If you were interested in the 2,000 lumen, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Surefire Beast, but didn't feel like parting with $3,000, there are alternatives.

The following light is the X990.  It uses a 3,200 lumen HID bulb.



This light uses rechargeable battery packs, similar to a cordless drill.  The runtime is around 70 minutes, and the beam is incredible.

Here is a link X990 For Sale For 500 Bucks!

This is using similar technology to the Surefire Beast ($2,900), the Maxabeam ($2000), and the Megaray ($4,000)

This is also the same technology used in the VERY bright car and truck aftermarket headlights.

Also... if you want a way to OWN a Surefire M6 Guardian with the 500 lumen HOLA.... this IS the light.

The only "regular" Incandescent light that comes even CLOSE to this is the Thor 10,000,000 candle power spotlight.  How do I know?  I have one.  And let me tell you, the Thor is HUGE, and the runtime is TERRIBLE.  Why did I buy a Thor?  Because I didn't know any better.  The runtime on the Thor is around 40 min, but it gets much dimmer long before that.  The X990 has a runtime of 70 min, and then the battery can be replaced with a new one.  So you can play with one battery, while another battery sits in the charger, waiting for you, and then you can swap out.

I know there are some of you who would REALLY like a Beast, but the checkbook won't allow it.  This is an EXCELLANT alternative for a LOT less.

Currently, there is a Group Buy for this light at www.candlepowerforums.com.

The link for this group buy is...  X990 Group Buy

If anyone is interested this is a GREAT deal, and a lot less than the 500 bucks this light usually goes for.

I just talked to the person who is doing the group buy and he said there is a %25 chance he can do this, BUT if he gets at least 85 orders, it is a DEFINITE and you can receive one for $260-$280 shipped !!!  That's an INCREDIBLE price for this light.

If anyone is interested in joining the group buy, the contact email address is batterycharger18(at)aol(dot)com.

I have found a WEALTH of flashlight info at CPF, from the 1 watt Everled I modded my 3D Maglite with, to the three 3 watt Luxeons that are in my "Phazer", all the way up to this light.  I wouldn't have heard about this light were it not for CPF, and I thought I would pass along the info.

Have a good one.

Stainless

bump

wow

hmm I just got a thor for christmas, the run time is that bad eh?

... I've always been fascinated with visible and the near visible light spectrum - tagged!

3,200 lumens - you don't need a gun for home defense - just shine it into the perp's eyes, and you can dial 911 and wait for the police to arrive

Quoted: 3,200 lumens - you don't need a gun for home defense - just shine it into the perp's eyes, and you can dial 911 and wait for the police to arrive

does it have a laser grip?

Quoted: hmm I just got a thor for christmas, the run time is that bad eh?

As a "flashlight to wow my friends for 10 min", no it isnt that bad.

As a lighting tool, yeah i kinda think so.

Also, the Thor has a HUGE "wow" factor.  You take it out, and people say... "HOLY SHIT".  When you fire it up, people say, "HOLY SHIT."

Now, to be totally honest, NOTHING has the lumen per dollar value of the Thor.  If you want the brightest light for the least amount of money, the Thor is it.

The Thor is basically, a High Beam, car, head lamp.

The thor is big and bulky, I mean REALLY big.

As an actual lighting tool, a HID is very energy efficient, VERY efficient.  And this is shown in the runtime, and output.  The X990 puts out 3,200 "bulb" lumens for over 70min, while only using a 35 watt bulb.  The Thor uses a 100 watt  Incandescent bulb, to put out 2,800 bulb lumens for around 40  min, with a decreasing output starting as soon as you hit the "go" button.

Also, the size of the thor, once again, can be a pain.  I am not saying the x990 is small, but it is a LOT smaller than the Thor, and more easily used with one hand.

have a good one.

Stainless

tagged...

280 bucks is a lot more than I'm willing to pay for a Gawd Awful Bright Light (let alone 500 bucks)...

Meanwhile, the $50 Thor has the potential to play in the same league as most HID lights, given the right modifications.

Specifically, the 100 watt Phillips H-4 lamp in the Thor is designed to operate on 13.2 volts, but is only being driven with a 12 volt battery. RESULT: Less than 50 percent of rated light output. (This is a problem shared by most 12 volt lanterns: They all use 13 volt automotive bulbs.)

However, a $40 booster board is being developed that will drive the H-4 at anywhere from 13 to 16 volts. RESULT: Enough light to bring down low-flying birds.

Even so, the run-time is around 20 minutes – More than enough for a searchlight. Plus, the battery is rechargeable, so there are no battery replacement costs to consider.

$500 for something like that is insane.

Quoted: $500 for something like that is insane.

Yup, I agree, which is why a group buy which lowers the cost to around $300 is GREAT.

ps.  I am aware of a few people who have bought a $3,000 Surefire Beast..

have a good one.

S

bumpity

High Intensity Discharges are great.  Although they make you walk funny the next day.

I have got a THOR, it rocks.  I got mine for $25.   For $260 i could have bought 10 THOR's.  With such power women would fall upon there knees and men would cry when they see me

I might have to get in on this...

Quoted: I am aware of a few people who have bought a $3,000 Surefire Beast.. you actually know someone that paid three large for a flashlight. forward them my email addy. i need adopted.

Yes.

There are people out there who share the same interest we have of firearms.... with flashlights.

It's not really that different, we like guns, they like flashlights.

Some of us would spend 16K, on a colt registered receiver M16A2.

I find the flashlight world just as interesting as the firearm world.

But... I would LOVE to be able to throw 3 large on a flashlight... and think nothing of it.  

Have a good one.

S

Tag

Id like one but its too much considering I'll rarely use it.

What is this Thor spotlight you guys are talking about.

Link?

Will it fit on a pistol rail --------- ?

I would like to meet the geek who would spend $3000 on a flashlight. Double pocket protectors, horn rims, high water pants,  black oxford loafers,  a permanent wedgie & no girlfriend.

If they can drop 3K on a flashlight, that geek has money - and damn sure he would have a girlfriend.