Nitecore NDI OSRAM Golden Dragon Plus or CREE Q5 WC

[bassntaz]

Hi all,

Stumble across this great site a few days ago and Ive been reading ever since.

I think I've decided to purchase a Nitecore NDI but I'm not sure which one. Can anyone enlighten me on which is better the OSRAM Golden Dragon Plus or CREE Q5 WC and why?

Thanks

 

[BabyDoc]

Welcome to the forum. Use the search function and you will find other threads that debate the vitures of the different versions. The short story is as follows. The OSRAM Golden Dragon offers a much smoother hotspot/spill transistion than the Q5 version. It is also supposed to give you a slightly better color rendition. The Golden Dragon version may give a few more minutes of runtime. However, there seems to be an LED lottery with the Osram emitters. Some are noticably warmer than others. Some people complain of a slightly blue tint especially in the spill area, compared to a warmer hot spot. The Q5 version is more uniform in tint and is preferred by a many people in spite of some dark ring artificacts around the hot spot. The spill area seems to be a bit better defined in the Q5 version.
Personally, I think you will be happy with either light. You might want to consider the cheaper D10, or EX10 as well, unless you need the strobe function that only the NDI offers.

 

[bassntaz]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Illumination]

Would love to see more views on this. I have a D10 Cree - not crazy about the rings but love everything else about the light. I also had a EX10 GD. That light had a much nicer beam but I returned it because it had an annoying rose tint.

I think ALL of the Crees have the annoying rings while only SOME of the GDs have a bad tint - so your probably better off with the GD. (And there is no guarantee you will like the cree tint!)


Bassntaz - you have posted two messages above but your message count says 1...very strange!

 

[bassntaz]

Strange about the post number????

Well I flip a coin last night and order the cree version from 4sevens. I'm new to the whole CPF lifestyle and I sure I will happy with it for now. The problem is Im already looking for the next light.

 

[BabyDoc]

I think ALL of the Crees have the annoying rings while only SOME of the GDs have a bad tint - so your probably better off with the GD. (And there is no guarantee you will like the cree tint!)


Bassntaz - you have posted two messages above but your message count says 1...very strange!

Try the LiteFlux LF3XT with a Q5. It has a perfect beam with no rings. It also has 2 interfaces. Unlike the NDI, it runs on CR123 cells.

 

[Art]

From what I read the GDP is better for nimh and alkaline , but if you use a Li-ion 14500 the Q5 will be brighter and have better regulation.

Regards,

 

[Illumination]

Try the LiteFlux LF3XT with a Q5. It has a perfect beam with no rings. It also has 2 interfaces. Unlike the NDI, it runs on CR123 cells.

Ordered it as soon as it came out...still waiting though....

Supposedly shipped 11/26...should be here soon

 

[Illumination]

Strange about the post number????

Well I flip a coin last night and order the cree version from 4sevens. I'm new to the whole CPF lifestyle and I sure I will happy with it for now. The problem is Im already looking for the next light.

Now you have three posts but your count is 2!

I'm sure you will love your light. The light is really well made and will be far brighter than you expect!

Good luck.

 

[bigdaddy]

I got a Nitecore D10 OSRAM Golden Dragon Plus, it emits an irritating buzzing sound on high mode (and they says it's normal?).
Not sure about the NDI.

All my other Cree Flashlights are silent even on high modes. I'll choose a Cree if I were u. The choice is yours.