Reflectors

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Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 15, 2007
Messages
5
Could anyone possibly tell me the difference between orange peel and smooth reflectors and what difference they make? I've done a search but nothing seems to be particularly helpful.

I will be using the light for camping, EDC and self defense - if it helps.

Thanks very much!
 

Marduke

Flashaholic
Joined
Jun 19, 2007
Messages
10,110
Location
Huntsville, AL
A textured reflector scatters some of the light, giving a slightly larger hotspot with a smoother transition into the spill. It also helps eliminate beam artifacts. A smooth reflector gives the best throw, but has the drawback of possibly having some distracting artifacts in the beam.
 

Northern Lights

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 17, 2006
Messages
1,267
Location
Southwest
A useful compromise with incandescent lamps is to frost the lamp from just above the filament down and use a smooth reflector. The area above the filament casts no shadows the light goes forward, the smooth reflector is best for throw. This gives a smooth beam with lno artifacts good transition and best throw.
Armor Etch from hobby shops etches glass. 35 minutes is a good light etch, on most bulbs I use two 35 minute sessions.
With LEDs you must use the reflector texture of your choice to get what you want.
 
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