New Malkoff M61 LED question regarding the SST-20

[thermal guy]

If he reads the same way I do it starts at 1A and when you wait it will creep up some. Think that’s normal

[dotCPF]

Should have them tomorrow! I'll be able to compare each SST-20 to 2 M61Ns, 1 M61W, and 1 M61 cool. Just gotta get them all lined up!

[neutralwhite]

thanks dot!

Should have them tomorrow! I'll be able to compare each SST-20 to 2 M61Ns, 1 M61W, and 1 M61 cool. Just gotta get them all lined up!

[adamlau]

If he reads the same way I do it starts at 1A and when you wait it will creep up some...

Yes. Exactly that.

[neutralwhite]

got any beam shots please ?
thank you.

I got the SST-20 5700k today and I am very impressed with the tint. If you're on the fence on this model, it is really nice. That 5700k really takes the ice out of the 6200k emitters.

[TILL-22]

@thermal @adam
Ok, thank you. Does the current go up because the voltage of the cell actually sags a little? I assume it does not get any brighter.

[Owen]

Does the current go up because the voltage of the cell actually sags a little?

Since the M61 uses a buck circuit, current will continue to rise as the battery's voltage drops *while the battery's voltage under load is high enough for the light to keep running in regulation*('cause that's what regulation is).

[TILL-22]

Thanks. I read it as going from 1 A to 1,2 A in a matter of minutes (because of voltage sag under load), I guess that's not the case because the voltage would be dropping from 4 V to 3,33 V while maintaining same output which sounds too much for a current draw of only 1 A. I might be mistaken though and I'm not very knowledgeable on how much the voltage actually sags under load!

[dotCPF]

Link to IMGUR Gallery of comparison between all current SST-20 M61s, and the older XP-G2 equivalents.

Not the best shots, these were just quick. Overall, very very excellent replacement. The hotspot is slightly tighter and brighter, but the diffused mid-section is slightly more filled in, oddly. All same exposure settings, white balance at 5050K (for some reason my S8 won't go to 5000K exactly). Host used was a 9P with 2x17500s. Just hot-swapped the modules.

Tint on all of my SST examples are exemplary. The 5700K perhaps has a touch of green, but the SST-20 4000K and 3000K are superb, both are slightly rosy, perfect for their K temps.

Will try to get better beamshots when I have a little more time! The upgrade is 100% worth it. I even notice slightly higher output on the 3000K modules with the SST-20, but I haven't taken any official readings. Might be able to get to that this weekend, we will see!

[TILL-22]

Awesome, thank you dot for the pictures! Still trying to decide on M61N or M61NL, but I'm going for 4000K for sure.

[tuelleric]

Great work, dot!

Now I think I need to buy a 3000K M61 for my G2 with Z44 HA-BK that I scored from ebay yesterday. I have the same light running the M61 Hi-Cri XP-G already and love the incan like output.

Same question for me, whether to chose the normal or the L version..

[dotCPF]

Same question for me, whether to chose the normal or the L version..

I'd go for the L in a G body, 16650 or 2xCR123 and I'd want to max my runtimes as much as possible, and the output loss is minimal. I picked the max output versions because those were what I had already for M61s so I figured it would make the most sense to compare those. Especially with the boost in CRI.

If you want to get rid of that old HCRI XP-G.... let me know

[tuelleric]

I think you are rigt, the L would be the better choice. For more „incan“ punch I still have a M91w.
My M61 Hi-Cri is powered by a Keeppower 16650, which works very well. I do not think I will ever sell it but if, I will remember you :-)

[elzilcho]

The SST-20 4000K in the MDC is just about the perfect everyday light. Beautiful beam and the good color accuracy is icing on the cake.

[Dicaeopolis]

I just received the M61WL. I put a high/low ring on it and the tricap. I bought the 22.3 head with it and installed it there. Great combination for certain things. I put it on my nightstand. Some lights are just too bright if I wake up at night and need light. That's why I tried the warm tint, easier on the eyes at night. Great runtime. I am very happy with. it.

[BigusLightus]

I recently received my M61N in an MD2 with hi/lo ring. This is the best tint and CRI that I have experienced. Certainly the most pleasing to my eye and please consider that I have been a 219 snob for many years. Combined with the MD2 two speed this might be my favorite light of all time.

[fulee9999]

I can second that. I was pretty hesitant to try the SST20 high CRI, somehow my impression was that only the nichias ( 144, 219 ) would have that beautiful neutral tint, but what do you know, these SSTs have the same gorgeous tint.

[TILL-22]

I got my MD2 with M61NL with the SST-20 on Wednesday, it's my second light with a SST-20 in 4000K and they're both very nice in CCT and tint. Very happy with them!

[Robot Mania FU]

Maybe it just matches my personal preference, but the SST20 seems to have the best balance of tint and throw for my uses. I am still surprised with how well the M61WLL has been preforming and it's really been making me question the specs I thought I "needed".

[adamlau]

Yep. The SST-20 is a nice combo beam out of an OP. Add a Quake 270 #3 for high vis...Perfect fit

[Bright_Light]

I just received my M61NL SST-20 this week and I'm really enjoying it. So awesome outdoors at night!