Going to pull the trigger on a Skyray, questions

[sol-leks]

After seeing the thread on it and all the good reviews I have been strongly considering getting my first p60 host, a skyray SR-5. I have a few questions though.

How does this compare to the uniquefire that looks exactly the same, I was interested because it comes with an OP reflector and I believe this one does not. Is there a compatible reflector I could buy separately? Is it worth replacing the reflector?

What other parts/drop-ins should I consider getting? I was looking at SKU 21037 as an MC-E drop-in would that work with this light? Might it be a good idea to get a second XP-G drop-in, could it be better quality?

I know the solarforce L2's are very popular, but they seem much more expensive. Are they worth it?

Thanks for the help, I am a bit of a noob in the P60 world, any other info would be great appreciated.

 

[^Gurthang]

Re: Going to pull the trigger on a Skray, questions

Sol,

I ordered the UniqueFire version of the SkyRay, only because the Sky was out-of-stock. The only real difference I see is the reflectors. The Sky uses a SMO [smooth] reflector and the Unique uses a OP reflector. I ordered a SMO pill so I could try both. I prefer a "thrower" over "flood".

Since this is a P60 compat light you could choose any number of drop-ins.

I'm considering a Lumen's Factory R2 or SolarForce XPG drop-in because of their output and quality.

Only concern using a MC-E or P7 [or the Liminus SST50 / 90] is heat management, as those emitters draw a LOT of current.

SolarForce is a really good quality light. Jake25 is a CPF supporter and sells SolarForce lights. I plan on getting an L2 or L2p in the future.

 

[sol-leks]

Re: Going to pull the trigger on a Skray, questions

Thanks alot!

I think I will kind of do the opposite of you and get the skyray and then a pill with a smooth reflector so I can have both would you mind supplying some links for an xp-g drop-in with an op reflector that you recommend?

The DX page for the uniquefire says 4.2v max, how does it take cr123's and rcr123's then?

Thanks!

 

[sol-leks]

I've decided to go with the skyray not the unique fire because the multimode uniquefire doesn't support cr123's or rcr's.

I really like having a forum solely dedicated to budget lights, but I wish I got responses here as fast as I normally do in the main forum.....:candle:

Heh, I guess I just get really impatient though when I've decided to buy a new light.

 

[^Gurthang]

Sol,

The SkyRay come with a SMO reflector unless DX has made a change.

Here's the DX Cree R2 drop-in w/ OP reflector :
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13658


This is the SMO reflector/pill assembly I ordered w/ my UF XPG
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5937

Here's a SolarForce 3 mode R2 drop-in from Jake's site
http://www.sbflashlights.com/Solarforce-Dropins/Solarforce-LC-1-Cree-R2-3-Mode-8-4-2V-p22.html

And the Lumens Factory R2 3 mode drop-in:
http://www.lumensfactory.com/cart.php?cat_id=2&sub_cat_id=7

The first drop-in is the one I'm referring to, note the 3 - 3.7 volt input range.

The #1 reason for the higher price is select grade emitters, better drivers and overall higher quality work.

That said, I may find the pills don't interchange exactly.... then its time for some creative work, but that a subject for the Modified Light forum

 

[sol-leks]

Thank you very much, I appreciate the links. I guess I will wait and see how I feel about the smo reflector, the reviews on DX all seemed pretty positive. I decided against the uniquefire because a review on jayki.com said that it didn't actually support cr123's or rcr's and I want to have that option.

That R2 one looks pretty nice though for 10 bucks maybe I'll get that one too.

It seems like legoing can get pretty addictive though. Buying a new light is one thing but when there is always just another part you can buy.....

 

[^Gurthang]

Sol,

Yep on the "lego drop-ins". You could have:

XPG R4 or R5
XRE R2
XPE Q5
XPE Q3 I think I have the XPE - XRE thing correct
MC-E *
Luxeon Rebel
SSC P4
SSC p7 *
SST50 *
SST90 *

* current draw limited

 

[sol-leks]

I am going to end up

are there any neutral drop-ins out there? Not too pricy?

 

[^Gurthang]

Sol,

The UniqueFire R5 arrived yesterday, almost record time from HK...

A good solid light, pretty good machine tolerances just needed lubing. The drop-in is the UF "superbright" version, pretty fair machine work, I added a bit of ceramique to the pill threading to aid heat transfer to the reflector.

The stock OP reflector is good w/ a nice even hotspot, and the emitter tint is quite neutral... My R2 M@G is much cooler and my Q3 M@G 2C is much warmer.

I tried the SMO reflector but its quite "ringy" as delivered. However, I'm going to machine down the back edge so the emitter is even w/ the reflector bell, that may reduce the rings...

Next is to assemble a Q3 or Q5 drop-in and give it a try.

Guess I'll have to get some beamshots once the rain stops.....

 

[sol-leks]

sounds good, yeah thats why i wanted an OP refelctor oh well. Thanks for the update.