I am looking at getting a D10, and I am wondering whether you guys prefer the Cree Q5, R2, or GDP LEDs. From beamshots I've seen, I really like the flood from the GDP, but should I consider the R2 instead? It is brighter, but are the rings noticeable? It seems like a good decision either way. What do you have?
Nitecore D10, which LED?
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Marduke
Flashaholic
The GDP isn't really floodier, it's just smoother.
R2 latest and brightest (by a slight margin) of the 3 .
Q5 phasing out, smoother than R2 and warmer (by a slight margin).
GDP smoother than R2 and Q5 but has purple tinge, especially on low.
Above in accordance to the 3 I've owned. Might not apply to every production.
Q5 phasing out, smoother than R2 and warmer (by a slight margin).
GDP smoother than R2 and Q5 but has purple tinge, especially on low.
Above in accordance to the 3 I've owned. Might not apply to every production.
donald2036
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I've got an EX10 GDP, and I personnally recommend it over cree verson. Since my usage is mainly ranged at 1-10m, the soft and slightly larger hot spot of GDP is much more comfortable to my eyes and seeing a larger area. The Cree is too focus, and makes the spills less usable, because the very focus hotspot shrinks your pupil.
For long range (>10m), I would use my Fenix TK11 instead. I guess the small reflector of D10 wasn't too good in throwing anyway.
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Illumination
Flashlight Enthusiast
Depends on whether you want bad tint (GDP) or bad beam quality (Q5, R2).
I had a GDP that I had to return because the beam spill was lavender. I have a Q5 with awful cree rings. The light itself is fantastic, just the reflector isn't very good. Certainly nothing light the great reflectors LightFlux uses in their lights. The ease of use and simplicity of the D10 is great though, and it is still my most used light. (Usually with a diffuser cap on it.)
donald2036
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Depends on your usage, if you are mainly lighting something close say 1-5m, I don't think the bluish tint will bother too much. On the other hand, I like bluish tint for closeup lighting, the GDP looks exactly like fluorescent lamp color, without an ugly yellowish or greenish tone.
For long range, definiately the warm tint wins by throwing longer, and adding contrast.
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donald2036
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It's really a pity if the GDP version is to be discontinued. I just think the GDP has always been underrated.
And that cree has always been overrated with it's focus hotspot and beamshot photos. In reality usage, I think a smooth beam is more important than how much more lumens it generates.
Marduke
Flashaholic
Couple months too late. It already is discontinued.
The lower efficiency and poor tint was probably the nail in the coffin.
As far as the Cree versions go, a little LDF cleans the beam right up.
donald2036
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BTW, I would be keen to see a XP-E on EX/D10, I think it would really shine on that small reflector. :twothumbs
I think that LiteFlux will be releasing a AA tube (do a search?) w/clip for the LF3XT soon if that helps with your decision. This really is a nice light and the tint/beam is very similar to my Ra Twisty & Novatac, floody and ring free.
ETA: It looks like the AA tube is scheduled for release at the end of this month.
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donald2036
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That sounds nice. BTW, is that an optional AA tube for the existing LF3XT or a brand new torch to be run by AA?
You know my EX10 has just blown up in my pocket without any reason when I was having my lunch, the battery inside was completely destruct, with hot brown liquid and smokes spilled all around. I'm still in a negotiation of a claim with NC, so I can't disclose any details at the moment. That is absolutely terrifying, and I swear to god I will never use CR123 torch as my EDC no more. Guess LF3XT will be a good alternative if it runs AA.
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kaichu dento
Flashaholic
I've had two GDP's and really liked my first one, but my second one is going to hard to ever part with! My first Q5 D10 went down the road when I got my GDP, which is now gone after receiving my second one. I love it's golden center spot and the purplish flood doesn't seem to bother me at all, and I'm one who doesn't really care for purple led's.
Still better yet, get a Q5 or R2 and put a Q3 5A in it. That is my absolute favorite, hands down!
Sgt. LED
Flashaholic
Get the GDP and swap the emitter for a diamond dragon. 
oo:
oo:
donald2036
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Why not swap it with an XP-E? I saw this video in youtube, looks quite promising of the XP-E.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejESit3dQww
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejESit3dQww
That sounds nice. BTW, is that an optional AA tube for the existing LF3XT or a brand new torch to be run by AA?
....Guess LF3XT will be a good alternative if it runs AA.
Hope you guys are aware it's 2AA, not AA tube.
They already did, and a lot of people have it. Haven't anybody heard about the LF5XT here? The LF3XT's AA brother? If you like the LF3XT but you want to use AA, that's a really obvious choice.
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LightWalker
Flashlight Enthusiast
That sounds nice. BTW, is that an optional AA tube for the existing LF3XT or a brand new torch to be run by AA?
You know my EX10 has just blown up in my pocket without any reason when I was having my lunch, the battery inside was completely destruct, with hot brown liquid and smokes spilled all around. I'm still in a negotiation of a claim with NC, so I can't disclose any details at the moment. That is absolutely terrifying, and I swear to god I will never use CR123 torch as my EDC no more. Guess LF3XT will be a good alternative if it runs AA.
Was you using a primary or a rechargable? I am glad I have a holster to carry my EX10 in.
