Codeman has already done a spectacular job of providing detailed output specs for all of Don's Ti lights, so I would refer you to his thread for that kind of comparison. This is more about the look, feel and beam qualities of these very similar and yet different lights. Once I had both in my possession, I figured I'd keep one or the other... yeah, THAT'S a successful plan for a flashaholic! Needless to say, I'm now convinced that both are necessary.
EXTERIOR: I'm partial to the somewhat longer head of the XR-19--it's not a big difference, but it's a difference that makes a difference to me, both aesthetically and ergonomically. I think the longer head gives the light a more balanced look, and just a little more to hang onto in your hand. In addition, the longer flutes cut into the head make it grippier and easier to turn single-handed.
INTERIOR: Looking down the business end of the XR-19 is just an awesome view--there's something that looks so cool about the emitter being set so far back in the longer reflector. It's a tougher, more aggressive look. I also like the glow ring around the window a lot, though I wonder how long it will continue to glow. I've usually found that a glow effect has a short life span.
BEAM QUALITY: Codeman's specs show that the Seoul is brighter than the Cree, and the Seoul has a brighter hotspot and wider corona. However, I think the Cree wins on beam quality, at least when shaped by the XR-19 head. It concentrates more light in the corona, so there's not such a big dropoff from the hotspot and the overall beam is brighter and more useful. YMMV, of course.
BEAM TINT: The Seoul wins this one in a romp. The Cree actually looks fine on its own, but when compared directly against the Seoul, it's a different story. To my eye, the Cree then looks like a slightly greenish UV1J on high, with a more pronounced shift toward green on low. The Seoul looks beautifully creamy white on either setting.
Well, those are my HIGHLY subjective impressions of these lights. I'll be curious to read other comments from those with both of them.
EXTERIOR: I'm partial to the somewhat longer head of the XR-19--it's not a big difference, but it's a difference that makes a difference to me, both aesthetically and ergonomically. I think the longer head gives the light a more balanced look, and just a little more to hang onto in your hand. In addition, the longer flutes cut into the head make it grippier and easier to turn single-handed.
INTERIOR: Looking down the business end of the XR-19 is just an awesome view--there's something that looks so cool about the emitter being set so far back in the longer reflector. It's a tougher, more aggressive look. I also like the glow ring around the window a lot, though I wonder how long it will continue to glow. I've usually found that a glow effect has a short life span.
BEAM QUALITY: Codeman's specs show that the Seoul is brighter than the Cree, and the Seoul has a brighter hotspot and wider corona. However, I think the Cree wins on beam quality, at least when shaped by the XR-19 head. It concentrates more light in the corona, so there's not such a big dropoff from the hotspot and the overall beam is brighter and more useful. YMMV, of course.
BEAM TINT: The Seoul wins this one in a romp. The Cree actually looks fine on its own, but when compared directly against the Seoul, it's a different story. To my eye, the Cree then looks like a slightly greenish UV1J on high, with a more pronounced shift toward green on low. The Seoul looks beautifully creamy white on either setting.
Well, those are my HIGHLY subjective impressions of these lights. I'll be curious to read other comments from those with both of them.
