Thetasigma
Flashlight Enthusiast
I don't think I can resist any longer before I have to pull the trigger soon. I know the XPL-HI 4000k pairs really well with the reflector, what are your thoughts on the Luminus SST-20 4000k 95cri? I think that could be a serious contender. Could it handle the 3.3A of the driver?
I know it is not high CRI, but the 5D tint XP-L HIs (4000K CCT) show color remarkably well despite not being 90+ CRI, has a clean tint with no funny shifts, and pair very well with McR* series reflectors and the McR-18/XP-L HI combination might be my favorite reflector and LED combination to date. I also think it strikes that delightful balance of overall luminous flux, intensity, and good enough CRI to see all but the most demandingly accurate color needs.
I have built some of my own creations with SST-20s and they are a good LED, probably the best replacement for an R9080 219B in a reflector light, there are better options for floody triples, but the SST-20 has fantastic throw such that the high CRI versions will throw on par with XP-L HIs of the same CCT. They also seem to be pretty consistent across the beam tint wise, with no odd shifts. Where they are relative to the BBL will determine if they are slightly green or slightly gold/rose, etc. Of reputable sources the best I've seen for tint binning is the 352 step bin which is the tightest and any of the emitters in this group should have minimal distinct tinting and be pleasant to use. Driver current wise, the Spys have a bit of a limited thermal path due to their design and size, so manufacturer rated drive currents are wise to listen to here and the SST-20 is rated to 3A so no problem there.