Which is brighter Blaster VI,,Surefire L4,,TL3

BlindedByTheLite

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ummm.. i'm gonna guess.. the blaster.. the tl3.. then the l4?

i really don't know 'cause these lights are outta my class.. but i believe if that order's correct, the l4 still has more useful light than the tl3..???

*i dunno what i'm talking about.. consider me just upping your post!*
 

BentHeadTX

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I'll take a guess!
I would say the Blaster VI in that it runs the LED slightly over spec with fresh batteries and has a much better optic. Number #2 is a toss up, the TL3 might start brighter with more current to the LED and a larger optic. If the TL3 is getting regulation, then I would say it is number #2. The L4 is more of a flood so if you need that, it would be the one to get.
Saying that, I have a M*g 5D with a 5W Cyan using the 30mm optic and it is very bright! I would assume the Blaster VI is along the same lines.
 

keithhr

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Ive got a Blaster VI direct drive and an L4, the Blaster VI is way brighter than the L4, but then again, it's 9 volts vs 6 volts with a better optic.
 

MR Bulk

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I have all three and my B6 is definitely the brightest (even before I removed all traces of resistance).

The other two -- what Bent said. The SL is definitely brighter in the lux meter sense as it throws a tighter spot, but the L4 is putting out just as much (and posiibly more) light except in a semiflood beam. If you need both light output patterns you already know what to do:
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"Buy'em both!"
 

brightnorm

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Oct 13, 2001
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When I measured the TL-3, L4 and McModule for total output Indirect light) I got these figures (For relative measure only)

McM.....L4.......TL-3
82.8....81.9.....60.3

I believe these are proportionally fairly accurate and I'd like to see them confirmed by Doug's figures but I don't thnk he has them all. The McModule and L4 are roughly even and the TL-3's total output is about 26% less than the L4. At first that seemed counterintuitive when I tested them side by side in rural Canada this Summer. The TL-3 threw an impressive beam but I realized that there wasn't much peripheral light, and when I expanded the beam to very crudely match the L4's diameter it seemed quite weak.

I didn't measure the Blaster VI, though I would tend to agree with the opinions here.

Brightnorm
 

BugLightGeek

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anyone have both the SNII and a Blaster VI who can give me some more details on which they like better and why?

I'm looking for a 5W with the most throw...
 

hula

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I have both the Blaster VI and SNII Chris and I'm glad I do. I will say though the SNII has a superior throw than the Blaster. The Mag reflector really concentrates that 5W-er. The Blaster VI is slightly bulkier than the SNII though it IS superior in quality to the Mag body. I also have a PM6 Module which I would say is probably near to these two in terms of throw and brighness - but not quite. 9v direct is probably the best bang for your buck so the L4 and Tl3 don't quite compare to the SNII and Blaster.
If I had to choose I'd go SNII - there I said it!

Hula.
 

BugLightGeek

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thanks hula...
Now, overall, how does the throw of a SNII compare with a PM6? I understand that the throw of the SNII will be longer than the PM6, but by how much? How close is the PM6 in terms of throw?

I might be willing to give up a LITTLE throw in exchange for the EDC ability of the PM6.
 

hula

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Keithhr is right Chris the PM6 in module form is short of the SNII but you gotta remember that Mag head coupled with a 9v direct driven Luxeon is the key. I would have thought ( and i'm finding this ) the EDC readiness of the PM6 or indeed a L4 make up for their not being the absolute brightest or furthest LED throwers there are. I'm amazed when I turn on me PM6 Module at the level of light this thing can emit and yes it'll give ya that lightsaber look. If you can pick up a CHEAP PM6 then the mod is worth it - don't forget to change the cheap lens it comes with to an UCL or similar.
You will have to talk nicely to Mr. Bulk if you want a Space Needle II as they are no longer officially available. Charlie is a great guy to deal with if you go after the best.

Hula.
 
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