what is the brightest XML based light

[madecov]

Not furthest throw, but actual out the front lumens. Regardless of reflector deign.
Should be based on 2x CR123 or 1x 18650.

 

[jorn]

One of the dry (3x xm-l) light's was direct drive, and is as bright as it gets i guess. Otf lumens will wary based on teprature when you use it.
Edit: forgot the 1x18650 for factor. I have seen the xm-l up to 1000 lumens in a direct drive setup. 18650 only.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...XML-1000-Lumen-Drop-in-Warm-Neutral-CoolWhite

 

[madecov]

Ok. I will narrow things a little more. Single emitter form factor. Also standard production model.

 

[enomosiki]

To achieve the highest output, you'd need XM-L. And XM-L can take quite a current.

Attempting to drive XM-L past its recommended amperage (3A) is possible, but doing it with 2xCR123A or 1x18650 means that you are going to end up with A) short runtime and B) battery overheating.

Also, there are a few multi-emitter lights that can take multiple batteries, usually 3x18650 and 6xCR123A, that run them in parallel, so you can run them with as little as 1x18650 or 2xCR123A in a pinch, but this is not recommended for the above reason.

Two brightest contenders exist for each battery types.

The title for the brightest light for 1x18650 configuration goes to Zebralight SC600, with 760 ANSI lumens, which the light will hold for approximately five minutes and then throttle down to manage thermal buildup. The downside is that it does not accept CR123A. Zebralight has done a great job at optimizing the driver for 18650.

For 2xCR123A, the title goes to ThruNite TN11, clocking in at 750 lumens, which the light will hold for ten minutes until it ramps down to prevent thermal suicide. The problem with this light is that it goes into direct drive and offers no regulation when using 1x18650. It is designed for 3 or 4xCR123A or 2x18650 configuration for maximum performance.

 

[varmint]

enomosiki------on the TN11 would 2x18500 give the the same brightness as 2x18650 just shorter runtime? what about 2x18350?
Larry

 

[CarpentryHero]

For from the factory lights, 750 lumens OTF is the max without mods.
Zebralight SC600, Eagletac T20C2 are the two off the top of my head for the 1 18650 lights.

 

[enomosiki]

enomosiki------on the TN11 would 2x18500 give the the same brightness as 2x18650 just shorter runtime? what about 2x18350?
Larry

As 18650, 18500 and 18350 are all rated for 3.7V nominal (4.2V hot out of the charger), yes, the regulated output will all be the same, albeit with shorter runtime as the capacity diminishes.

I use 2xRCR123A for my TN11. This gives me ~20 minutes of good regulation at maximum output, after which the batteries flatline. Not a big deal, since its lowest (not moonlight) output is enough for most tasks, and medium output is still brighter than what 99% of other people can squeeze out of their puny lights, not to mention I carry enough spares for extra burntime. It is, so far, my favorite battery configuration.

Here is a runtime graph of 2xRCR123A by selfbuilt;

 

[Draven451]

Thrunite Scorpion V2 has 750 OTF for a minute then ramps down. Uses 1X18650 or 2XRCR123. Selfbuilt has a great review and it shows that with the turbohead it has an impressive amount of throw. Also if this makes a difference to you it has four modes- firefly mode, infinite brightness, strobe and momentary max.

 

[madecov]

Thrunite Scorpion V2 has 750 OTF for a minute then ramps down. Uses 1X18650 or 2XRCR123. Selfbuilt has a great review and it shows that with the turbohead it has an impressive amount of throw. Also if this makes a difference to you it has four modes- firefly mode, infinite brightness, strobe and momentary max.

Already own the Scorpion, one of my favorites

 

[madecov]

Thrunite Scorpion V2 has 750 OTF for a minute then ramps down. Uses 1X18650 or 2XRCR123. Selfbuilt has a great review and it shows that with the turbohead it has an impressive amount of throw. Also if this makes a difference to you it has four modes- firefly mode, infinite brightness, strobe and momentary max.

Already own the Scorpion, one of my favorites

 

[roadkill1109]

Not furthest throw, but actual out the front lumens. Regardless of reflector deign.
Should be based on 2x CR123 or 1x 18650.

Here:
1. Zebralight SC600 - 750 lumens
2. Sunwayman T20CS - 658 lumens
3. Olight M21X - 600 lumens
4. Crelant V9-T6 - 600 lumens
5. XinTD C8 - 850 lumens
6. Jetbeam BC25 - 650 lumens

That's all i remember off the top of my head. the C8 has a 2.8A circuit which require good 18650s or else you wont get it to puch 850 lumens. It's probably one of the brightest single 18650 in the market today. 2nd goes to Zebralight.

Sure there are brighter out there, but those use 2 or more 18650's.

 

[BIGLOU]

I dont own any of the above lights, but do have and recommed a XML U2 from Vinh (1000 lumens) or Nailbender (880 lumens) @ 4.2 amps. Direct Drive or NBs 2.8 amp. regulated (750 lumens) on an 18650'd Surefire, with a McClicky or ZeroRes Tailcap on a 3100 mAh AW 18650.

 

[gopajti]

 

[candle lamp]

Well done. gopajti!
Very nice beamshot. :thumbsup:

 

[gopajti]

other

 

[candle lamp]

Another nice one!
It shows the beam pattern of the two lights clearly.

 

[HIDblue]

Great beamshots gopajti...is it the camera? Or does the Spark look considerably brighter than the ZL in this photo? It's only a 50 lumen difference...I wouldn't think that would've made much of a difference. Now, I'm thinking I need one of those Sparks.

 

[gopajti]

HIDblue,

source
http://www.wikilight.de/vergleich.php?a=135&b=136

 

[HIDblue]

HIDblue,

source
http://www.wikilight.de/vergleich.php?a=135&b=136

Wow, great site. Thanks for the link gpajti!

 

[madecov]

Just as a side note. Today I carried my Klarus XT-11 on duty in plain clothes and used the strobe to signal an ambulance. The driver practically cursed me for almost blinding him in broad daylight. I run it on one of the AW 3100 batteries.