Will Catapult impress after using D-mini VX Ultra with Turbo Force head?

[lostinwv]

Good morning,

I have been using the Lumapower D-Mini VX Ultra with the Turbo Force head, and I have been very impressed with its ability to throw a really nice beam good distances. I can say from experience that it can easily throw a strong spot 400 feet, and perhaps a good bit further (I haven't had the chance to try it in places where I can go for "known" 500ft, 600ft, 700ft, etc. etc.)

I'm seriously considering picking up the Thrunite Catapult after reading about it here. Before I do, I thought I'd ask whether anyone has experience with both of these lights.

My question: will the Catapult knock my socks off after using the Lumapower setup I've been using?

Thanks for your input,

Dave

 

[lostinwv]

No opinions?:sigh:

 

[OKWalker]

You might need to wait more than 40 minutes when asking for people's experience with two specific lights.

 

[lostinwv]

You might need to wait more than 40 minutes when asking for people's experience with two specific lights.

My friend, your attention to detail is a bit off this morning. I started the thread yesterday. Thanks for the extra bump, though.

Dave

 

[HIDblue]

My question: will the Catapult knock my socks off after using the Lumapower setup I've been using?

Thanks for your input,

Dave

Good question. I've been running the same set up on my D-Mini VX Ultra for walking my dog at night and the Turbo Force head does really turn the D-Mini, which is a very floody light with the regular head, into a really great thrower. The throw is much better than I thought it would be, but the beam pattern is not exactly stellar on mine. It's very ringy and has artifacts around the hotspot. Don't care too much about the rings since you don't really see them in actual use outdoors, but the artifacts may be caused by my emitter being off-center.

I like the D-Mini but it's very front heavy with the TF head and I'm not sure how much abuse it could take...i.e. drops, etc. The Catapult just seems like a much sturdier, more well-balanced light, and from the beamshots I've seen in all of the reviews and videos on-line, it seems like the hotspot will be brighter than the D-Mini. I'm not sure it'll give you the 'wow!' factor you're looking for since lightreviews rated the Catapult at only 593 lumens OTF (Thrunite claims 1,000 lumens at the emitter). It looks like the Thrunite will be noticeably brighter than the D-Mini, but it won't be like the Olight SR90 brighter, if that's what you're looking for.

You can also take a look at the Olight M31, SR50 and Jetbeam Raptor RRT-3. I just got an Eagletac M3C4 and it is noticeably brighter than the D-Mini, but I've already had problems with the M3C4 tailcap and hex screws to the point I had to return it to the dealer for warranty service.

But the Catapult is on my short list...since I'm looking to replace my not so bright Pelican 8060.

 

[lostinwv]

Thanks HID, that was a helpful response.

I have some rings too with my D-mini + TF head, but its no big deal in actual use like you said.

I agree that the shape/balance of the D-mini setup is a little awkward, but I love that it is still small enough to be pocketable in jeans, even with the large head (barely, and not comfortably - but it does fit).

The first time I used this light with the turbo head, I was really surprised by how well it throws. I enjoy the fun factor of the killer throw, and I'm just looking for a little more of that. Of the lights you mentioned, I probably would consider the M31 most seriously, despite what I've heard about heat issues that the light has when on its highest setting. The SR50 has a battery configuration that I don't prefer, and the Jetbeam is just too pricey for me.

I was considering the EagleTac you have, until I started to read about the very problem you're having with the hex screws. That sort of turned me off of this light.

The Catapult seems to be received well by most who have opined about it, and I'm intrigued by what it has to offer. The only thing about it that bugs me is that is seems pretty darn big, and might not see as much use as a more "convenient" light. That's ok though.

I may have to just jump in and get one, and see what I think.

Thanks again for your response.

Dave

 

[OKWalker]

My friend, your attention to detail is a bit off this morning. I started the thread yesterday. Thanks for the extra bump, though.

Dave

Oops! My bad!

You are correct that the Catapult is a large light, and not exactly pocketable in its 2x18650 mode. I bought the Thrunite holster, it is a very simple holster that has no retention features.

 

[HIDblue]

Of the lights you mentioned, I probably would consider the M31 most seriously, despite what I've heard about heat issues that the light has when on its highest setting. The SR50 has a battery configuration that I don't prefer, and the Jetbeam is just too pricey for me.

From what I've seen, both the M31 and SR50 are great throwers, but I would be hesitant to buy either.

As you mentioned, the heat issues present with the M31 are a concern.

I actually like the shape of the SR50 but its restrictive primary CR123 battery requirement rules it out for me as well. I tend to top-off my rechargeables after use to have a fresh set of batts in each light. Very expensive to do with primaries.

But...from the videos I've seen online (especially goinggear's) the M31 and SR50 do seem brighter than the Catapult at relatively the same distances.

So, in my estimation, the Catapult V2 may not be brightest 2x18650 light, but it definitely is bright enough for most applications of that form factor, still has great throw, doesn't appear to have heat management issues, and from all accounts is built like a tank.

It seems like there's a compromise either way you go...

 

[jsr]

As you mentioned, the heat issues present with the M31 are pretty significant, IMO. I've read about 10-minute run-times on high before the thermal protection kicks in...and then you have to let the light cool down before you can turn it back on to high?

Where did you read about the thermal protection kicking in? Thus far, I haven't an owner of the M31 to run their light for extended periods of time to confirm if heat is an issue or not. I'm very interested to read some of the threads/posts where people are mentioning only 10min runtimes before heat issues. I know the Jetbeam M2S has a built-in 10min timer that turns the light to medium to avoid heat issues.

 

[brightnorm]

I have most of the lights mentioned. Aside from the VX Ultra with TF head looking like an elephant's head on a dachsund's body, it is awkward, top heavy and impressive only until you have seen really powerful lights.

The Catapult II, Eagletac M2XC4 and the updated M3C4 3xXR-E R2 all out-throw and overpower the VXU. In fact, even the 4Sevens Maelstrom G5 gives it real run for its money.

I own and have owned six Eagletac M series and have never had a problem with any of them, though I haven't used them with the clicky.

My favorite powerful thrower to carry around is the Eagletac M2XC4 or M3 XrRE R2. The side-by-side configuration makes for a remarkably short and compact 2x18650 light. I belt- carry it in a Rip-offs holster which is much smaller and more compact than the proprietary holster.

Brightnorm

 

[HIDblue]

Where did you read about the thermal protection kicking in? Thus far, I haven't an owner of the M31 to run their light for extended periods of time to confirm if heat is an issue or not. I'm very interested to read some of the threads/posts where people are mentioning only 10min runtimes before heat issues. I know the Jetbeam M2S has a built-in 10min timer that turns the light to medium to avoid heat issues.

jsr...thanks for pointing that out, I must've had a brain fart last night. I was thinking of the M2S while I was writing about the M31. Not sure why I thought it was the M31 that kicked down after 10 minutes. Post corrected above for content. My apologies for the mistake.

 

[lostinwv]

Aside from the VX Ultra with TF head looking like an elephant's head on a dachsund's body, it is awkward, top heavy and impressive only until you have seen really powerful lights.

Man, that just cracked me up. Such an accurate statement about the look of this light. I still love it though!

G5 is one I wasn't seriously considering, but I'm going to look into it. The size is a major selling point for me. I wonder if it will be greenish on lower levels...

Right now, I'm leaning toward getting the Catapult, despite its large size.

Dave