should I go with a IMS 20 or the McR 18 reflector for my minimag

[Blue72]

I want to improve the throw of my minimag with a terralux cree tle-5ex without using the aspheric lens. Can anyone tell me which reflector has the better throw of the two. Thanks

 

[darkzero]

For throw, IMS20. I prefer the McR-18 though, it provides a more useful beam than the IMS20 but it really depends on what you want the light for.

All my minimags have IMS20 & McR-20s. BTW, the IMS20 does not fit the minimag head unless it is bored.

 

[Blue72]

For throw, IMS20. I prefer the McR-18 though, it provides a more useful beam than the IMS20 but it really depends on what you want the light for.

All my minimags have IMS20 & McR-20s. BTW, the IMS20 does not fit the minimag head unless it is bored.

Thanks Dark Zero,besides boring the minimag, will I have to bore the Ims20 or McR-18 to fit the cree led?

 

[darkzero]

Thanks Dark Zero,besides boring the minimag, will I have to bore the Ims20 or McR-18 to fit the cree led?

The IMS20, McR-18, & McR-20 all have to be opened up so the Cree fits through & shortened from the bottom to bring it into proper focus. With the IMS20 I recommend sputtering it cause the beam is horrible with it smooth. Since the Cree sits within the reflector in most cases you will need to isolate the Cree electrically so the McR reflectors do not short the Cree. I've had very good results using McR-18 & McR-20 with XR-Es which I did not expect.


Sputtered IMS20

McR-18

McR-20

 

[Blue72]

Thanks Dark Zero again!

It's nice to know there are some minimag modders left out there!

 

[wildstar87]

You also might try the Fraen reflector, it will push right onto the emitter, so no focus, but it is a bit narrower.

You can see it on one of the Minimags I modded, but would probably work with that drop-in as well.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=194179

 

[Blue72]

You also might try the Fraen reflector, it will push right onto the emitter, so no focus, but it is a bit narrower.

You can see it on one of the Minimags I modded, but would probably work with that drop-in as well.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=194179

Thanks but I am already using an aspheric lens, I am looking for more of a balance between flood and throw thus the reason for me looking at different reflectors

 

[wildstar87]

It's just a standard reflector not an aspheric. It has a nice hotspot, but has some spill as well. I don't know that you are going to get many differences with a reflector in that range anyway IMO.

I've also had good luck with this reflector from DX.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5951

 

[Blue72]

Sorry wildstar, I misread your post when I saw the word fraen I assumed it was the fraen lp optic, I did not know they made reflectors as well

anyway I ordered the ims20, hopefully they make a difference

 

[nanotech17]

i decided to use my L-mini reflector in my MM with terralux drop in.

2 Sanyo Nimh 2500mah

Fenix L2D Cree P4 2 Sanyo eneloops on medium

 

[Blue72]

Whats the L mini reflector and how much did it improve throw?

 

[nanotech17]

L-mini is from here - http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=177921

throw is improve by 20% by my naked eye due to a smaller hotspot.

 

[Blue72]

I got the IMS 20 reflector today and tried them out tonight and have to say I am very disappointed.

Besides a narrower beam angle. They really did not do anything for throw, over the reflector that came with the terralux.

I guess I will stick with the aspherical lens. unless someone has another suggestion?

 

[nanotech17]

i just swap to Fraen reflector much better throw compare to the L-mini reflector and a tad brighter.