Backyard flooder

With high output, the flashlight manufacturers need to address the heat issue by material and by electronics. The stepping down business is their solution to active cooling. You can always build your own water-cooled flashlight http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Cooled-LED-Flashlight/ or better yet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vgNh3fLxJc

Hah! I've seen that. I figure there must be something commercially available that outputs enough light to flood my yard. I could always install a bunch of floodlights on my house but I'd rather have something portable that fits the bill. I have seen lights that seem like they would fit the bill if updated (olight x6). That light is 5 years old if not more, I'd imagine something in that form factor would be possible these days with some better run times. Is there an x6vn? Lol. Kind of what I'm looking for. May be unrealistic. Front runner right now is the x7r so if you can think of anything with better run time than that, much appreciated.

I love my X7vn--better UI than the X7 or x7r, more power when I want it, and great flood. My backyard isn't too huge, but the X7 lights it up pretty dramatically. Any more than about 800 or 1000 lumens per 18650 won't be sustainable for too long, so a multi light solution might be best if an X7 or other 4x18650 won't be enough power.

Id reckon on the noctigon meteor coping well with your demands. Heat is managed very well with the active thermal management.

What about the Eagletac M Series?
I'm looking at the turbo model. I want something with some peripheral down field vision, and enough spot to "pierce" the shadows of the vegetation.

Good point on the noctigon. I just saw the advancedknifebro review of.the blf q8, and that also seems to have good thermal management (though it looks less floody than the meteor or X7)

I would go with the Fenix rc40 (2016 model)

Malkoff Wildcat V6 MD4.

Unbreakable device, simple high/low by twisting head, On/off clicky tailcap. Runs off 2x 18650 rechargeables or 4x CR123 disposable if needed.

The Wildcat is only 1350 but that's all you need. When you start to go beyond that you get diminished returns, and there's not much you can do with 3000 that you couldn't with 1350. Plus, those higher powered lights will sap their batteries and give short runtimes generally, and/or have to step down output quickly to stop overheating.

The Wildcat, especially in MD4 form using 2x good 18650 batteries will give you a great run time and hold its output near its initial turn on power.

Its a flooder, but has enough power to give enough distance for general usage. It comes in a standard 'Cool White' tint or a High-CRI Neutral, which although is slightly less powerful, will give a great beam and colour rendition.

To get that output and not step down , the only answer is to go bigger. Unfortunately you will struggle much over 3000, maybe 4000lm for over 10 mins unless you do go larger like the rc40(mentioned) and x65. These lights can run (6 cell and 8 cell respectively) for good duration's and manage the heat well. The rc40 handles heat very well, i have the rc40vnT(T for throw edition but does have plenty of bright spill) which is a modded light by vinh with PDT(de-domed , premium tint basically so you dont get any dodgy greens etc ). The output with his driver is bumped to near 8000lm and can run for over 10m , still on 30% or 50%(50% being around 3500-4000lm) can run till the cells say no more!

These 3 big hitters are the tk75(maybe worth looking at the new 2018 tk75 with xpl HI) Q70 with xhp70, run time kit added so now 2x4 cell-8 cell overall. More than doubles run time, also the tk75 is good with heat and for its size a good option. rc40vnT which is simply outstanding , over 500kcd and can run long duration's, the x65vn(10,500lm from the 5000k xhp35 HI's) on the right does get hot after a few mins. More to do with the 16.8v pack i presume and the xhp35 HI emitters. Still it can run at 30% which is over 3000lm indefinitely , 50% maybe 10+m outdoors.
The tk75vnQ70 has the large die's xhp70, which do make an awesome flood light with around 100kcd reach, bit over budget but such a flexible option. Up to 3 run time kits, so mega run times with high output available. This is one of vinhs earlier versions with around 15-16,000lm. Run at 30% again offers long use/run time especially with a run time kit installed(8 cell total)



The x7/x7vn and x45 are certainly contenders, but as mentioned, will step down..........physics! You should find though, medium and high modes enough for most tasks and will run very well. The noctigon meteor is an awesome little light, but around 2500lm is the max for indefinite running(again till cell voltage is not enough to sustain). I have the m43vn, crazy 11,000lm, hot in a minute or two. But at 20% on vinhs driver and used outdoor it gets quite warm but never hot. Its also compact enough to pocket carry in a coat, others would be on a shoulder sling for long use due to size/weight(not that i have ever used a strap, but could imagine after an hour it may grow old).


Although the malkoff figures are underwhelming compared to many of the chinese turbo figures, its a light that will work day in decade out! If your light is going to have hard life, drops,dings,bangs etc then malkoff is certainly a good option to look into.