Amber secondary

Yeah, those seem cool, but like I said, I feel like I missed the boat on Amber.

Aviators with the amber are discontinued, it appears, and I don't even know if Overready is even really in business at this point. It seems like they're just slowly selling out of their stock, and nothing gets replaced...