SL ArgoHP C4 feedback, commentary, mods?

[Owen]

A search brought up a decent amount of info, though the changes in the model made it a bit jumbled at times.
This has the UI I want, the battery configuration I want, and is from a brand whose products and customer service I've had very good experiences with.
It would get a neutral emitter, and be big brother to my "H30w" when I need more reach. Also need a headlamp I could use if I try caving, maybe a little paddling after dark if I decide to do some overnight canoeing, or even use at work with the hardhat strap. Plus my ZL doesn't have any throw, and it's hard to keep the rows straight when I try to cut the grass at night by it

I have some specific questions, though.

-Fully regulated on 17670, and if so, for how long? Current draw w/17670 and 2x123?
-Beam quality. Anybody swap reflectors, etc?
-Anybody swap emitters? By choice, I really won't use anything that I can't get a neutral Cree into.
Of those, the emitter swap is the only really big deal to me, but I'm curious.

Any kind of feedback on reliability, water resistance, beam characteristics, or suitable alternatives would be appreciated.
I'm trying to avoid AAs, even though my digicam and little video camera use them. Prefer to stick with rechargeables for general use, and 123s in the outdoors like my other user lights.

 

[sORe-EyEz]

i have the Streamlight Agro HP stock, i have not modded it in any way. i run the unit on CR123 primaries, the lower output has very good long runtime.

beam profile: 1 small & bright hotspot with large corona. i had a LDF to diffuse the beam to make it more useable. at closer range. personally find the hotspot too small for my liking, but its quite a personal thing.

i have not been using it that regularly, but when i do there are no QC issues like switch failure or UI gone wacky. is the strobe feature any important? this unit does not do strobe.

 

[Owen]

Thanks, and no, I don't want strobe. Low and high is fine. Apparently the same UI as my EDC light. Perfect, as long as there's a big enough gap between the modes.
Not of fan of small hotspots, either, but since this is supposed to be for use where my Zebralight just won't do, I welcome some extra throw.
Suppose I can experiment with it if I want a larger spot.
Maybe a ring of LDF inside the lens, spot of it in the middle, a little additional sputtering with clearcoat on the reflector...something.

 

[supes]

I've got a SL Argo HP with the C4(Cree). It is hella easy to swap emitters, just like cy's thread on his mod with the older version. Just unscrew the bezel, unscrew holder piece, and you have access to the LED.

It looks like it might be possible to use a different reflector too, but probably with some needed trimming. The hotspot is also too small for my liking and it doesn't particular throw very well either. My reflector has a half orange peel and outer half smooth thing going on(like Olight reflector use to).

AW 17670 protected cells fit fine in mine, but output is reduced and not as bright as on the 2xCR123a primaries. Regulation is probable no. One of these days, I mod it. It is certainly a nice form factor and not very heavy.

 

[mdocod]

I've got the old version that I upgraded to a seoul and slapped a TIR optic into.

It's a true workhorse light in my book, I've logged hundreds if not thousands of hours on it.

-Eric

 

[Owen]

I've got a SL Argo HP with the C4(Cree). It is hella easy to swap emitters, just like cy's thread on his mod with the older version. Just unscrew the bezel, unscrew holder piece, and you have access to the LED.

So the emitter is mounted on a star?
Thanks very much for the other details, as well.

 

[yellow]

Could You please take a pic of that "C4" version?
I have now checked some 10+ search hits for the "C4" and each one showed the old Luxeon side emitting led equipped Argo HP.
Wonder how that new light looks like.

I have a Luxeon Argo HP modded to a P4 and running from an 18650.
Level I draws 80 mA, lvl 2 does 350 mA from the battery.
For sure not max brightness for these led, but wich such a small plastic bodied light, thats perfectly ok.
Led was a star mounted one, so simply unscrew, remove star, put new one in.
Original reflector had to be cut from the back, still there is a beam like the P7 lights, with a ring around a non well lit center "hole". In use no problem, in wall hunting very bad.
When changing the led to a Cree, use the original 8 deg. optic. It seems to fit into and is still one of the best (optics) for a XR-E.