New Malkoff M61 LED question regarding the SST-20

[NotRegulated]

I see that the M61 recently changed from the CREE XP-G2 LED at 6200K (420 lumens) to the Luminous SST-20 LED at 5700K (450 lumens).

How does the SST-20 compare to the XP-G2 in beam profile, brightness, CRI and runtime on two CR123's?

I have read the SST-20 has more throw and it appears the lumens are nearly equivalent.

 

[dotCPF]

Just got one in today. Definitely warmer than my only cool white Malkoff MDC. Definitely cooler than my M61N. Sorry I don't have a CW XP-G2 M61 to compare with, anyone got one they want to part with?

in my 6P on 2xCR123 ~5.8V- 350 SST-20 CW vs XP-G2 N 300lm

MD2 18650 H/L @ 3.9V- SST-20 CW = 298lm/ <~1lm vs XP-G2 N 220lm/ <~1lm

My IRL impressions: definitely brighter than the N at same voltages. Profile is remarkably similar, the falloff on the SST is almost more diffused, but the hotspot is definitely more intense, particularly in person. Verdict: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss! Tint is pretty good too! I get around 5500K on the M61 SST-20, and around 3700K on this particular M61N. Photo @ 5000K, 1/350th, ISO 100 f/2.4

 

[thermal guy]

It's the M61N rated at 400 lumens?

 

[dotCPF]

It's the M61N rated at 400 lumens?

Yes, my tube setup measures a little low, and it wasn't at full voltage. It is otherwise consistent, I wouldn't place too much value on the exact figure, just the comparison, though it's like 98% accurate. When I get a little more time next week I can do the full fleet of voltage and current draw tests.

 

[thermal guy]

Got ya. Well a M61 cool with more throw doesn't sound like a bad idea. Especially looking at that beam. Looks pretty good to me.

 

[dotCPF]

Yeah that image is pretty good at showing the difference in beam profile. It seems apparent that the loss of some output towards the outside of the beam was all focused more into the center. Beam profile is smoother.

I'll also say this, I would definitely call this neutral white, not cool white! Perhaps that is the reason behind the decision for 5700K SST-20. I suppose "High Noon" is perhaps more a fair assessment.

 

[bykfixer]

It's kinda like this……

 

[thermal guy]

Is that to scale?😁

 

[Johnnyh]

Is this high CRI?

 

[dotCPF]

No, the only SST-20s that are HCRI are 4000K and below.

 

[Buck91]

No, the only SST-20s that are HCRI are 4000K and below.

Not that I'm unhappy with my neutral malkoff's (actually I'm extremely pleased) but I wonder if there are plans to to neutral or warm SST20s, which would then be high CRI (instead of the XPG2 80CRI... which is actually very nice in use).

 

[dotCPF]

While I know nothing official, that is my speculation given he is currently stocking and working with the 4000K SST-20 w/ 95CRI.

 

[Voider of Warranties]

I can't see a difference in beam pattern, and I do prefer my Kelvins within the 5000's.

 

[Whitelight1]

So the SST-20 that are currently listed for sale on the Malkoff website and running about 5700k? Which is an improvement from 6200k glacier blue LED.

What tint does this LED lean towards. I saw a pic above and maybe it is my eyes, but looked a little greenish to me.

 

[neutralwhite]

good question.

So the SST-20 that are currently listed for sale on the Malkoff website and running about 5700k? Which is an improvement from 6200k glacier blue LED.

What tint does this LED lean towards. I aw a pic above and maybe it is my eyes, but looked a little greenish to me.

 

[dotCPF]

Tighter beam profile for sure, but it's also more "diffused" from the hotspot to the outside of the beam, if that makes sense.

I don't get a green vibe from these dropins at least not significantly, definitely more neutral though, so that itch may be scratched.

I'll be able to do a straight up regular M61 comparison tuesday!

 

[slumber]

I may have asked already and forgot, but does the new M61 have any slight dark rings on the outer spill like the Nichia drop ins?

 

[dotCPF]

erroneous post

But I do not see any. I will post beamshots tonight if I get the chance! Just had a CEL pop up on the dash......

 

[Whitelight1]

I just ordered the MD2 with the new M61 and tricap. (Along with a few of other things like the MDX head wrench, lenses, bumpers, orings Etc.)

It will be nice to compare the M61N to the new M61.

My plan is to pick up a CW version of all the neutral versions I have from Malkoff.

 

[Whitelight1]

I got the SST-20 5700k today and I am very impressed with the tint. If you're on the fence on this model, it is really nice. That 5700k really takes the ice out of the 6200k emitters.