Reflectors

[Ads]

Could anyone possibly tell me the difference between orange peel and smooth reflectors and what difference they make? I've done a search but nothing seems to be particularly helpful.

I will be using the light for camping, EDC and self defense - if it helps.

Thanks very much!

 

[Marduke]

A textured reflector scatters some of the light, giving a slightly larger hotspot with a smoother transition into the spill. It also helps eliminate beam artifacts. A smooth reflector gives the best throw, but has the drawback of possibly having some distracting artifacts in the beam.

 

[Northern Lights]

A useful compromise with incandescent lamps is to frost the lamp from just above the filament down and use a smooth reflector. The area above the filament casts no shadows the light goes forward, the smooth reflector is best for throw. This gives a smooth beam with lno artifacts good transition and best throw.
Armor Etch from hobby shops etches glass. 35 minutes is a good light etch, on most bulbs I use two 35 minute sessions.
With LEDs you must use the reflector texture of your choice to get what you want.