RobF,
Thanks for replying to my query about the ProLite! I was beginning to think that no one else had one,or even heard of them! After looking at your link to their site,I see that they have upgraded the models considerably. The light I have,the original design,had 4 settings but they are somewhat different. They are: Low LED,High LED,Xenon and High LED,Xenon only. The 25% increase in output was accomplished by sending it back to Brian,to have it upgraded. I did not do the fix myself. I sent it back to him because a few of the LED's were weaker than the others,and I wanted it brighter.Brian did the upgrade,and changed the entire LED package FREE OF CHARGE!Can't say enough good about his service! Originally,the low setting was too low for caving comfortably in our Black Hills caves.It seemed like I was always running it on high,and worried about draining the battery. I,too,use the 3.7 AH and it works really well. With the upgrade in place,I can run on the low setting and still see well. With it on high,it's great. It really lights up a cave passage! Regarding the run time,I don't think changing it made much difference. The IMO website lists the run time as 8.75 hours on high LED,and I think it is still in the ballpark.I have never just let it run down completely,and timed it. I used it yesterday for 4.5 hours,after having it sit awhile,and it worked fine-no dimming noticed.That was using the Xenon bulb,too.
Now for some thoughts and seat of the pants,comparisons. I have friends who own both the Corona and the Yukon HL. The Xenon bulb in my Prolite,is definitely brighter than the Yukon's 1 watt. Or so it seems visually. However,the LED never needs replacing,and I have already replaced my Xenon once. At 10$ a bulb,that adds up. As to the light pattern of the regular LED's,the Yukons throw a good spread but the Prolite simply overwhelms it at close range,in depth and spread.BUT,we are comparing 3 LED's Vs. 20! It should! The Corona on all 8 LED's is probably more than the Prolite output. However,I would think that the Prolite battery would last a lot longer,and that the Corona seems to have a more focussed light spread. Please keep in mind that I am using MY light for these comparisons.I am guessing that the new ones use more modern LED technology.Certainly the adjustable output is a great feature.Brian may have really kicked it up a notch,compared to mine! At the time, I bought mine because it was the best! It's still darn good,too. It's just that I if I was to buy a light set from scratch now,I would have to see the newer models before buying it again. I love the way the Prolite uses the TAG battery attachments,compared to regular batteries.Much cheaper in the long run,and you can get that monster 7 amp if you need it. However,it's nice to simply go to any sporting store,and buy a Yukon HL,for 1/3 the price. If I could change only one thing about the Prolite,it would be to get rid of the Xenon,and go with a 3 watt LED,instead. Nice to not have to worry about it burning out.The way it is now,the bulb is simply pushed or pulled,in or out,to adjust the beam.During replacement,I was thankful I didn't break anything,especially those little prongs on the bulb!
Overall,I wish there were more of them being used so we could get an accurate assessment of the new model. I have no experience with any of the other types you mentioned,so I can't help you there.
I will be going on a cave trip this Sunday,so if you have questions about performance,let me know.
Thanks, Carter
