Diamond Lambertian or Side Emitting for MagLite?

Hello everyone. This is my first post. I've done some searching but...I haven't found the answer. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I am thinking of buying a regulated diamond 1w maglite bulb. Which works better in the maglite? It seems from www.flashlightreviews.com that the side emitting version has more output but less throw along with a beam that I guess is typical for side emitters. I also saw a post that said something negative about the lambertian model. I'm confused and don't want to spend money on something that won't perform well. Any actual experience would really help.

Thanks.

I use Everleds in my Mags and have never tried a Diamond brand, but I think the results would be similar. It comes down to which light pattern you prefer. A side emitter will give you a very large bright central hotspot and considerably dimmer spill light. A Lambertian will give a small, well defined hotspot and smooth, bright spill light.

If you decide on the side emitter you'll probably want to obtain a sputtered reflector. With a stock reflector the central hotspot will look like a sunburst with a lot of rays shooting out from it and you might find this distracting. A well-sputtered reflector will smooth this out so that you'll have a large round central spot with few artifacts.

Well, you can ask me in a week or so. I have one of each in transit right now.

Cool!

I just wish they were a little less $.

Is it true that the EverLed drops out suddenly, to support NiCad? The PR base makes them flexible.

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Is it true that the EverLed drops out suddenly, to support NiCad? The PR base makes them flexible.

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I'm not sure I understand your question. Could you restate it?

I have a 3D mag w/ a 3 watt Diamond Lambertian and it is bright with at least 200' throw at tight focus and a nice spill(?) for lighting up the bedroom at night. It replaced a Garrity xenon bulb and it is comparable to that except the light is white vs. yellowish. Very nice. I also have a 5 watt Maglite from quality_items.com in transit.