McGizmo LS20 DaFABRICATA/FYRSTORMER MOD

[run4jc]

I haven't had the time to do any reviews in the past couple of months – just too busy with my work and school – too old for this, but working full time and taking a full time executive MBA program, too. BUT, this weekend I finally have a break and it's time to pay homage to a light, and two outstanding CPF members who just happen to do some awesome mod work – the LS20, DaFABRICATA and Fyrstormer.

I give you the McGizmo LS20 / DaFABRICATA XPG R4 Mod / Fyrstormer Centauri GDuP 750mA 3 speed driver mod. Whew! That's a long name!

So let's just call it the LS20DF (DaFABRICATA Fyrstormer)

Also, I have (for comparison) an LS20 that DaFAB modded with an XPG R5. I wish I had a stock LS20 to compare, but alas, no such luck.

These gentlemen have the skilled hands of surgeons. If you own, owned, or have seen an LS20 you know that the stock light is a masterpiece – beautiful lines, great PD interface, but most of all the fantastic emitter array – 3 3mm LEDs provide flood, then on the stock version, a Golden Dragon main emitter provides approximately 80 lumen of cool white light. But it is certainly jam packed with wiring and such 'inside.'

As much as I love the stock light, it just needs a bit more 'pop' to really become my main EDC. DaFABRICATA's emitter swap increases the output to about 120 lumen due to the more efficient XPG emitter, but the combination of the new emitter and the bumped up 3 speed driver takes it to the point where it has displaced all my other lights as my main EDC. I measure 220 lumen with my home made IS!

Here's a close up shot of the main emitter

And a larger shot showing the main emitter and the flood emitters.

Here's the R5 and the R4 side by side – can you guess which is which?

Here's a photo showing the brains of both lights – the only difference you can really see is the "LSC" label on the Centauri version.

Side by side, in this photo the LS20DF is sporting a C Pak.

But what you really want to see are beam shots, right?


I have a small patio - about 30 feet from corner to corner, and this shot is taken in the corner with my Canon 40D, 10-22 wide angle lens, set at 15 mm. Oh, that's Heidi, a 6 year old Sheltie taking it all in...the plants in the corner are the targets...

Control shot after dark

The rest of the photos are labeled...
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 40D
ISO: 800
Exposure: 2.5 sec
Aperture: 6.3
Focal Length: 15mm

Now, here's my other LS20 with the XPG R5 upgrade by DaFAB along with the stock driver:

An old favorite for comparison

A newer favorite...

Wow......

And for fun, a wowsa - the Oveready triple

My thoughts? No, the LS20DF isn't the brightest - the lightest - the smallest. There are brighter lights - there are lights with more cool features. But for a truly useful EDC - with a flood that is perfect for close up work or night time gentle flood, then a low/med/high center emitter with a nice warm tint that is perfect for my tastes, the LS20DF has become my main EDC. It is just awesome.

Yes, sometimes I use a McClicky C Pak, but 95% of the time the original PD Pak is my chosen interface. So simple - twist or press. Light press - flood, press further, center emitter low, then medium, then high.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that this light is now my absolute favorite - McGizmo made the original goodness, and DaFABRICATA and Fyrstormer made it great.

There are many great modders here on the forum, so this isn't to take anything away from any of them, but you can definitely trust your valuable custom lights to these guys with absolutely no worries. They'll take great care of your lights and return them to you better than ever.

Here's a link to some info from DaFABRICATA

And a link to info from Fyrstormer

What's next? The LS20DF is going back to DaFAB for some warmer flood emitters....:devil:

Thanks, Guys!! :thumbsup:

 

[coloradogps]

Great review!

I really look forward to these.

Thanks!

:thumbsup:

 

[SFfanman]

Behold, :kewlpics:The Pinnacle of all Flashlight Envy! Thanks for a sweet little review of a very interesting collaboration. I think a change of name is in order - Lucky Man Dan.

 

[scout24]

Beautiful, Dan... Can't wait to hear about the warm Nichia's...

 

[jag-engr]

What's next? The LS20DF is going back to DaFAB for some warmer flood emitters....:devil:

Is the main XPG emitter cool, neutral, or warm?

An XPG LunaSol20 is my dream light. However, I think I would want warm 3mm LEDs and a neutral XPG. The idea of multiple levels on the power LED appeals to me, as well.

Is the low power LED setting brighter than the 3mm flood? You indicate that you have a homemade IS - any idea of the lumen output for each level?

Thanks for sharing with us!

I

 

[run4jc]

Is the main XPG emitter cool, neutral, or warm?

XPG R4 is considered "neutral"

An XPG LunaSol20 is my dream light. However, I think I would want warm 3mm LEDs and a neutral XPG. The idea of multiple levels on the power LED appeals to me, as well.

It is truly a dream light. I agree on the tints - I ordered some warm 3mm LEDs that I will send to DaFAB for the mod - so I'll have exactly what you are referring to.

Is the low power LED setting brighter than the 3mm flood? You indicate that you have a homemade IS - any idea of the lumen output for each level?
Thanks for sharing with us!
I

The low power LED is brighter than the flood...it washes the flood out on every level. I'll check the 3 levels when I get home and edit the post with the readings.
My pleasure!

 

[mudman cj]

Absolutely awesome light! I would do the exact same things you are having done to it, with the possible exception of just 2 drive levels for the main LED. :thinking: It would be best best to have one of each to help me decide.

BTW, the R5 is on the left. I don't guess there is a prize, so just seeing such a perfect creation will have to suffice.

 

[Th232]

It is truly a dream light. I agree on the tints - I ordered some warm 3mm LEDs that I will send to DaFAB for the mod - so I'll have exactly what you are referring to.

Which ones did you order? Been considering changing out the LEDs on my LS20 as well.

 

[run4jc]

Which ones did you order? Been considering changing out the LEDs on my LS20 as well.

Ordered the warm white ones from here - second down on the page - haven't received them yet, but hoping for the best!

 

[Th232]

Thanks for the link, will be interested to see how they turn out.:thumbsup:

 

[mudman cj]

Ordered the warm white ones from here - second down on the page - haven't received them yet, but hoping for the best!

With that 60 degree angle, those should give a nice floody beam similar to a zebralight, and without the subtle triangular pattern of the original 3mm LEDs. Please allow me to short out my keyboard...

 

[jag-engr]

...I ordered some warm 3mm LEDs that I will send to DaFAB for the mod...

I can't wait to see how that looks!

I'll check the 3 levels when I get home and edit the post with the readings.

Thanks!

I would do the exact same things you are having done to it, with the possible exception of just 2 drive levels for the main LED. :thinking:

I think I might prefer just two levels, as well. Perhaps a 10~20 lumen MED and a 200± lumen HIGH. I find that three levels is just about perfect for me (assuming that the LOW is less than 5 lumens).

 

[DM51]

Very interesting work! Moving it to the Reviews section...