Looking for a Multi-Mode, High Range Nichia 219 P60

[radiopej]

Hi guys,

I managed to snag a Surefire 6P on eBay for $35 Australian, brand new. It arrived and I can see what the fuss was about in comparison to other lights when it was released, but the battery life is a major let down. So temporarily I've ordered a cheap XP-G multi-mode dropin to get better battery life. However, I've been wanting to see what Nichia 219 High CRI emitters are like for a while now.

What I'm looking for in one is:

-High CRI Nichia 219 4500K (the famous one you guys all go nuts for)
-Ideally triple emitters, but not absolutely necessary.
-Voltage range of ~2.8-9V. I haven't bored out the body and don't want to. I know I can use a 17670 and then look for a 4.2V dropin, but I also want to be able to quickly add 2 brand new CR123s in if I have to. By having this range, I plan on using 2x protected CR123s for rechargeable batteries, while still having the option of a 17670 or normal CR123s.
-Multi-mode - here is what seems to kill me. The Sportac triple emitter only gives around an hour of use, which I think is far too low. I get that it's putting out a tonne of light, but I'd like it to be user-selectable. At the very least, L-H, though ideally L-M-H with a possible moonlight mode somewhere. Ideally again, I'd prefer current control, but if all else fails I guess really high PWM would be ok. I don't really care if it has memory or not.
-Not too expensive - my scholarship ends in August and my girlfriend will kill me if I order anything else. So ideally I'm going to add this to my birthday presents list About $40 maximum would be okay.
- Reflector - orange peel or some kind of texture. I'd like a nice clean beam from the 219.
- Aesthetic - while I'm okay with what gets the job done, I REALLY like how the Sportac and Malkoff dropins look. If it can look like that, awesome.

Essentially, if Nailbender's 219 dropin on CustomLites had a higher voltage range or the Sportac one had multi-mode, I'd be set (especially the Sportac). I've emailed Sportac asking if they are planning on multimode, but I thought I'd ask around too. Each one I've found has either a lack of voltage range or lack of multimode. I'm starting to think these are related.

I doubt this exists at the moment, but here's hoping. Thanks guys

 

[radiopej]

Okay, so it seems after a fair bit of forum-searching I managed to miss a bit of Vinh's. If anybody knows of anything with these requirements it's still awesome, but aside from aesthetic and price I think Vinh's options will work.

 

[wertzius]

Triple Multimode Nichia for 40 bucks? No way...

 

[radiopej]

I'm fine with it being single led, the triple was just if one turns up.

 

[justanotherguy]

there is a triple nichia in the marketplace......

 

[F89]

I have 2 of the Nichia 219 drop ins with OP reflector and 3 modes from Customlites.
They have a variety of modes and smooth or orange peel reflectors available, the Nichia units were USD30 when I bought mine.
I use them in Solarforce L2P hosts and while they aren't the brightest, they are well bright enough with good mode spacings and have an excellent beam profile and tint.
They are driven at about 1.4amps I think and are high quality with good runtimes.
I really like mine so I can highly recommend them.

 

[F89]

Just checked the voltage on the Customlites drop ins, only up to 6v as you already noted.
I usually use an 18650 which doesn't help you much but occasionally use 2xCR123 which they also run well on so is probably still worth a look considering your $40 budget.

 

[radiopej]

Yeah, I'm thinking of just using a 17670 instead of 2 RCR123s now. From what I've been reading they may have a better functional capacity. So that'll just need 6V (so I can still use primaries). That's got me looking back at the Customlites and Vinhnguyen54. Vinh can also arrange for a 9V one, but I've been reading that this makes it much less efficient.

I think you're right. Now to convince my girlfriend to let me spend more money. Thanks

 

[aau007]

I am looking for similar.

3x or 4x Nichia 219(B) at 4500k or 5000k, multimode with moonlight, no memory, up to 8.4V (for 2x 18650). Max at 600lms to 1000lms OTF.

 

[supra1988t]

Anyone know how hard the Customlites 219 modules are driven or OTF lumen rating?

 

[F89]

Anyone know how hard the Customlites 219 modules are driven or OTF lumen rating?

About 1.4 amps I believe.
Not sure about lumens but they provide quite a reasonable amount of light. Perhaps 300-ish lumens?
I have two both with OP reflector, very good general use type lights with a great quality of light which makes them useful as a work light or for enjoying natural environments if you get what I'm on about.
I find when I'm working on things that the colour rendition and depth are very helpful compared with a flat blue-ish cool white and they really shine on walks in natural environments, suburban and camping.
Decent balance of flood to throw and can actually cover some decent distances in pitch black conditions.