Next step up from CREE XP-G R5 emitter?

[arnstein]

I have a new 4Sevens Quark mini AA2 (old model, I think), which uses a CREE XP-G R5 emitter.

A nice light, but at some point I might wish for higher light output. What emitter(s) should I look for?

 

[Fireclaw18]

Next up is the Cree XM-L. It has a larger die and can take more amps. Lights running with an XM-L can output twice the lumens of an XP-G R5.

However, the downside of the XM-L are:
(1) you really only see the extra lumens when running at higher currents. Which means shorter runtime or you need larger batteries. Also means more heat. So smaller flashlights using XM-L typically only run at max for short bursts.
(3) the XM-L emitter's die is much larger, but has comparatively lower surface brightness. This means that lights using it output more lumens than the XP-G but are typically much floodier unless they use very large reflectors.

 

[arnstein]

Thank you fireclaw! You saved me some money today. I was on the point of buying a Terralux light. I now believe that it would not be much brighter than my Quark.

I am not going to rush to buy something now. If I am lucky, a new emitter will appear on the market before I need a new light.