Help me justify this...

[Stream]

So I already have an Olight M30, it's a good light with lots of flexibility (useful levels, extender tube and lots of extra accessories). However, the PWM is slightly noticeable on the lower levels and it is not the best thrower (but still decent). I originally intended to buy a Solarforce Masterpiece, but opted for the M30 because of form factor and switching mechanism. But now I find myself in a position where I am thinking about buying the Masterpiece. I can only justify this extra purchase if the Masterpiece is much brighter than the Olight M30.

I've looked at all sorts of reviews here on CPF, but can't find anything that directly compares the two. The M30 has a stated output of 700lm, and the Masterpiece 950lm - I know manufacturers inflate these numbers so it doesn't help. I'm hoping anyone who owns (or has owned) both can tell me if there is a big difference between the two.

Thanks for any input

 

[blub]

Go here,, it had a couple different Solarforce and Olight shots: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp2KU7tdd2U

 

[Stream]

Thanks, seems like the M30 is brighter than the Masterpiece judging by those pics (though the Masterpiece seems to have more throw).

 

[blub]

Yep, it looks to throw a little more. The Thrunite Catapult looks crazy bright! I just got a TK30 but it's not dark yet. It was between the M1X, TK30 and the Catapult, I'll probably end up with all three and keep the best one.

 

[recDNA]

Go here,, it had a couple different Solarforce and Olight shots: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp2KU7tdd2U

I think one of the lights in that video is listed as an Eagletac M2SC5. What's that? Never heard of it.

The Jetbeam M1X and the Catapult look the brightest to me.

 

[Databyter]

So I already have an Olight M30, it's a good light with lots of flexibility (useful levels, extender tube and lots of extra accessories). However, the PWM is slightly noticeable on the lower levels and it is not the best thrower (but still decent). I originally intended to buy a Solarforce Masterpiece, but opted for the M30 because of form factor and switching mechanism. But now I find myself in a position where I am thinking about buying the Masterpiece. I can only justify this extra purchase if the Masterpiece is much brighter than the Olight M30.

I've looked at all sorts of reviews here on CPF, but can't find anything that directly compares the two. The M30 has a stated output of 700lm, and the Masterpiece 950lm - I know manufacturers inflate these numbers so it doesn't help. I'm hoping anyone who owns (or has owned) both can tell me if there is a big difference between the two.

Thanks for any input

You made a good choice, and any difference will not be worth purchasing another light to do just about the same thing, at least this year.

We can all collect toys, just as long as we pace ourselves a bit (unless wealthy, then go for it!).

There are a lot of lights I want to buy, but I'd rather not have any waste in my budget. It really has to meet a purpose that I haven't already filled.

I am allowing myself a little latitude along those lines for hobby/entertainment purposes, but not much.

For instance I really want to make a few LED lights, but I cannot justify the expense of doing so right now (unless for a friend who pays expenses), because I just bought a TK-40.

So I have a bright, flexible, efficient, LED light, much like your Olight (my friend at work has one like yours and he loves it, wish the TK40 came with the diffuser head).

If we already have such fine LED lights in a certain form factor, i,e, not a keyring light or a light you need a truck to haul, then why buy another that is SO similar.

I realize this is sacrilege here, and it is true that I have a lot of lights, but then again I work nights and use them all, and the ones at home have purposes as well.

If your a novice collector on a budget, collect stuff you need.

If your a hobby collector with a bigger budget, do whatever floats your boat and post pic's .

 

[Stream]

blub, judging by those pics the Catapult beats the TK30 in both throw and overall output. The Catapult and the JetBeam M1X are both very bright, but the Catapult seems to be the brightest of the two (the M1X looks to have a little more through, though).

There is one light in there that beats every other light by a long shot and that is the HID 3500. It's insanely bright, it uses a 35W HID bulb. But I've read about some reliablity issues here on CPF so I'm a bit hesitant forking out for it.

 

[Stream]

You made a good choice, and any difference will not be worth purchasing another light to do just about the same thing, at least this year.

We can all collect toys, just as long as we pace ourselves a bit (unless wealthy, then go for it!).

There are a lot of lights I want to buy, but I'd rather not have any waste in my budget. It really has to meet a purpose that I haven't already filled.

I am allowing myself a little latitude along those lines for hobby/entertainment purposes, but not much.

For instance I really want to make a few LED lights, but I cannot justify the expense of doing so right now (unless for a friend who pays expenses), because I just bought a TK-40.

So I have a bright, flexible, efficient, LED light, much like your Olight (my friend at work has one like yours and he loves it, wish the TK40 came with the diffuser head).

If we already have such fine LED lights in a certain form factor, i,e, not a keyring light or a light you need a truck to haul, then why buy another that is SO similar.

I realize this is sacrilege here, and it is true that I have a lot of lights, but then again I work nights and use them all, and the ones at home have purposes as well.

If your a novice collector on a budget, collect stuff you need.

If your a hobby collector with a bigger budget, do whatever floats your boat and post pic's .

You're right, and I think you hit the nail on the head. While the video Blub posted now has me thinking about the TK30/40, Catapult or the JetBeam M1X, the fact is I already have a similar light. Though it has less throw than some of the above, it still has more throw than I'm likely to need anytime soon - and the diffuser comes in very handy for flood light or even taking pictures in low light situations if you don't want to use the flash on the camera. So this niche is filled for now, I have other niches that haven't been filled properly yet - i.e. need a good headlight, anglehead flashlight and a good single AA light. I also need to upgrade a bunch of incan Mags to LED for general purpose lights around the house and work. In other words, there are places where the money could be better spent. But then there is that lumen itch, and I need something extremely bright lol. What to do, what to do

 

[Databyter]

You're right, and I think you hit the nail on the head. While the video Blub posted now has me thinking about the TK30/40, Catapult or the JetBeam M1X, the fact is I already have a similar light. Though it has less throw than some of the above, it still has more throw than I'm likely to need anytime soon - and the diffuser comes in very handy for flood light or even taking pictures in low light situations if you don't want to use the flash on the camera. So this niche is filled for now, I have other niches that haven't been filled properly yet - i.e. need a good headlight, anglehead flashlight and a good single AA light. I also need to upgrade a bunch of incan Mags to LED for general purpose lights around the house and work. In other words, there are places where the money could be better spent. But then there is that lumen itch, and I need something extremely bright lol. What to do, what to do

Well, I don't know if your interested in incandescents at all, but if you already have the Mags and you have a lumen itch, there are some possibilies.
I have made a Mag 85 with a soft start switch, FM deep 2 " reflector, and a 9aa to 3D battery holder (no boring required).

I recently aquired a FM 1909 bulb in place of the 1185 bulb and I am quite happy with my lumen itch for now. The 1909 adds alot more flood light while retaining the throw of the 1185. It rocks!

This Mod is much brighter than a new vehicle headlamp on high.
I'm busting out close to 2K lumens on this Mod.

 

[Stream]

Well, I don't know if your interested in incandescents at all, but if you already have the Mags and you have a lumen itch, there are some possibilies.
I have made a Mag 85 with a soft start switch, FM deep 2 " reflector, and a 9aa to 3D battery holder (no boring required).

I recently aquired a FM 1909 bulb in place of the 1185 bulb and I am quite happy with my lumen itch for now. The 1909 adds alot more flood light while retaining the throw of the 1185. It rocks!

This Mod is much brighter than a new vehicle headlamp on high.
I'm busting out close to 2K lumens on this Mod.

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. That definitely sounds interesting. I have an old 3D Mag lying around, but I may just spring for a new one that is not as beat up if I were to build a Mag 85. How much was the total for all the parts you mentioned?

 

[csa]

The originally posted lights have a small enough difference that the outputs aren't going to be substantially different. Remember, lumens are logarithmic!

 

[Databyter]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. That definitely sounds interesting. I have an old 3D Mag lying around, but I may just spring for a new one that is not as beat up if I were to build a Mag 85. How much was the total for all the parts you mentioned?

Just guessing/remembering without looking so it's aproximate.

Bat holder $40
borofloat lense $6.50
bulb $6.50-$16 (depending on CL1185 or FM1909 ..get the 1909!)
These three items can be purchased from FiveMega to save shipping. Add $6 for shipping above three.

Batt's about $3 ea x 9 = about 34 bucks with shipping (unless it's free with this purchase)

Charger for pack, about 40 bucks with shipping if you get a smart charger to charge the batts in the holder (recommend). http://www.batteryspace.com/multi-c...6v-18vnimhbatterypackstamiyaplugullisted.aspx

Reflector can be purchased for about 15 bucks + shipping from Kaidomain (takes them a while to get it to you expect 4 week wait) unless you get a "Deep" or 2.5 or 3 inch power head by FiveMega or some other.

If I forgot something I'll edit it in.

Ballpark about $165 for the build using the better brighter FM1909 version. You can get some cheaper bulbs that do ok as well, but the FM1909 rocks at 5.5 amps it's a 60 Watt hotwire.

 

[Stream]

Just guessing/remembering without looking so it's aproximate.

Bat holder $40
borofloat lense $6.50
bulb $6.50-$16 (depending on CL1185 or FM1909 ..get the 1909!)
These three items can be purchased from FiveMega to save shipping. Add $6 for shipping above three.

Batt's about $3 ea x 9 = about 34 bucks with shipping (unless it's free with this purchase)

Charger for pack, about 40 bucks with shipping if you get a smart charger to charge the batts in the holder (recommend). http://www.batteryspace.com/multi-c...6v-18vnimhbatterypackstamiyaplugullisted.aspx

Reflector can be purchased for about 15 bucks + shipping from Kaidomain (takes them a while to get it to you expect 4 week wait) unless you get a "Deep" or 2.5 or 3 inch power head by FiveMega or some other.

If I forgot something I'll edit it in.

Ballpark about $165 for the build using the better brighter FM1909 version. You can get some cheaper bulbs that do ok as well, but the FM1909 rocks at 5.5 amps it's a 60 Watt hotwire.

I appreciate the thorough list. $165 is not so bad, it's just about $30 or so more than I payed for my Olight M30. Plus I can space it out, I don't need to buy everything at once.

One question that I have about these ultra high intensity incans, how often do the bulbs blow out? And are they vary fragile in regards to bumps etc.? I have read some topics about other HID lights having very frequent blowouts, so I'm wondering how much of an issue that is with the CL1185 or FM1909.

Thanks again for your input

 

[Stream]

The originally posted lights have a small enough difference that the outputs aren't going to be substantially different. Remember, lumens are logarithmic!

You're right, which is why I couldn't justify purchasing yet another LED light similar to the one I already have. At least for now. I probably will end up adding some of the mentioned lights to my collection somewhere down the line, though. And believe me, I am mindful of the logarithms of lumens lol. I just want one dedicated thrower, which is why I was thinking maybe JetBeam M1X or TK30/40