VanIsleDSM
Enlightened
Well.. there aren't very many reflectors under $2.50, so this review isn't too extensive. First up is the $1.11 plastic Fraen faceted reflector boasting a minimum of 88% efficiency with a 7 degree beam from cutter seen here:
http://www.cutter.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=cut738
Beamshot:
This reflector has decent spill and a nice hotspot. My gripe about the beam is the fact that there's a ring of very little light surrounding the hotspot before the spill begins. I tried adjusting the reflector slightly but it was no use. I do like the way this reflector attaches to the LED. There are crush tabs that lock onto the metal ring of the CREE very securely.
Next up an aluminum textured reflector from DX for $2.33 with unknown stats. Link:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5951
Beamshot:
This reflector has very nice spill.. and a really nice transition from the hotspot into the spill. The Hotspot itself is definitely larger with less intensity, but overall I really prefer the beam of this reflector. It's also available with a completely smooth non-textured finish.. which I'll be ordering to try as well. Now for my gripe about this one.. the mounting. There is no relief on the back for mounting of wires, and if the LEDs are SMT mounted you still need to isolate the pads on top of the LED from the bottom of the reflector. There's also nothing to secure it, you would need to devise your own method.
For my 9xCREE R2 flashlight I'm building, I think I'm going to split the jury. 4 of the Fraen reflectors in the middle for more throw, and 5 of the aluminum reflectors to smooth the Fraens out and add some more flood.
Pics were taken on manual with a CREE Q2 @ 700mA.
http://www.cutter.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=cut738
Beamshot:
This reflector has decent spill and a nice hotspot. My gripe about the beam is the fact that there's a ring of very little light surrounding the hotspot before the spill begins. I tried adjusting the reflector slightly but it was no use. I do like the way this reflector attaches to the LED. There are crush tabs that lock onto the metal ring of the CREE very securely.
Next up an aluminum textured reflector from DX for $2.33 with unknown stats. Link:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5951
Beamshot:
This reflector has very nice spill.. and a really nice transition from the hotspot into the spill. The Hotspot itself is definitely larger with less intensity, but overall I really prefer the beam of this reflector. It's also available with a completely smooth non-textured finish.. which I'll be ordering to try as well. Now for my gripe about this one.. the mounting. There is no relief on the back for mounting of wires, and if the LEDs are SMT mounted you still need to isolate the pads on top of the LED from the bottom of the reflector. There's also nothing to secure it, you would need to devise your own method.
For my 9xCREE R2 flashlight I'm building, I think I'm going to split the jury. 4 of the Fraen reflectors in the middle for more throw, and 5 of the aluminum reflectors to smooth the Fraens out and add some more flood.
Pics were taken on manual with a CREE Q2 @ 700mA.
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