Paul_in_Maryland
Flashlight Enthusiast
Which D36 lamp delivers the most throw? That's easy: the Lumens Factory EO-13. But with a current draw of 2.2 amps, it's best paired with the longest cells, cells that can deliver 2000 to 2400 mAh: 168A, 600P, 18650.
But what if you want throw in a shorter body? Which 3-cell D36 throws the farthest on 150A, 300P, or 18500 cells without sucking the life out of these cells in less than 30 minutes?
Until recently, the answer was simple: the Wolf Eyes D36-12V. It has a distinct two-stage beam: a punchy core surrounded by a broad (if artifacty) corona.
But this week, Lumens Factory began delivering samples of the EO-13's kid brother, the HO-13. Rated 400 lumens at 1.4 amps, it's closely matched to the Wolf-Eyes 12V. Wolf Eyes doesn't actually state the 12V's output on rechargeables, but it's somewhat higher than the 300 lumens for which it's rated on primary cells.
In keeping with the Lumens Factory design philosophy, the HO-13 has a throwy beam that no one would confuse for a flood. So how well does it throw on 150A cells for which it was designed? Let's see.
These beam shots were taken from 3 meters (10 feet).
Wolf-Eyes D36-13V (1.7A):
The Wolf Eyes 13V lamp delivers a smooth, even flood. It doesn't directly compete with the other three contenders, but I'm including it here as a point of reference. Some people (including me) would gladly sacrifice throw for a broad, even beam that's useful at short distances.
Wolf-Eyes D36-12V (1.5A):
The 12V Wolf Eyes retains much of the width of its 13V stablemate while funneling a bright (if irregular) cylinder of lumens down the middle. The beam is almost too throwy for short distances. It's also the ugliest beam of the lot, full of rings and irregularities.
Lumens Factory HO-13 (1.4A): WITH CORRECTED CAPTION
Hmmm. The HO-13 has a more even beam than the Wolf Eyes 12V. To my eyes, this makes it better suited for close-up work. But I don't think it throws quite as far.
Lumens Factory EO-13 (2.2A): WITH CORRECTED CAPTION
No contest. The EO-13 is in a class all its own for throw and overall output. And that's with midsize cells. (Not that I recommend this.)
Conclusion: At 300 to 400 lumens and 1.4 to 1.7 amps, the two Wolf Eyes lamps and the Lumens Factory HO-13 run as a close pack. The Wolf Eyes 12V wins for throw; the Wolf Eye 13V wins for brightness; the HO-13 wins (by a hair) for low current draw. Though anticipated as a derated EO-13, I think it's better thought of as a cross between the two Wolf Eyes.
But what if you want throw in a shorter body? Which 3-cell D36 throws the farthest on 150A, 300P, or 18500 cells without sucking the life out of these cells in less than 30 minutes?
Until recently, the answer was simple: the Wolf Eyes D36-12V. It has a distinct two-stage beam: a punchy core surrounded by a broad (if artifacty) corona.
But this week, Lumens Factory began delivering samples of the EO-13's kid brother, the HO-13. Rated 400 lumens at 1.4 amps, it's closely matched to the Wolf-Eyes 12V. Wolf Eyes doesn't actually state the 12V's output on rechargeables, but it's somewhat higher than the 300 lumens for which it's rated on primary cells.
In keeping with the Lumens Factory design philosophy, the HO-13 has a throwy beam that no one would confuse for a flood. So how well does it throw on 150A cells for which it was designed? Let's see.
These beam shots were taken from 3 meters (10 feet).
Wolf-Eyes D36-13V (1.7A):
The Wolf Eyes 13V lamp delivers a smooth, even flood. It doesn't directly compete with the other three contenders, but I'm including it here as a point of reference. Some people (including me) would gladly sacrifice throw for a broad, even beam that's useful at short distances.
Wolf-Eyes D36-12V (1.5A):
The 12V Wolf Eyes retains much of the width of its 13V stablemate while funneling a bright (if irregular) cylinder of lumens down the middle. The beam is almost too throwy for short distances. It's also the ugliest beam of the lot, full of rings and irregularities.
Lumens Factory HO-13 (1.4A): WITH CORRECTED CAPTION
Hmmm. The HO-13 has a more even beam than the Wolf Eyes 12V. To my eyes, this makes it better suited for close-up work. But I don't think it throws quite as far.
Lumens Factory EO-13 (2.2A): WITH CORRECTED CAPTION
No contest. The EO-13 is in a class all its own for throw and overall output. And that's with midsize cells. (Not that I recommend this.)
Conclusion: At 300 to 400 lumens and 1.4 to 1.7 amps, the two Wolf Eyes lamps and the Lumens Factory HO-13 run as a close pack. The Wolf Eyes 12V wins for throw; the Wolf Eye 13V wins for brightness; the HO-13 wins (by a hair) for low current draw. Though anticipated as a derated EO-13, I think it's better thought of as a cross between the two Wolf Eyes.
Last edited:
...but the M-300 is a neat, straightforward package. The Storm, yes, I'd love to see a comparison of beamshots of the Storm/Thunder LED lights and the M-300. I've just been reading through one of the Thunder/Storm threads again, but the basis is like a commitment to LED lights, the comparisons are only vs other LEDs.
