Size is somewhat of an issue.If I were you I would consider a KT1 turbohead if size is not an issue.
The KL3 is also a very nice addition.
This is the incandescent section so why is everybody suggesting LEDs??
I'm currently running a Surefire 6PD with LF HO4 and a single 17670. Is this the best setup in terms of output and runtime or should I migrate towards the 2 3.6v 123's and a different bulb? Thanks
in all great honesty, in this form factor, LEDs are matching and beating incans in many ways. Within a few years, there won't be any good reason left to run an incan on this size light, with the exception of preference towards color spectrum, which will come at a great cost of efficiency.
I run a pair of AWs RCR123s driving a pathfinder P90 lamp (similar to a WE 9V in power consumption, but maybe more throwy) in a maxfire, and I also run a HO-4 on an 18650 in a bored out maxfire, these get EDCed on a regular basis, but watching the new tech emerge, It won't be long before I retire these in favor of a 1x18650 LED job. Like a lumapower or huntlight or something. As it stand now, I think if you push the limits of li-ion, and go with a lamp like a P90/SR-9/HO-9/WE-9V-D26 etc on some RCR123s, we are still beating most LEDs in this size factor for useful output. But getting 20-30 minutes runtime to do so, as opposed to over an hour on a 18650 powered LED job, so it's a tough call...
With this in mind, when someone asks what upgrade options are available to a 2xCR123 size tactical light, an LED-drop-in should definitely be on the table as an option. Options like the Malkoff that deliver the highest possible LED output available from a single emitter are definitely competing in the ballpark of output with the most potent incan options in the same form.
Options like the Malkoff that deliver the highest possible LED output available from a single emitter are definitely competing in the ballpark of output with the most potent incan options in the same form.
That warning is for the polymer bodied lights (G2, G2Z), and won't be an issue with the 6P.The Malkoff, for instance, will compete with the brightest incan lamp assemblies out there for this type of light, BUT it also comes with a warning that you shouldn't use it for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Where would I find one?You could always get an A19 cell extender and run P90/91 lamps. Essentialy a 9P.
So, twin 17500's should run the HO9 without a hitch? What would the runtime be?might be worth following this thread to see how things pan out:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=173405
wondering about this EO-4, should be darned bright, nearly as bright as a P90, but some folks aren't having that much luck with it.
If you decide to add a A19, run a pair of AWs 17500s, if you can afford it, pick up a leefbody so you can run 18mm cells instead. I recommend the HO-9 if you go that route.
How was the 2x17500's and the HO-9? I'm not quite ready to give up the 6P yet, I just bought it. The old lady couldn't believe I spent $70 on a flashlight. I'm sure I'll end up exactly where you did in the future.10milg29,
Just like you, at some point I also looked for the best rechargeable setup for a 6P. I progressed from 6P+2xRCR123+P90 to 6P+1 extender+2x17500+HO9, to 6P+2 extenders+2x17670+EO9... not to mention leefdapters, turboheads, LED drop-ins, tower modules, etc... Then I sold everything and settled on the following legolight:
Leefbody 2x18500 C-C, Z44 bezel, Z58 tailcap, LF EO-9 bulb. Of course, this is not really a 6P anymore... This is essentially a HA 9P with a clickie that takes 18mm cells. To me, this is the best compromise between power, runtime, convenience, and flexibility.
A pair of AW 18500 cells powers the EO-9 for 35-40 minutes. In a bind, you can always use 3 CR123A cells without the need to change the bulb. According to my estimates, the EO9 puts out ~230 torch lumens on fresh AW cells. On the lightmeter, it also scores over 9000 lux at 1m, this is as good as the M6 with LOLA, and especially impressive considering the fact that it's coming from an easily pocketable 3-cell light without the turbohead!
Trust me. Skip the intermediate steps and go this route. If you'd rather have some extra runtime rather than power, get the HO9 instead of the EO9... You can always use misc. LED drop-ins if you need efficiency... but the 2x18500 Leef body is the way to go!