• You must be a Supporting Member to participate in the Candle Power Forums Marketplace.

    You can become a Supporting Member.

The Lounge 2019

Candle Power Forums

Help Support Candle Power:

I’m looking for a super high output (30k+ lumens) light without a fan, under $300. The preferred beam pattern is a large even hotspot without spill, but I understand options are limited and undeveloped with these criteria.

I would LOVE a larger head / more tightly packed optics MT18vn to exceed 30k lumens, but a custom VN would be well over $500 for such, way out of the budget.

Are there any stock lights close or exceeding my criteria, or budget hosts, that could be cheaply VN’d for more performance with this budget?

The perfect light would be the Imalent MS18, if it had no fan and 4 batteries instead of 8, and half the price.
 
There are no lights that meet your criteria. Juste get an MF01 with XPL HIs and acknowledge that 30k lumens won't be that much brighter looking than 18k lumens.
 
What about the Imalent DX80? 32k lumens for $260, no fan...

So basically I should just buy 3 MT18Svn for $270 + 12 batteries, for 48k lumens? That’s actually not a bad idea. Can you link a MF01 with XPL HI? I looked all over google and the only thing I can find are 12k lumen 219c/xpg3s.

Probably 75% of the the purpose of this desired light is to turn it on in a small white room to shock friends with insane output. The MS18 is just too expensive, and loud. Otherwise perfect.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
What about the Imalent DX80? 32k lumens for $260, no fan...

So basically I should just buy 3 MT18Svn for $270 + 12 batteries, for 48k lumens? That’s actually not a bad idea. Can you link a MF01 with XPL HI? I looked all over google and the only thing I can find are 12k lumen 219c/xpg3s.

Probably 75% of the the purpose of this desired light is to turn it on in a small white room to shock friends with insane output. The MS18 is just too expensive, and loud. Otherwise perfect.

Thanks!
Relax

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
 
I’m looking for a super high output (30k+ lumens) light without a fan, under $300. The preferred beam pattern is a large even hotspot without spill, but I understand options are limited and undeveloped with these criteria.

I would LOVE a larger head / more tightly packed optics MT18vn to exceed 30k lumens, but a custom VN would be well over $500 for such, way out of the budget.

The perfect light would be the Imalent MS18, if it had no fan and 4 batteries instead of 8, and half the price.

Probably 75% of the the purpose of this desired light is to turn it on in a small white room to shock friends with insane output.
Thanks!

Get a X80GTvn. It's 32K lumens, 4 cells instead of eight, doesn't have a fan and costs less than $300... so 4 of 5 primary criteria are met. No specific beam pattern is required in order to accomplish the described 75% usage so you're covered there too. Alternately, you could buy a used MS18 for $299.99 and disconnect or remove the fan.

You're a super fun dude 250, so no callousness is intended by this thought but occasionally it feels like you're challenged to describe the light that doesn't exist and then discount the best-intentioned recommendations which don't quite meet the unrealistic precedent. I know that you have a really thorough knowledge of the available products because you're a regular on Vinh's subforum, the cutting edge of flashlight performance. If there's something that sets new achievement standards in a flashlight, you'll know about it as quickly as the rest of us and you certainly know more about lights after four years at CPF than I did! :) I definitely appreciate your enthusiasm for this stuff! ;)
 
Vinh, I would expect just about everyone to chime in with their favorite shotgun or the one they're most familiar with but in the end, any of the well known models can work equally well for you, no matter what you're doing with it. Even if at first, there's some imperfect, ergonomic feature that isn't as natural or intuitive, a flexibly minded shooter can quickly adapt to the system. I've owned and fired so many different pump models that it would be misguided of me to point you toward a single one.

In my teens and early 20's, I would go trap and skeet shooting every Wed. & Sat. night, under the lights of our various local fields, with family and friends. Saturday was a fun, informal, night so we'd "speed shoot" skeet with various shotguns, including pumps, as quickly as you could load rounds and safely run to the next shooting station. A typical round of skeet is leisurely, with each person shooting from 1 of 8 stations before moving to the next. In speed skeet 1 person would shoot all 8 stations quickly and without stopping. By the time I was in my 20's, a fast run would be about minute and for it to count, you'd have to hit all 25 clays. There was an 8 sec. time penalty for each missed target). It was a huge benefit if the person pulling the clays for you, learns your style and timing, so my brother and I would pull for one another. There was an art to pulling (releasing the clay) and you had to learn it for the sake of not messing up the person shooting. It wasn't super critical in normal skeet but when you're going fast, a half second late or early was very annoying for the shooter. Eventually, when my brother was pulling, I didn't even have to say, "pull" because as the shotgun was coming to the shoulder, the "bird" was leaving the house. haha! so much fun!

Before I owned my own shotgun I'd use a mix of whatever the adults would let me shoot. Pumps were popular for speed skeet because they were faster than over-unders and more reliable than than the Remington 1100's and Browning A5's we had at the time, which would start to malfunction after a lot of shooting. Plus, there weren't enough of them to be fired round after skeet round. Some examples of pumps were the Rem 870's, Win. 1200's, Ithaca 37's, Moss. 500's and others... like the Savage. The thing that I learned over the years is that there isn't a "best" shotgun, rifle, pistol, or revolver... period. I remember as a young shooter, that if I complained about the operation of a certain firearm, I'd get a stern.. "learn to efficiently shoot and operate the gun that's given you" speech, from either Dad, Uncle, Grandpa or any adult in the group that wanted to bust my chops. I'd normally roll my eyes but it eventually sunk in and ever since then I viewed it as a personal challenge to efficiently operate whichever mechanism I got in my hands, regardless of what minor preferences I might have.

I mentioned earlier that I only owned 870 pumps and these happen to be Wingmasters, because it's my minor preference, for a pump and the ones that I've kept over the years. I also have over-under's, a collection of Benelli's from 3-gun shooting and even a side by side. They're all great and all capable if the shooter puts just a little bit of deliberate thought toward them. No single article completely covers all the different aspects of the different models but here's a link to one that's short and to the point/s, that you might find interesting.
 
I’m looking for a super high output (30k+ lumens) light without a fan, under $300.
This light does not exist. The closest one is the X80GTvn but it is the floodiest light I have excluding mules. I love this light though and it is shockingly bright when aimed at the ceiling indoors. I've impressed alot of people by doing that. Great for use in indoor space. Not great for outdoors because it is too floody.
 
Get a X80GTvn. It's 32K lumens, 4 cells instead of eight, doesn't have a fan and costs less than $300... so 4 of 5 primary criteria are met. No specific beam pattern is required in order to accomplish the described 75% usage so you're covered there too. Alternately, you could buy a used MS18 for $299.99 and disconnect or remove the fan.

You're a super fun dude 250, so no callousness is intended by this thought but occasionally it feels like you're challenged to describe the light that doesn't exist and then discount the best-intentioned recommendations which don't quite meet the unrealistic precedent. I know that you have a really thorough knowledge of the available products because you're a regular on Vinh's subforum, the cutting edge of flashlight performance. If there's something that sets new achievement standards in a flashlight, you'll know about it as quickly as the rest of us and you certainly know more about lights after four years at CPF than I did! :) I definitely appreciate your enthusiasm for this stuff! ;)

This light does not exist. The closest one is the X80GTvn but it is the floodiest light I have excluding mules. I love this light though and it is shockingly bright when aimed at the ceiling indoors. I've impressed alot of people by doing that. Great for use in indoor space. Not great for outdoors because it is too floody.

Thanks for the recommendations guys! I have strongly considered purchasing this light in the past, the only thing that scares me heavily is how dated it is, comparatively speaking. Any moment now, another company could announce a similar light with greater capabilities. While this is always a risk, it feels much safer to me when purchasing a light within 6 months of it’s release rather than in this case, almost 2.5 years. Enough time has passed now that even Acebeam could be producing a replacement for it.

Since it seems, according to the wisdom and experience shared here, that no such light has been produced yet, I guess I will hang tight until something fresh hits the market.

Patriot, you are exactly right! I’m always looking for ways to exceed modern realistic expectations. There were a few defining moments in my flashlight hobby that constantly remind me of the strong urging desire I have to find the next one. The Nitecore MH20 was my first legit li-ion flashlight and that totally blew my socks off after the maglites I came from. I didn’t experience that as intense until purchasing the U21vn XPL. That was a beast of its time! These feelings resurfaced with my acquiring of the Emisar D4vn and especially the Goliath V2vn W1. Of all my experiences, I think I was the most head over heels for the Lumintop Micro GTvn W1.1. Astronomical throw in such a tiny package. I just want to experience such with a supremely high output flooder on a budget. I figure if I keep on asking on a monthly basis or so, eventually the dream will finally be fulfilled haha. I apologize to all if it is annoying or frustrating.

I’m afraid my flashoholism is a problem. I ‘get over’ lights very quickly and I’m always ready to give away anything that underperforms it’s successors. I have since gifted away every single light mentioned above... as soon as something throws further or puts out more lumens or beats the performance to size ratio, I dump the old and lose my appreciation for it. What is this called? Can someone diagnose my issue LOL. Materialism? I feel like there is a specific term to describe this viscous cycle.
 
Another suggestion is the x45vn. It doesn’t quite hit the 30k lumens mark but it’s crazy bright at 24k lumens. It’s a nice to hold too. Comfortable, and it shines nicely indoors/outdoors as well.
 
I’m afraid my flashoholism is a problem. I ‘get over’ lights very quickly and I’m always ready to give away anything that underperforms it’s successors. I have since gifted away every single light mentioned above... as soon as something throws further or puts out more lumens or beats the performance to size ratio, I dump the old and lose my appreciation for it. What is this called?

I call it being a very generous person!! I'm sure all of those people that you gifted realize that you gave them something that was special to you.

With regards to the X80GTvn and X45vn (another great recommendation) some lights stay at the top of their game for a long time. AB would likely only replace the X80GT if a newer LED came out that was brighter or more efficient. The design of the light is great though and apart from doubling the thickness of the LED shelf, I wouldn't want it changed in any way. Near perfect! SKY89 mentioned it's abilities outdoors but it really kind of depends on the terrain. It doesn't showcase itself as well in flat,open areas but down an alleyway, a canyon/riverbed, inside a large warehouse/factory, or in the forest, it's awesome. Anytime there's a vertical component, it is THE "supremely high output flooder on a budget."

What did you do with your K75vn?
 
Well, I want as many people to experience the same feelings I had when I graduated from Alkaline lights to Li-ion modded hot rod lights. It’s a joy to see their shock and awe, and to know they are going home with a new understanding of modern flashlight capabilities makes me happy. I try to get people passion about it like I am.

If I could afford the X45/X80GT I’d totally do it, but I’m irresponsibly buying a light I cannot afford. So if it’s surpassed with a replacement in a month, I definitely can’t afford to upgrade for another year after buying the first one, at which point I will feel the same fear of the second installment being replaced by a third... first world lower-middle class problems haha.

Best case scenario, AB releases an X45GT SBT90.2 with 18k lumens, matching the X65 in throw but nearly doubling the lumens. I could splurge to $400 and be a very happy camper for quite some time!

Thanks for your thoughts on lights in various environments! It is very meaningful to me!
 
Environment really affects one's opinion of a flashlight. I moved this year from a metropolis to a dense forest (I even abut a National Forest).
I used to aim intense throwers down the street, making the street lights look dim.
Now, that just lights up the nearest tree. But flooder, WOW! The whole forest lights up! There's no such thing as too much flood. The more even, the better.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 
I usually avoid replying to "recommend me a light" posts, because I do not know enough about the other persons search criteria, and my own likes creep into my final written recommendations.

I have a simple flow chart: Are you looking for a flashlight? Yes. Small: P60 or Olight Baton. Or one of many, many numerous?

Medium: So many to choose from.

Large:

Dedicated thrower: K75.

Power thrower, no fan: X65. Yes fan: R90Ts.

Flooder, no fan: X70. Yes fan: MS18.

Budget constraints add yet another layer of obstacles to replying to "recommend me a light" posts.

Budget constraint? Yes. Are you looking for a flashlight? Yes. Small and medium; and large power thrower and dedicated thrower and flooder: Astrolux, Sofirn, Emmisar, Manker, MecArmy, Imalent, Lumentop, Jetbeam and Convoy should fit your criteria.


There are so many new releases in Small flashlights, very frequently. I check manufacturers websites and forums daily for new releases.

There are many new releases in Medium size flashlights. I check manufacturers websites and forums frequently for new releases.

Large size lights: new releases are not so often. I waited more than three years for the K75 and MS18 and R90TS to arrive, after the X65 was released.

No fan: If X65 or X45 or X80 or X70 are over your budget, check Astrolux, Sofirn, Emmisar, Manker, MecArmy, Imalent, Lumentop, Jetbeam and Convoy websites for similar items.



--------------
Philippians 1:23
 
IQkHaab.jpg
 
What about the Acebeam K30 GT now that’s a hot rod.
I did get 2 nightwatch NI40 with SBT90 gen2 and they really scream bright and throw well with 35A Golisi 26650 batteries and has really good fins for heat removal - pretty impressed with build quality for the price, I would change UI and a forward switch if I could.
 
What about the Acebeam K30 GT now that’s a hot rod.
I did get 2 nightwatch NI40 with SBT90 gen2 and they really scream bright and throw well with 35A Golisi 26650 batteries and has really good fins for heat removal - pretty impressed with build quality for the price, I would change UI and a forward switch if I could.


Niceeeee
Forward switch will likely not be able to handle the current draw.
 
Wow Glenn! How long has that K30GT been out on the market? First I’ve seen or heard of it, thanks to you and a google search!!

Although... its significantly larger than the Ni40 SBT90.2, and has equal/worse specs for 3x the cost? Surely the build quality and battery life is superior, but I think I prefer the Ni40, which I already own, just waiting for my Golisi’s to arrive... been waiting 2 weeks lol.


Thank you richbuff and blue, your suggestions and experiences are greatly appreciated! The X65 mini is the closest thing I’ve found to what I’m looking for. I suppose Patriot was right, that the “perfect light” doesn’t and may never exist, so I’m just hanging tight till something new hits the market but all suggestions are definitely in line and all have again been reconsidered, thanks!
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Back
Top