CREE R2 Drop In 1 Mode LED Surefire G2 Upgrade

[Miso Beno]

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CREER2%20%20707.jpg

Have you ever wanted to bring your humble Surefire G2 into the MODERN DIGITAL ERA but didn't want to spend $75 to do it? Have no problem waiting 3 weeks, and then having to head down to your local post office to get your package? Don't care if you give money to the reds? Has DealExtreme got the drop in LED for you!

I've been dealing with DealExtreme (http://dealextreme.com) for a while now and I've gotten pretty used to the inconsistent shipping times and spotty product quality for a while now. I've also been wanting to modernize the bulb in my Surefire G2 because I wanted to be all space-agey. I also didn't want to buy a whole new light since all I needed was a handy little bulb insert.

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CREER2-708.jpg

What did I do? Why I did a ton (by ton, I mean none) of research and bought one of these CREE R2 (http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11836) drop in inserts. After waiting 20 days for my product to arrive I realized I just had to tell you guys about it. This thing is mighty impressive, particularly for the $9.12 shipped price tag.

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CREER2-709.jpg
http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NOTABILLET-717.jpg

It's a modest looking unit until you take a nice look at the LED emitter. Though small it can throw some light and generate some heat which is a concern that I've seen across the Internet. I highly doubt it'll desolder even under heavy use but it'll still get pretty gosh darned warm. At least it's not a Xenon bulb.

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CREER2-710.jpg
It wont fit in a Surefire G2 with the large secondary spring so throw that in your parts bin or at a small child. Whichever suits your fancy.

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CREER2-711.jpg
Here it is paired up with a stock P60 Xenon 6v bulb

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CREER2-712.jpg
The Cree R2 installed in the Surefire G2 housing.

NOW FOR VERY SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION.

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NOTABILLET-715.jpg
P60; Note the diffuse beam beam with a wider "hot spot."

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NOTABILLET-716.jpg
R2; A highly concentrated center beam with limited area coverage.

Both photos were taken from ~ 6" using the same exact manual settings (so autofocus had no part in this) using the same camera on the same backdrop. (White Macbook). No post processing. The Surefire P60 Bulb is several years old and has seen a fair amount of use. The two Kodak CR123 batteries were fresh.

ABRITRARY RATING: Got $10? Got a G2? Gonna be living at the same place for a month? GO BUY ONE.

Too long, didn't read? Get one of these modules. They're great.

In case you missed it:
Deal Extreme SKU.11836 (http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11836)

[Miso Beno]

I do not profess to be a captain of scientific rigor, or even solid scientific method. I made the best attempt I could to approach the problem of measuring light as I could using the best methods I could devise on short notice.


Raw Notes
1/12/2010 Battery drain test. Kodak CR123 batteries
0715 - Light turned on. *photo taken*
0725 - Light still on, G2's case is getting very warm.
0735 - Still running, the temperature seems to have leveled out. It's not uncomfortably warm yet.
0745 - Light has become uncomfortable to handle, I am going to try holding the light to see if it draws some of the heat away
0747 - Handling the light has brought the case temperature down.
0755 - Still running.
0805 - Still running, noticeable loss of brightness in photos taken.
0815 - Still running.
0825 - Still running.
0835 - Still running. At this point I would consider changing batteries if I were to use the light as a light I had to depend on but it puts out a serviceable amount of light.
The P60 is expected to completely deplete its batteries by this point (70 Minutes)
0845 - Still running.
0855 - Still running, light output seems to be holding, the light output is still better than an incandescent Maglight Minimag with fresh batteries. Read; Still very serviceable.
0905 - Still running, I can't see a real change in output.
0915 - Still running, see above. Stopping test because I have other things I need to do with my day.
0930 - I replaced the batteries in the light and then allowed it to warm up before dropping it from the third story of a building onto concrete. The light was still on when I got down to it. I don't believe there need to be any further tests.

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/CREEGIF42.gif
Time Test Photographs compressed and desaturated. All photos taken at ISO 100, F/5.6, 1/200sec.

During the timed test we have able to establish that the Cree R2 emitter "pushes" a significant amount of past the minimum 60 minutes mark established by the Surefire P60 emitter. We have also established that the usable run time after lasts in excess of 60 minutes beyond the initial "bright" period. Not much else to say about it other than it appears better in terms of run time compared to the traditional P60 bulb.

In an IRC channel several members brought up second hand reports of P60 emitters causing damage to the polymer lenses of the host Surefire G2 during similar battery trials. I can confidently report that with this specific emitter, the G2's polymer lens was not damaged. The Surefire could be touched with bare hands through the entire test; though at it's peak it was uncomfortable to hold tightly.

Concluding the battery stress test; if there is any truth to the P60 estimated battery life, and heat dissipation issues, the Cree R2 is the superior bulb.

How Shock Resistant Is It?

The Surefire G2 was built to be a budget weapon/tactical light which implies that the end product will see some, if not a large amount of shock during the bulb's lifetime. I had no way to compare the P60 to the Cree R2 so I devised a completely arbitrary test that involved me dropping the Surefire G2 in the "On" position with the Cree R2 emitter installed. As the photos below demonstrate; the Cree R2 emitter, as well as the Surefire G2's polymer body were able to withstand a fall onto the head of the light from 3 stories onto slab concrete. While only photographed once, this test was repeated a total of 4 times through out the day and the emitter is still in functional condition.

http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/creefall00.jpg
http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/creefall01.jpg
http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/creefall02.jpg
http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/creefall03.jpg
http://misostudios.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/creefall04.jpg

[Clinotus]

The light gif was pretty good, but the drop action shot from the 3rd story. A+ on you all around.

[Danube]

:clap: I cant believe you threw your flashlight off a building. I was waiting for the next photograph to be a thousand words of broken pieces. I guess the Surefires are actually worth the money. Nice post.

[B4Ctom1]

I think that the time vs brightness might be improved if the Cree module could heatsink into the body of a metal flashlight body. I believe as the regulator starts to bake, its circuit starts eating batteries itself as well.

[B4Ctom1]

Looks like surefire might feel the same way I do in my above post?
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102003_325007004_325000000_325007000_325-7-4

it appears to be a metal surefire head on a nitrolon body.


Also, if we liked the R2 Cree module, I am stoked to see what this new R5 baby does!
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.32953

[Miso Beno]

Looks like surefire might feel the same way I do in my above post?
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102003_325007004_325000000_325007000_325-7-4

it appears to be a metal surefire head on a nitrolon body.


Also, if we liked the R2 Cree module, I am stoked to see what this new R5 baby does!
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.32953

Remember, the Xenon bulb will melt the Lexan lens of a G2 light, and the majority of G2s on the market have LED heads. I'll see about performing the test again in a light with an aluminum body and see how the results look. I'll also give the R5 a whirl when I can get around to ordering one. (As well as a proper Surefire G2 LED since I now have one).

[B4Ctom1]

I bought one of these:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1993

its barely larger than the single AA battery that powers it. It runs a very long time on the single AA battery. It is still brighter than all of my old xenon bulb'ed 2xCR123A flashlights!

These two modules are the right size, and use the same P4 emitter:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1343
or
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11810

It lists that it uses 900ma, but a guy in the feedback section mentions that CPF tested it as using near or less than half that. So I am wondering if this thing would run for hours and hours at full brightness on a fresh set of CR123A's?? If a shitty 1.2V industrial AA can power it for a long time, then I am sure a set of CR123A's would for a long time and still be brighter than the xenon.

This one is a Q5, it is supposed to use the same power as the P4 and put out more light per mA:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13802

It wouldn't have the WOW! LOOKOUT! brightness of the R2 or R5, but what if you threw the R2 or R5 in the light and stashed the P4 or Q5 module into one of the storage areas on your HSLD stock/grip/tactical manpurse?

[Miso Beno]

Ohhhhhhh man. I'm gonna spend ALL of my money at Deal Extreme, aren't I?

[B4Ctom1]

Ohhhhhhh man. I'm gonna spend ALL of my money at Deal Extreme, aren't I?

You're welcome... muhwahahahaha!

my wishlist = :cry:

my past invoices = :cry: x 3

[CrackyMcZap]

I swapped mine out for one of these emitters tonight. Works a treat.

[Miso Beno]

Just a follow up. I performed the building drop test again on the Cree and the Surefire and the Surefire LED died. The Cree's LED lens also became detached and is rattling around inside of the guts of the light. When I get home from work I'll look into contacting both Deal Extreme and Surefire and seeing which company is easier to deal with in terms of customer service.

Side note: the CREE is still plugging along just fine without the lens over the LED.

[B4Ctom1]

One is in Hong Kong the other is in the USA. How will this ease be measured? I am curious to see how this plays out.

[cactusjak85]

Can you just drop an 18650 in there with that emitter and be good to go?

[Miso Beno]

Can you just drop an 18650 in there with that emitter and be good to go?

Probably, but I'm not sure and don't wanna try out Chinese rechargeable lithium batteries.

[B4Ctom1]

Can you just drop an 18650 in there with that emitter and be good to go?

An 18650 fits in many places once occupied by two CR123A's, it has a higher capacity but only the same voltage as a single 3.6V CR123A.


Probably, but I'm not sure and don't wanna try out Chinese rechargeable lithium batteries.

I will not discount your concern, but you can hedge your bets by using only circuit "protected" Hong Kong rechargeable lithium batteries. The chargers AND the batteries are both dirt cheap.

[tmavomodry]

Just a cautionary note for the dummies like me:

I also bought a Cree R2 for my G2 and foolishly just threw the unit in without first removing the spring. As I cranked down on the cap I noticed it was getting harder and harder to turn, so I did my normal thing and just turned harder. Eventually the cap tightens down *almost* all the way, but because the spring is exerting force on the cap it becomes very difficult to unscrew. I tore my hands up something terrible trying to get it off before someone offered a good technique: wrap a number of rubber bands around both the cap and the body of the flashlight. This will give sufficient grip to unscrew the cap again so you can take the damn spring off.

[Miso Beno]

Just a cautionary note for the dummies like me:

I also bought a Cree R2 for my G2 and foolishly just threw the unit in without first removing the spring. As I cranked down on the cap I noticed it was getting harder and harder to turn, so I did my normal thing and just turned harder. Eventually the cap tightens down *almost* all the way, but because the spring is exerting force on the cap it becomes very difficult to unscrew. I tore my hands up something terrible trying to get it off before someone offered a good technique: wrap a number of rubber bands around both the cap and the body of the flashlight. This will give sufficient grip to unscrew the cap again so you can take the damn spring off.

Should I edit the main post to say "REMOVE THE OUTER SPRING IF YOURE PUTTING THIS IN YOUR SUREFIRE" right at the beginning instead of half way through the review?

http://ruserio.us/images/1/brokebulb%201.jpg
http://ruserio.us/images/1/brokebulb%202.jpg
http://ruserio.us/images/1/brokebulb%203.jpg

Note: It still works.

[Miso Beno]

UPDATE: Cree is sending me a replacement unit free of charge.

[tmavomodry]

I'm actually considering switching back to the old lamp. The CREE units shines just fine, but I've been having issues with the push button. It seems like without a spring holding it in place the contacts slip a little and cause the button to not complete the circuit when pushed. More than once I've had to unscrew the cap a bit and then screw it back down before the button worked properly.

[Miso Beno]

I'm actually considering switching back to the old lamp. The CREE units shines just fine, but I've been having issues with the push button. It seems like without a spring holding it in place the contacts slip a little and cause the button to not complete the circuit when pushed. More than once I've had to unscrew the cap a bit and then screw it back down before the button worked properly.

Huh, I haven't had that problem yet. Have you tried screwing your tail cap in a little further?

[Fang]

I replaced the emitter on my G2 and it turned into one of my brightest flashlights--well worth the money.