I'm an enthusiast, but even as an enthusiast, my favorite category of lights is floody throwers that are good for all purposes. Secretly, I think that's what most enthusiasts are looking for but too afraid to admit. Thanks for your candid review.
Nice review! Glad to see this one pass your desk. You brought up a lot of good points about the light & emitter. I figure it's worth mentioning that this light can definitely run on a flat top 21700. It lists it on the product page, thanks to those large double springs on both ends. I always run my ft03's with a Molicel P42a. Just in case anybody is on the fence about using 26650 or 18650. 👍🏻
Got the same offer. Excellent choice Cheule. I think we would see more of chinese LEDs in new flashlights instes of Cree's. Nothing wrong with that, as long as the quality is good
It fits 21700 with no problems. You just need a good spacer. A high drain 21700 is probably the best choice for this light or a 26800 with the longer battery tube.
Good review, especially the measurements. I already have an FT03 with an XHP50.2, so this version doesn't seem to be that much of an upgrade, but it was interesting to see this SFH55 in action (been curious about it for some time). For floody throwers though my absolute favorite so far is Astrolux EC03. With a high drain 21700 it tends to overperform its specs, which is something one doesn't see all that often. It's also a bit more portable than an FT03...
Good luck finding flashlights on Banggood. Practically everything is out of stock or not listed anymore. Great vid though. Would love to see all the FT03's compared sst, xhp, sft and this one... think they have an sbt90 as well. Don't expect it just sayin...All the best. ✌️
A regulated SFH55 would be pretty awesome in a body like this. I'm assuming this is just direct drive? With a linear or buck driver, I think you can get a solid 4,500-5,000 lumens without any thermal stepdown. It should easily draw 15-20A without skipping a beat.
Nice review,I think it would be really good to get a Samsung 30T 21700 battery has 35 amps of continuous discharge,it's really king and an international battery with which more or less everyone does tests in manufacturers. So then measure how many lumens you will have with that really beautiful and impressive with a flashlight that I plan to buy soon :)I think we could measure over 8000 lumens with the Samsung 30T, maybe close to 9000 lumens :)I own an Astrolux ea01s in my collection and I can say that it's really great,i also have two Samsung 30T batteries,one is in Astrolux ea01s,and the other in my pocket :)So I know what I'm talking about :)And if you decide to buy a battery,I think it's safest to buy it in vape shops,at least you're sure it's original and not fake.
I recently discovered that while my tube is well calibrated, the cheap light meter I was using was off by probably 20% under. My videos from here forward will have a much more accurate lumen rating (I use a new meter and have a reference light now)
i was thinking as a newby that tha batteries not maters only for hol loong to keep etc; but i saw also a guy who took the wurkkos ts3s [that with 6k lumen turbo]; and he putt a ''stock batery'' and wuth that went up only to 4,5lk lumnes; and with molicell bateryy to 5k [so not 6k anyhow]
I have the SFT-40 version because I wanted a thrower. The hotspot covers a house at 300ft. I wish it would have less spill and a tighter hotspot. I've seen some guys make a custom reflector that works better but I wasn't able to find one. Do you think an Osram W swap would give any advantage? Mine came with Narsil and I flashed Anduril. BTW, I use mine with a yellow filter and I never take it off. Maybe I'll try to do a Batman call sign.
If you want throw, the ratio of emitter size to reflector size is everything. So yes, a small W1 would out throw the SBT. My love of this light is precisely because the hotspot is so loose!
Very curious to see how this would compare to something like an acebeam k30-gt or preety much anyhting sbt90.2. I know the sbt90.2 would provide more throw and some higher candela but the difference would still be interesting to see The beam intensity from this thing is monstrous, looks like a really bright beam despite being so wide. Also, Acebeam has just released an SFT40 version of the L18... imagine those optics with an SFH55 behind instead
Found this emitter to be an excellent performance/cost ratio. I know the L7 will out throw this but I got curious to see by how much. This thing is so powerful, that at least on video, it seems like the sbt90 had a floodier brother.
I am not a fan of flappy doodle... Based on my experience on one's on phone they always tear out leaving the port exposed and lowering the water resistance
This would be my perfect flashlight if the CCT was about 5,000K. I hate pencil beams but pure flooders just don't reach far enough and leave me wanting. However, after looking at runtime graphs on 1Lumen, this light crashes to about 600 lumen in less than 10 minutes, no matter which level. And the driver output wavers dramatically over that time. Yet another good light for about 40 seconds. It's a shame!
If the specs weren't quite so crazily overrated, I'd buy it immediately, but 5000 lumens vs 9000? And 150kcd vs 250kcd? I can't reward that kind of behavior.
You know what? Thanks for this comment. I’ve realized since that video that my lumen tube light meter might have been underrating some lights. I’ve since swapped it out. I’ll re-measure and post. Stay tuned.
@@ayokay123I just topped off a Qb26800 cell, and I got 6,350 lumens at turn on. Which I think is very accurate, because I’ve spent great pains to fail in this tube as of late.
Yes, but we call this “factory lumens” vs “true lumens.” The reason is because the crumple reflector is about 15% loss, the glass probably another 4% (can be up to 10% if uncoated), and any inefficiencies in the driver… so you’ll never get what the manufacturer claims. Sometimes manufacturers quote only “factory lumens” because they’re too lazy to test. But more often it’s because they’re trying to use the biggest number they can realistically quote. And factory specs are it.
@@cheule "The light has an orange-peel reflector (it doesn't work well with a smooth reflector, I tested it and got a significantly dimmed center)." Banggood
I'm an enthusiast, but even as an enthusiast, my favorite category of lights is floody throwers that are good for all purposes. Secretly, I think that's what most enthusiasts are looking for but too afraid to admit. Thanks for your candid review.
You’re very welcomed!
@@cheule fyi, it's pronounced "ander-il", not "ander-real". ;)
Nice review! Glad to see this one pass your desk. You brought up a lot of good points about the light & emitter.
I figure it's worth mentioning that this light can definitely run on a flat top 21700. It lists it on the product page, thanks to those large double springs on both ends. I always run my ft03's with a Molicel P42a. Just in case anybody is on the fence about using 26650 or 18650. 👍🏻
I have an Amutorch XT45 with XHP50.3 HI, a brand of light and LED I have not owned yet. Best throw/flood combo I have owned thus far. Very good review
Got the same offer. Excellent choice Cheule. I think we would see more of chinese LEDs in new flashlights instes of Cree's. Nothing wrong with that, as long as the quality is good
I agree, county of origin isn’t what matters to me, just performance/quality.
If you go back and watch the 26650 test, it begins thermal ramp down to
Good catch!
It fits 21700 with no problems. You just need a good spacer. A high drain 21700 is probably the best choice for this light or a 26800 with the longer battery tube.
Fwiw, I’ve found my QB26800 to be lower discharge than the two batteries I used. More capacity obviously though! (6800mAh)
You just made me buy another light. Thanks.
Sorry! I hope you like it as much as I do.
Lol I liked it too now I wanna buy it ..
Good review, especially the measurements. I already have an FT03 with an XHP50.2, so this version doesn't seem to be that much of an upgrade, but it was interesting to see this SFH55 in action (been curious about it for some time).
For floody throwers though my absolute favorite so far is Astrolux EC03. With a high drain 21700 it tends to overperform its specs, which is something one doesn't see all that often. It's also a bit more portable than an FT03...
I’ll have to check out that light.
Very cool video. I loved the way you explained the UI. I own the Astrolux S43, but want to hand that down and get something beefier.
Thank you!
Good luck finding flashlights on Banggood. Practically everything is out of stock or not listed anymore. Great vid though. Would love to see all the FT03's compared sst, xhp, sft and this one... think they have an sbt90 as well. Don't expect it just sayin...All the best. ✌️
A regulated SFH55 would be pretty awesome in a body like this. I'm assuming this is just direct drive?
With a linear or buck driver, I think you can get a solid 4,500-5,000 lumens without any thermal stepdown. It should easily draw 15-20A without skipping a beat.
Nice review,I think it would be really good to get a Samsung 30T 21700 battery has 35 amps of continuous discharge,it's really king and an international battery with which more or less everyone does tests in manufacturers. So then measure how many lumens you will have with that really beautiful and impressive with a flashlight that I plan to buy soon :)I think we could measure over 8000 lumens with the Samsung 30T, maybe close to 9000 lumens :)I own an Astrolux ea01s in my collection and I can say that it's really great,i also have two Samsung 30T batteries,one is in Astrolux ea01s,and the other in my pocket :)So I know what I'm talking about :)And if you decide to buy a battery,I think it's safest to buy it in vape shops,at least you're sure it's original and not fake.
I recently discovered that while my tube is well calibrated, the cheap light meter I was using was off by probably 20% under. My videos from here forward will have a much more accurate lumen rating (I use a new meter and have a reference light now)
Great review! I recently purchased a ft03s and I'm not disappointed. Perfect for dog walking only down side is its thirsty on the batteries on turbo
The way output works, if you pull it back even 20-30% your batteries will last 4x longer.
I think that xhp70.3hi would fits nicely in the L35.
I've just reached a point where I don't want any more cold, low CRI beams, no matter what the output is.
I vastly prefer warm light, but for a thrower cold is fine. What color detail and I supposed to pick out at 100+ yards?
@@cheule Exactly, but on the other hand, those like myself who are a bit color-blind don't really care about CRI. :D
Awesome review!
I really like this light and emitter combo!
Love both my acebeam L35’s ( I have both versions) but definitely think I’m going to get this new ft03
I love it with the SFH55!
What is better for seeing in water like bow fishing or whatever looking in to lake water is more lumens better or the mcd or whatever
Currently, would you still stick with this choice or, is there anything newer you would pick?
I think this is a great light with the included SFH55 (it comes in different emitters as well).
i was thinking as a newby that tha batteries not maters only for hol loong to keep etc; but i saw also a guy who took the wurkkos ts3s [that with 6k lumen turbo]; and he putt a ''stock batery'' and wuth that went up only to 4,5lk lumnes; and with molicell bateryy to 5k [so not 6k anyhow]
the tube can be demonted from head?
I have the SFT-40 version because I wanted a thrower. The hotspot covers a house at 300ft. I wish it would have less spill and a tighter hotspot. I've seen some guys make a custom reflector that works better but I wasn't able to find one. Do you think an Osram W swap would give any advantage?
Mine came with Narsil and I flashed Anduril. BTW, I use mine with a yellow filter and I never take it off. Maybe I'll try to do a Batman call sign.
PS - I use mine with a 30T and I can see the difference between 40T and 30T so try an 21700
If you want throw, the ratio of emitter size to reflector size is everything. So yes, a small W1 would out throw the SBT.
My love of this light is precisely because the hotspot is so loose!
Good idea!
Careful.. that osram could end up "well done" 😉
What is the best jacket pocketable thrower, and why is it the Acebeam K30GT?
for how long can last at max power?
Very curious to see how this would compare to something like an acebeam k30-gt or preety much anyhting sbt90.2.
I know the sbt90.2 would provide more throw and some higher candela but the difference would still be interesting to see
The beam intensity from this thing is monstrous, looks like a really bright beam despite being so wide.
Also, Acebeam has just released an SFT40 version of the L18... imagine those optics with an SFH55 behind instead
How would you like to see the FT03S versus a Convoy L7 SBT 90.2?
Found this emitter to be an excellent performance/cost ratio.
I know the L7 will out throw this but I got curious to see by how much.
This thing is so powerful, that at least on video, it seems like the sbt90 had a floodier brother.
@@Lucas-ck1po I think the ultimate emitter would actually BE a more floody SBT90.2.
I may have missed it, but does this have a charging port or do you have to remove the battery and buy a charger?
Looking at this vs catapult pro.
anyone have both to give their thoughts?
Tough decision! They’re both great lights. If you want Anduril go the FT03. If anduril is sometimes confusion, or annoying, go ThruNite.
I am not a fan of flappy doodle... Based on my experience on one's on phone they always tear out leaving the port exposed and lowering the water resistance
I agree!
Is it pronounced; Anduril or Andureal?
I suppose watch LOTR to be sure.
Try a 21700 Samsung 40T!
This would be my perfect flashlight if the CCT was about 5,000K. I hate pencil beams but pure flooders just don't reach far enough and leave me wanting.
However, after looking at runtime graphs on 1Lumen, this light crashes to about 600 lumen in less than 10 minutes, no matter which level. And the driver output wavers dramatically over that time. Yet another good light for about 40 seconds. It's a shame!
It is definitely cool white. I prefer NW as well, but I don’t mind CW with this light.
how is SFH55 vs. SBT90.2?
Does it come with battery?
It did not.
If the specs weren't quite so crazily overrated, I'd buy it immediately, but 5000 lumens vs 9000? And 150kcd vs 250kcd? I can't reward that kind of behavior.
You know what? Thanks for this comment. I’ve realized since that video that my lumen tube light meter might have been underrating some lights. I’ve since swapped it out. I’ll re-measure and post. Stay tuned.
@@cheule That'd be most appreciated. Thanks
@@ayokay123I just topped off a Qb26800 cell, and I got 6,350 lumens at turn on. Which I think is very accurate, because I’ve spent great pains to fail in this tube as of late.
@@cheule So it still seems greatly exaggerated.
So it means that was only 5,800 lumens not 9000.
Yes, but we call this “factory lumens” vs “true lumens.” The reason is because the crumple reflector is about 15% loss, the glass probably another 4% (can be up to 10% if uncoated), and any inefficiencies in the driver… so you’ll never get what the manufacturer claims.
Sometimes manufacturers quote only “factory lumens” because they’re too lazy to test. But more often it’s because they’re trying to use the biggest number they can realistically quote. And factory specs are it.
@@cheule "The light has an orange-peel reflector (it doesn't work well with a smooth reflector, I tested it and got a significantly dimmed center)." Banggood
8500lumens and Molicell p45d😁
Any new codes for this?
Alas, no. I also have seen the price fluctuate, so hit it on banggood when it’s around $60-70. And definitely get that SFH55 emitter!
Tt