There's been no response from Cree concerning the die sizes of the XM-L2 (H52 generation) and the XP-L2 (H53 generation), but I have reason to believe from articles that although the platform/optic sizes changed (from 5x5mm to 3.45x3.45mm) the die sizes have not. A smaller die size would have increased throw in the H53 line. What I've read is, the
XM-L2 and the XP-L are the same size dies in different sized packages and the optic casing
magnified sizes of the XP-L and XP-L2 are the same, leading me to believe the dies are the same size.
Therefore, I'm of the opinion that there is no increased throw due to die sizes between generations of this lamp. Hope dashed.
The
substantially improved efficiency of the XP-L2 (compared to the XM-L2) appears to have been used to increase outputs in the H53 line. The H52w non-boosted max output went from 280-330, an 18% gain. (There is nothing to compare the H53c with in the previous line). Increased lumens at each output translates to increased surface brightness, so there is some range increase at the each of the normal outputs (SQR(1.18)=9% additional range), but with 14500 support gone, the brightest output of boost is gone. So in one sense you have "brighter" by virtue of increased surface brightness of the LED, but no boost voltage to exceed the former boost of the H52 line means overall,
less bright. An apparent play on the word "brighter". Political
weasel words used in the context of marketing to smooth over the loss of something numerous ZL fans have been complaining about.
Nevertheless, the H53 line is still remarkable with the new technically impressive leap of the XP-L2 emitter. The UI is spectacular and very convenient for someone like me who would like to use 3-HI and 3-MED outputs in my 2x3 program array instead of only having three options and only one from each level allowed (which is why the previous generation is unappealing to me). There are more output options in the
meaningful range a trail runner would use to tailor his light to his speed and course technicality than their rival Armytek's headlamps. The new outputs of 30, 65, 122, 198 on the H53w are ideal for trail running mountains. The headlamps are lighter and therefore more comfortable for a runner or hiker. ZL quality is still notches ahead of their competitors.
Since I need the extra throwing power for blaze searches, lost in the H53 line with the dropping of 14500 support, it behooves me to wait for an H33w model. The higher voltage of the CR123 battery should get me to 525 lumens and around 87m of throw, which is back up to the boosted level. Hopefully that model is just around the corner. If that doesn't happen fast enough, maybe I can fashion a "monocle" for occasional momentary seating on the H53w bezel that will concentrate spill light and extend the range a bit for the brief moments I will require it.
