I need a small HID, which one?

[HKJ]

I just did a review of a 26W HID, the reason I bought that light was because I wanted a small HID (And I did not read the specifications). That HID is a big light.

I want something that is smaller than the MicroFire Warrior III, but I would still like a runtime of 50+ minutes. I have lots of big led lights and do not want a HID light that only match them, I want a the HID to get good throw with lots of lumen behind it. It will probably be a 24W HID, but which one? What are the possibilities?

PS.: I am offline for the next few days (That is going to be hard, only a few lights and no computer).

 

[BVH]

Unfortunately, there is nothing available in a smaller HID that meets your requirements. Actually, there's nothing smaller than the MF Warrior size HID available at all except for the Jilite and a few custom HID's.

 

[Patriot]

I just did a review of a 26W HID, the reason I bought that light was because I wanted a small HID (And I did not read the specifications). That HID is a big light.

I want something that is smaller than the MicroFire Warrior III, but I would still like a runtime of 50+ minutes. I have lots of big led lights and do not want a HID light that only match them, I want a the HID to get good throw with lots of lumen behind it. It will probably be a 24W HID, but which one? What are the possibilities?

PS.: I am offline for the next few days (That is going to be hard, only a few lights and no computer).

HKJ, I read and enjoyed your excellent review several times, thanks for posting it. I see that you have L35 experience but I'm guessing that you also consider it to be too large since you're still on a quest.

Keep in mind that as HID wattage increases, so does efficiency or lumens per watt. With most 35W HID's are going to yield 3000-3200 bulb lumens. Most 24/25W are going to yield 1500-1800 lumens. Since HID will out throw any reflectored LED, "throw" is going to be a given improvement. What you have to decide is whether or not 1500-1800 lumens is going to provide enough difference between your other multi-LED lights to make it worth your while. Obviously, triple P7's sinked and driven properly can produce the same lumen output but with less throw.

As for your options, you have quite a few. If money is of no concern the 40W Polarion X1 probably has the highest performance to displacement ratio of any HID in existence. It's smaller than the L35 and carries lighter than a lot of fat tubed lights.

Back to 35W lights, you're limited to the Microfire or larger Oracle/Tactical HID. All the other 35W HID's are larger. You know from your testing though that 35W lights outperform 24W lights by a good margin and LED lights really aren't in the same league. If you can put up with the smallest versions of 35W HIDs, they offer some big performance advantages.

Stepping down to the 24/25W class, the smallest is the Wolf-eyes Boxer. The only downside to this light is the color temperature at 6500K. The next smallest are the 24W Tactical and Oracle HID's. These are a little larger than the Boxer but use much improved 4300K bulbs. While larger, they're both still much smaller than the 26W Tactical Convertible that you tested. The AE Light Xenide 25W uses a smooth reflector and is probably the best thrower in the 25W class of lights. This comes at the expense of longer length but with the advantage of terrific run-time. With the Xenide series you also have the option to purchase additional shorter battery packs for reduced length but reduced run-time as well. Since you're looking for something in the 50-60 minute range, as 25W model with 20W battery might be the perfect formula.

 

[HKJ]

Most 24/25W are going to yield 1500-1800 lumens. Since HID will out throw any reflectored LED, "throw" is going to be a given improvement.

I expected the output in the 1500-1800 range and with good throw. Compared to single MC-E/P7 it is much better and if the light is considerable smaller than the MicroFire it is a winner for me (The Polarion is probably to expensive). The only triple MC-E/P7 I have is the Howitzer and it is way to big for easy carriage.

I will check you list when when I am back from my trip.

 

[Patriot]

The Surefire M6 sized Boxer.

Tactical 24W (larger but 4200K)

The Oracle 24W is the same light but I stopped linking them due to faulty battery problems experienced by members. I specifically told one new buyer to request that AAC test the battery before shipping to them which the CPF member did do. ACC mailed the light and the battery was DOA. This was the final straw for me and I point people to the Tactical brand now.

The AE Light Xenide 25W with 2600mah battery measures 11.5" (28cm) but is much more narrow than the Tactical 26W.