Armytek Viking Pro vs Predator Pro

[ChrisEdu]

So, I got my Nitecore SRT7 today and now want another fix!

I like the SRT7 but have a hankering for an Armytek light. Having looked at various reviews, etc.. I have decided upon either the Predator Pro or the Viking Pro.

Initially, I was thinking that I would get the Viking Pro, as looking at one of the tests where its beam is compared to the Predator Pro, it seemed to have a wider coverage.

However, having just seen a review on the SRT7 (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...-Revenger-XM-L2-T6-1x18650-2x(R)CR123A-Review) the spread of the Viking Pro looks very similar to that of the SRT7. Would anyone care to comment on this? Are they similar?

If the spread of the Viking Pro is pretty much the same as the SRT7, then I'm thinking that I would probably be better going for the Predator Pro.

What do you think?

 

[The Burgh]

I'm going to double down on ChrisEdu's question. I am in the exact same situation.

Well put, ChrisEdu!!!

 

[RetroTechie]

As far as I know, difference between the Viking/Predator and -Pro models of the same, is their electronics. Accepted battery types, programmability, etc. Just select Viking or Predator on the site, then the -Pro model next to it, and compare features.

Difference between the Viking and Predator (and Viking Pro vs. Predator Pro) is in the light source. Cree XM-L2 vs. XP-G2. Both models have a reflector designed to match each LED closely, but the XP-G(2) simply is a smaller LED. Which -all else being equal- results in a tighter beam. And thus, more throw.

So if (above all else) you want maximum throw from a 1x 18650 light, go for the Predator (or -Pro). If you want very good throw, but (above all else) raw lumens output matters most, go for the Viking (or -Pro).

Note I'm ignoring newer models like the ArmyTek Partner here, which I'd expect to be good but outclassed by either Viking or Predator. And different brands? Well I think in the case of ArmyTek Predator Pro, "it's lonely at the top" when talking about 1x 18650 lights. Viking not far behind, and then other manufacturers.

As a practical matter: not all bezels available for Predator (Pro) might be available for Viking (Pro). Or vice versa. Again: compare, and see what suits your needs...

 

[alohasurftoad]

viking and srt7 are same beam profiles. xm-l2 emitters with similarly sized reflectors. srt7 throws more than viking according to the reviews i've seen. predator uses a smaller xp-g2 emitter and is not as bright but can throw farther than the viking or srt7. i have a predator v2.5 and while the matte finish feels really nice, it's beam is quite narrow and less useful practically speaking. the predator and lumintop t5 hunter are the furthest throwing 1x18650 stock lights.

 

[RetroTechie]

Armytek specifies a 10 o​ angle for the Viking Pro's hotspot, vs. 5 o​ for the Predator Pro. So that's a much tighter beam for the Predator. I suspect the amount/angle of spill is similar between these lights.

i have a predator v2.5 and while the matte finish feels really nice, it's beam is quite narrow and less useful practically speaking.

Depends what you use it for, but indeed. For indoor / short-distance it isn't very useful, unless you slap on a diffuser. Have a Predator Pro (+ diffuser) myself, bought it largely for the wow-factor. :cool:

If the spread of the Viking Pro is pretty much the same as the SRT7, then I'm thinking that I would probably be better going for the Predator Pro.

Yes I'd think so too if alohasurftoad is correct about the beam profiles (I couldn't say one way or the other).

Note that the cool white versions come in various bezel colors, whereas the "warm" versions (neutral white) only come with black bezel. You can order extra bezels, but for some reason that option isn't mentioned on Armytek's website. So prepare for a back & forth of e-mails if you want that. Mine is a neutral white which I very much prefer over cool white, but people's taste differs. :)

 

[ChrisEdu]

I'm erring towards the Predator Pro and ordering a diffuser to go with it for when I don't want / need the throw. Now I just need to figure out how to get the discounts to apply on the Armytek website, and see if my order attracts duty when it arrives. :( This would be my first purchase of anything coming from the land of the rising sun.

 

[LessDark]

I don't think you'll be disappointed choosing the predator pro, I got the v1.5 and it throws like a rocket. It's one of my favorite lights, and the build quality is superb. You could probably even use it as a hammer...

 

[ChrisEdu]

Do you know how the discount codes work on the Armytek website? I have the codes, but can't see where to enter them. :(