Help a newbie decide/learn

[hanktreed]

Hello all,

I am brand new to this board and am here mainly to ask some questions and learn a few things in the process. I am in search of a light that performs a ;few tasks and fills a few requirements better than any other. tired of being let down by overpriced, underperforming models, my web searching has landed me here. I thought I had settled on the AE 25W Xenon HID, but after reading some of these posts on my first visit here, I figured I would ask the people who live and breathe these lights....... I need a light that does the following, is there anything that fits the bill and which one does it best?

1)Portable spotlight that is VERY bright, prefer a tight beam, the tighter the better.

2)The longest run-time possible with the most reliable batteries.

3)The best quality construction available.

4)Weight isn't an issue unless the light with one battery or set of batteries to illuminate it would exceed 7lbs. or so.

5)Price isn't a concern for this item, but I want to get what I pay for whether it is 20,200, or 2000 dollars. Like I siad, tired of junk and I have tried some of the upper end surefires, but the heat and burntimes are just a little hot and short respectively. (By the way, I think they are upper end surefires they run from 200-350....) I think I prefer something rechargeable and the lithium-ion batteries haveworked like a champ in some of my cordless tools. Any Drawbacks to those??? I read one article that said the Li-Ion batteries had to warm up a xenon HID and this meant the light did not instantly shine.. is this true, how long does it take to get to full power when you hit the switch?

I am not an expert on this illumination thing and the brands available so any info and help will be looked at and appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Flashanator]

One word..... Megaray!

175watt Xenon light, instant on
100mins run time on high, Li-ion battery.
$6000-7000 price range.


check out the site http://www.megaray.com/

 

[Patriot]

Within those parameters that would be an easy choice for me....either a Polarion PH40 Helios, about $2300, or Polarion X1, about $1800 dollars. These lights are considered by many here to be the ultimate HIDs in every category of performance. The Xe-50 by Xe-vision is another less expensive option and has more output than either Polarion but with less extravagant build features and more "boxy" shape.

If you were just kidding about the price then the Xenide 25W is one of the best lights under $500.

HID lights produce usable light within 2 seconds of turning on but can take 10-20 seconds to produce maximum output. By usable output, I mean a couple of hundred lumens. Each second thereafter it can be hundreds of lumens brighter depending on which light it is.


P.S. The Megaray exceeds the weight parameters that you mentioned.

 

[Flashanator]

Well the megaray light is 8.5lbs while the battery & vest is 8.1lbs. If you dont mind the battery pack, having a handheld gun that shoots 11 Million CP of spotlight is extreme.

If money isn't an option, & you want a serious spotlight. Then this handheld light has no equal.

Other suggestion would be the lighter Maxabeam, (75watt xenon, 6Million CP, 5.2lbs) it does have a tighter beam.

search these forums to see some good pics of it. In terms of a bright spotlight, no HID light will compare to the two lights ive mentioned.

 

[LuxLuthor]

Given your list, my votes would be (in order):

1) Polarion - Various models (more expensive, but best looking, high quality, many features/options)

2) XeVision 50W spotlight (less expensive, quality, a bit brighter, less features/options)

3) Surefire Beast-II (Very Very expensive--don't know if that $2,000 was an actual limit, not as bright, but very rugged and extremely well built).

There are topics on these three lights in the last 1-2 months.

I would not consider the MaxaBeam or MegaRay, as they are VERY narrow, pencil beam spotlights that would likely not be as useful for general purposes, although you did not specify intended uses. They are both excellent, high quality lights however.

 

[65535]

I would say contact XeVision and look for a 75 watt "Barn Burner" setup. THe Megaray if a hell of a light, RA a fellow CPFer also has some experience in super high quality Light sources, you could try contacting him.

 

[Ra]

Ohh,, uh, whatt, did I hear my name ??

If we talk comercially aviable lights, and if you want the tightest beam (reading your first post, you do..): Maxabeam will be the best option !

The reasons:

- Tho Megaray has more lumens-output, Maxabeam has better throw!

Yep you read it right: The internal structure of Megaray (at spot-focus) causes a wider beam than Maxabeam at spot: Here you lose percious candlepowers.
And don't let the 11million cp (Megaray) to 7.5million cp (Maxabeam) confuse you: One of those claims is not honest! (and it shure isn't Maxabeam's..)

No matter what anyone else claims on candlepower: Maxabeam is the best throwing, comercially aviable light!

- Maxabeam is more portable (attached battery-pack), and has a has very reliable electronics, and has an easier (but expensive..) serviceable setup.


Lights like Polarion and XeVision are automotive-HID based lights: High lumens-ouput lights with decent throw, not comparable to the high throw short-arc's like Megaray and Maxabeam. Tho Megaray indeed has both throw and high lumens output with the 175watt short-arc bulb.. With poor portabillity of cource...

So, if you do want a light that makes Maxabeam sneek away with its tail between his legs, if it comes to lumens output, you should consider Polarion or XeVision as well. But as short as the manufacturers claim, these need time to startup, no way they can be as fast as Maxabeam or Megaray: 85% instant on (total lumens)


Hope this helped...


Regards,

Ra.

 

[Border]

Another HID newbie here, looking for a decent portable sun.

I am considering the Microfire K3500R. It seems to be the best bargain when it comes to light output, compact size and prize tag. But then there seems to be issues about build quality and blueish tint.

The Polarion is on the top of my wish list, but then there's the price tag. My wife would kill me if she found out...

And then, there's the XeVision XeRay (50W). This light is relatively new to me, but I'm still searching/reading threads here about it. As far as I can see, it has build quality, plenty of lumens and throw, and a nifty carrying case (kit version):

• HID 50/35 Watts Lighting System with Smart Charger, and Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
• A.C. Power Charger, 50 / 60 Hz, 100 - 240 VAC
• 12 VDC Cigarette lighter adapter/charger
• 12 VDC cigarette lighter power supply
• White diffuser lens
• Metal clad locking carry case
• Searchlight shoulder strap

Seems like an excellent HID torch kit for a rookie like myself.

 

[LuxLuthor]

Border, welcome to CPF! There have been a few threads about the XeRay which I collected here.

Another HID newbie here, looking for a decent portable sun.

I am considering the Microfire K3500R. It seems to be the best bargain when it comes to light output, compact size and prize tag. But then there seems to be issues about build quality and blueish tint.

The Polarion is on the top of my wish list, but then there's the price tag. My wife would kill me if she found out...

And then, there's the XeVision XeRay (50W). This light is relatively new to me, but I'm still searching/reading threads here about it. As far as I can see, it has build quality, plenty of lumens and throw, and a nifty carrying case (kit version):

• HID 50/35 Watts Lighting System with Smart Charger, and Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
• A.C. Power Charger, 50 / 60 Hz, 100 - 240 VAC
• 12 VDC Cigarette lighter adapter/charger
• 12 VDC cigarette lighter power supply
• White diffuser lens
• Metal clad locking carry case
• Searchlight shoulder strap

Seems like an excellent HID torch kit for a rookie like myself.

 

[BVH]

Up until a month ago, I had both the Helios and the Xeray. Both are excellent, excellent lights. I wanted to sell one and chose the Helios due to shear Lumens output. I like the looks of the Helios better but opted for Lumens of the Xeray. Granted, my Xeray is a Barn Burner but I had it for a few months @ 50 Watts before I converted it and it was extremely bright at that level.

 

[Border]

LuxLuthor,

Thanks - Nice thread collection!