Opinions on ThruNite Drop in engine

[aflin]

I'm currently running a 6P LED on my AR. I was doing some night shooting the other night and realized 80 lumens wasn't quite enough to illuminate targets at 50 yards (may be my eyes just suck).So now I'm looking for a new bulb. I recently came across the ThruNite 460 bulb.

I was wondering if anybody has any experience with these? Are they reliable and durable? I figured if nobody has any experience, I will take the plunge. Heck its only $25.

Note* 80 Lumens is plenty indoors. For outdoor use, I plan on dropping the new bulb in.

OR I can use this Malkoff M60 235 lumens

[toasterlocker]

Thrunite makes good products, and the XML pretty much the most advanced readily available LED out there. Good reviews on other sites, you should be pleased. It certainly isn't the "best" XML drop in out there (which would probably be the $70+ Malkoff), but I have yet to find a single negative review.

Go for it.

[toasterlocker]

I lied. The Malkoff using the XM-L is $125, and out of stock.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/m...pin-p-107.html

[joffe]

I would not use one in a weapon light. I highly doubt these are potted with thermal epoxy. The epoxy keeps everything snug and minimizes vibration - without it the electronics and wiring are prone to shaking themselves to pieces.

If you want something cheaper than the Malkoff, Dave at CPF builds bespoke P60 modules

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...s-%28part-8%29

Specify thermal potting, and also mention that the dropin will be going in a weapon light, and he'll take care of you. An XM-L dropin with potting would run you $45. You also have multiple driver level choices, for a weapon light I'd recommend a single-level module. You can also choose between a smooth reflector for longer reach, and an orange-peel pattern reflector for a 'nicer'/'smoother' beam.

[El Pistolero]

I have the exact drop-in the OP is inquiring about. I currently have mine in a Z2 handheld SureFire but the results have been impressive for me.

The light output out of the XM-L is incredible, noticeably brighter than the Malkoff M60, which I have two of to make a direct comparison. Even with the optic on the Malkoff the Thrunite XM-L still throws as far as the Malkoff (if not farther just due to the brute lumens) but the spill is literally filled with light unlike the Malkoff. It's just a brighter LED all around. I still keep the Malkoff in my M951 because of the epoxy potting and overall edge in ruggedness over the Thrunite. But I am considering buying another Thrunite XM-L to use in a weaponlight and thoroughly test it to see how it holds up.

You will not be disappointed by its output. It's ruggedness for weaponlight duty should be tested before relying on it, but it can't be much more fragile than those little incandescent bulbs in the stock SureFire lights. That's just my opinion, YMMV.

[aflin]

If you want something cheaper than the Malkoff, Dave at CPF builds bespoke P60 modules

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...s-%28part-8%29

Specify thermal potting, and also mention that the dropin will be going in a weapon light, and he'll take care of you. An XM-L dropin with potting would run you $45. You also have multiple driver level choices, for a weapon light I'd recommend a single-level module. You can also choose between a smooth reflector for longer reach, and an orange-peel pattern reflector for a 'nicer'/'smoother' beam.

Ah! A CPF member! I was hoping to hear from one. I am absolutely retarded when it comes to anything electrical. I will take your advice.
I prefer single level modules which I am taking means that there is only two functions, On and off. That is exactly what I want, no need for 15 lumens and 460 lumens in one light.

Thanks for the info, I will give Dave a holler.

I have the exact drop-in the OP is inquiring about. I currently have mine in a Z2 handheld SureFire but the results have been impressive for me.

The light output out of the XM-L is incredible, noticeably brighter than the Malkoff M60, which I have two of to make a direct comparison. Even with the optic on the Malkoff the Thrunite XM-L still throws as far as the Malkoff (if not farther just due to the brute lumens) but the spill is literally filled with light unlike the Malkoff. It's just a brighter LED all around. I still keep the Malkoff in my M951 because of the epoxy potting and overall edge in ruggedness over the Thrunite. But I am considering buying another Thrunite XM-L to use in a weaponlight and thoroughly test it to see how it holds up.

You will not be disappointed by its output. It's ruggedness for weaponlight duty should be tested before relying on it, but it can't be much more fragile than those little incandescent bulbs in the stock SureFire lights. That's just my opinion, YMMV.

Regarding your experience, I do have a concern regarding the ThruNite being used as a weapon mounted light. I have seen/heard/read about the success of malkoff engines being used on weapon lights. Thanks for your input, I don't doubt the output, I've been reading it is bright as hell, but there has been nothing on reliabilty as weapon light

[HassanChop!]

Aflin,

I have been using Lighthound drop-in's in my SF G/P series lights for over a year now. They use a Cree R5 LED and are made for Lighthound by Solarforce. They are stunningly bright and have great throw. For $17.99, it is a deal hard to beat. Lighthound even provides a THREE YEAR warranty on it!

As for the XM-L, you may have a heat problem if it used for more than a few minutes at a time and it is not properly heatsinked. The XM-L runs HOT!

See the Lighthound drop-in here:

http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound...hts_p_965.html

Best of luck on your decision!

B.

[aflin]

Aflin,

I have been using Lighthound drop-in's in my SF G/P series lights for over a year now. They use a Cree R5 LED and are made for Lighthound by Solarforce. They are stunningly bright and have great throw. For $17.99, it is a deal hard to beat. Lighthound even provides a THREE YEAR warranty on it!

As for the XM-L, you may have a heat problem if it used for more than a few minutes at a time and it is not properly heatsinked. The XM-L runs HOT!

See the Lighthound drop-in here:

http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound...hts_p_965.html

Best of luck on your decision!

B.

Hmm, seems like another great option. Dang it, more choices to make. Have you run this on a weapon before. I am concerned about the engine will handle repeated recoils from a 5.56.

One more thing, what does"heat sinked" mean? I keep seeing it on CPF, but it still puzzles me. I'm assuming it has to do with regulating the heat coming of the engine?

[toasterlocker]

Heatsink simply refers to something to draw the heat away from the LED itself to keep it cool. It is one of the reasons Malkoffs are popular, the solid brass construction is a great heatsink. It is also why you will see some lights literally have cooling fins sticking out the sides, those are heatsinks as well.

I can't speak for the use of thermal expoxy with the Thrunite, but as others have pointed out, it appears to be constructed every bit as well as Surefire LED drop ins, and would certainly be more durable than an old Surefire incandescent. Unless you are planning on throwing it against metal plates as hard as you can or shooting it shotgun slugs, I really doubt you are going to have any problems.

[HassanChop!]

Toasterlocker hit it on the head.

I have not mounted my Lighthound drop-in on any of my rifles, but I have dropped the frick'n flashlight numerous times on the asphalt tossing doper cars and other fun stuff. Not a problem yet, and if there was, it has the vendor's warranty for a few more years!

Lighthound, Thrunight, or Malkoff.... They will all work. Just depends how much you want to empty your wallet.

B.