Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitter versions - which does what?

Hi all,

I am still in the learning phase here, which is awful, because I know details make a lot of difference but I don't know which details make what difference :duh2:

Anyways, I noticed that the P100A2 comes in lotsa different variants:

Aimkon.com:
Cree XP-G S2 Cool White
Illumination Gear:
CREE XP-E Cool White R2
CREE XP-E Neutral White Q4
Light Junction:
CREE XP‐E R2 (OK it's the same as above)
CREE XP‐E S2
Manufacturer:
CREE XP-E Q3
CREE XP-E Cool White R2 (again, been mentioned)

So there are at least five varieties, which were probably manufactured at different points in time, nonetheless still available. My question is, what is the real world difference between these? All of them cost around 36-40 dollars. I just want a good thrower, and while I as a novice would certainly be happy with either, I just don't want to make a less then optimal purchase only because I am illiterate on the flashlight front. If you say the pracitcal differences are minute, I'll just go with the cheapest option

thanks

Greg

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

Hi Greg;

Yes, that's a baffling array of options !

The terms "XP-E" and "XP-G" refer to the physical format of the LED. The XP-E is slightly smaller than the XP-G so - all other things being equal - the XP-E will throw a little further, with XP-G based lights tending to be a bit more floody.

The designations "S2", "R2", "Q4" and so on are brightness / efficiency bins. For the Cree XP- series LEDs these run alphabetically in order of efficiency with each letter being divided into 5 bins (e.g. Q1 - Q5) . Each bin is approximately 7% more efficient than the previous one.

So a Q5 LED would be 7% brighter for the same current as a Q4 LED. And an R2 LED will be brighter than a Q5 and so on. All other things being equal.

(In the real world, a 7% difference in brightness will be imperceptible - you really need a doubling in brightness to see a significant difference in output) .

Cool and Neutral refer to the colour of the beam. Perceptions and preferences vary here - to me the cool LEDs look pure white and neutral ones yellow or even brown - but other people prefer the neutral ones and perceive the cool ones as bluish. The only real way around this is to try them out yourself and decide which you prefer.

So there are several different properties or parameters that characterise the LEDs. Although these parameters (for example, efficiency and tint) are theoretically independent from one another, in the real world there is some interdependence - for example, cool LEDs tend to be available a bin or two brighter than neutral LEDs because converting more of the light to longer wavelengths reduces efficiency.

So although the range of options might be a bit overwhelming, it is quite good that the manufacturers offer so much choice to cater for different needs / preferences !

If you want the full scoop on the binning and labelling you can get the datasheets direct from Cree here:

http://www.cree.com/products/xlamp_xpe.asp

http://www.cree.com/products/xlamp_xpg.asp

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

from your explanation then the XP-G S2 is the biggest and brightest LED from that array.

maybe some EagleTac specialist can chip in and ...

it's a mess. i must admit it. (And the mess comes from EagleTac who updates the LED's faster than the seller's stock. haha.)

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

thanks guys, that was a really clear explanation there, Moonshadow, I can place those in a matrix now, that helps
and Kreisler, what you say suggests to me that this is not by any means a common practice, because I want my gear purchases to be fun and full of anticipation, and not frustration ((OK I know it's a gut thing, but sometimes it helps to plan being impulsive! )

from what Moonshadow said, I guess XP-G S2 and XP‐E S2 would be the brightest, with the G on the floody and the E on the throwy/tight side. That gives me the info I needed, thanks a lot again!

(now to see what Fenix uses in their E21... hahaha... - it never stops, does it?)

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

This may help you out

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

E21 runs on an XP-E, the one I got for my dad is cool white.

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

thanks, guys

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

To me with the P100A2 being the king of throw in 2 AA battery configuration, I don't really understand why Eagletac bothers putting any XP-G emitters in it as it will slightly increase total brightness, but reduce the amount of throw quite a bit. That being said, it's never bad to have options!
I'm sure I am going to be beat up for saying this as there are a lot of XP-G lovers around here! :tinfoil:

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

I have the P100a2 in both CREE XR‐E R2 and the CREE XP‐E S2. The XR-E throws father and has a narrower hot spot. The S2 is noticable brighter, larger hot spot and is a lot more floody compared to the XR-
e.

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

i love floodier lights - and the xp-g, but my S2-equipped light has got an acid green tint in its beam... S2s are known for this problem, so i'd stick with the xp-e if you plan to buy online.

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

-

I have two Eagletac lights (P20C2 & P20A2), both using the XP-G R5. They are both great lights.

I have a couple of Quark lights, with S2 emitters, and they have horrible green tint. I know it's a bit of a crapshoot in the bin lottery when you buy some of these things, but I will never buy another S2 light.

JMHO. Good luck on your decision. And get ready to buy wayyyy more than just one light, LOL!!

-

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

LOL guys thanks a ton
it's like a jigsaw puzzle I'm trying to put together, every bit of info helps
BTW when you say the S2 has a nasty tint, does that apply to both the XP-E and the XP-G diodes?
I have to admit this thing is addictive
luckily I simply don't have the funds to indulge in flashlights but that has never stopped us from finding a way, has it?

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

The P100 series started off with a Q5 cool & Q3 neutral (both xp-e)
Then a small upgrade to R2 cool & Q4 neutral
Now the have upgraded the cool to R3, and neutral is still waiting for its upgrade. [Q5]

alternatively there should be a P100C2 that uses an xp-g S2 cool-white. (it gives up throw for lumens)

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

Deal4 said:

To me with the P100A2 being the king of throw in 2 AA battery configuration, I don't really understand why Eagletac bothers putting any XP-G emitters in it as it will slightly increase total brightness, but reduce the amount of throw quite a bit. That being said, it's never bad to have options!
I'm sure I am going to be beat up for saying this as there are a lot of XP-G lovers around here! :tinfoil:

Click to expand...

Yeah I agree, luckily we have others like us that lean more towards low. And the options are awesome tubular. I think(somewhat noticed) us throw lovers have the liking for similar beam profiles and what looks best and brightest to our eyes rather then a broad wall of light light that dims up close on a smaller profile flashlight.

Love the tint on my P100A2 XP-E R2, anyone else notice it seems to be slightly more neutral? It feels that way to me it brings out that nice color for me over the other cool whites I have.

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

sveqs said:

LOL guys thanks a ton
it's like a jigsaw puzzle I'm trying to put together, every bit of info helps
BTW when you say the S2 has a nasty tint, does that apply to both the XP-E and the XP-G diodes?
I have to admit this thing is addictive
luckily I simply don't have the funds to indulge in flashlights but that has never stopped us from finding a way, has it?

Click to expand...

XP-E does not come in S2 bins, I believe the max available is R4.

Yeah, you don't have funds in the beginning.. until you look at more, and realize the "expensive" ones are relatively cheap, and you should hop on it... and end up spending a lot more than you wanted to xD
Then something new comes along... and it happens again...

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

Animalmother said:

Yeah I agree, luckily we have others like us that lean more towards low. And the options are awesome tubular. I think(somewhat noticed) us throw lovers have the liking for similar beam profiles and what looks best and brightest to our eyes rather then a broad wall of light light that dims up close on a smaller profile flashlight.

Love the tint on my P100A2 XP-E R2, anyone else notice it seems to be slightly more neutral? It feels that way to me it brings out that nice color for me over the other cool whites I have.

Click to expand...

I have nothing against flood lights, I just want a thrower at this moment, and a thrower should indeed throw

Surnia said:

XP-E does not come in S2 bins, I believe the max available is R4.

Yeah, you don't have funds in the beginning.. until you look at more, and realize the "expensive" ones are relatively cheap, and you should hop on it... and end up spending a lot more than you wanted to xD
Then something new comes along... and it happens again...

Click to expand...

haha I can see how the process begins...
BUT: Light Junction does specify XP-E S2 which further complicates matters - it is disturbing if you have to take merchant information with a pinch of salt

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

sveqs said:

I have nothing against flood lights, I just want a thrower at this moment, and a thrower should indeed throw



haha I can see how the process begins...
BUT: Light Junction does specify XP-E S2 which further complicates matters - it is disturbing if you have to take merchant information with a pinch of salt

Click to expand...

Well, being a throw lover(if you are) doesn't mean you have anything against flood lights. That wars for the tint lovers.
light junction made a type-O. They meant R2. When I first saw tha my pupils got bigger for a sec before I realized it was a type-O.

You'd be best off with a P100A2 if you sticking with 2AA.
What Surnia says is basically what a flashaholic is is defined as. Can't get enough lol

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

thanks for the clarification, I know way too little to recognise such mistakes )

I am trying to take a rational approach to flashlights (I can see you guys shake your heads, haha and you are right. But I am trying hard!),

My immediate shortlist includes a 2AA thrower and a ZL H51F (cf nothing against floodies), it's just the thrower wish is the cheaper one to fulfill

Animalmother said:

Well, being a throw lover(if you are) doesn't mean you have anything against flood lights. That wars for the tint lovers.
light junction made a type-O. They meant R2. When I first saw tha my pupils got bigger for a sec before I realized it was a type-O.

You'd be best off with a P100A2 if you sticking with 2AA.
What Surnia says is basically what a flashaholic is is defined as. Can't get enough lol

Click to expand...

Re: Eagle Tac P100A2 different emitterversions - which does what?

They have a p100a2 with a XP-E R3 instead of the XP-E R2 on the eagletac site now. I wonder if that supplant the XP-E R2 version as 2AA throw "KING" ? Any ideas people?

I have an older P100A2 that has been a great light. I would really like a new one but the choice is overwhelming. This thread has been excellent in explaining the difference. Now if I can only make a decision.

thanks!