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High Power LEDs for Torches

High Power LEDs used in torches

Even though there are hundreds of LEDs currently available, you often find the same LEDs in torches in the top segment of the market. This is simply because not every LED is suitable for use in torches. Technology is advancing rapidly, which means that LEDs are frequently changing. The following summary describes the developments that have taken place.

Summary of the most commonly used High Power LEDs

Revised in September 2010

Picture	Mabufacturer Series Specs*	Popular in	Max Lumens **(!)	Remarks
	Cree XM-L T6	2011	975 LUmen	A LED which is used in high-performance, powerful LED torches, such as the Fenix TK 35. The XM-L T6 LED is 20% more efficient than the XP-G LED at the same current. The XM-L LED is relatively large, allowing it to produce a much wider viewing angle than the XP-G.
	Cree XP-G R4 / R5	2010	450 Lumen	A LED, which is frequently being used in powerful LED torches in 2010. Many torches, which previously contained a Cree XR-E LED, are now equipped with a Cree XP-G LED. This LED provides more light and has a longer lifespan. However, because of its larger diode, it is more difficult to focus. This is the reason why we are keeping certain products, such as the Fenix TK11 with XR-E R2 LED, in our range. The R5 version delivers a fraction more light than the R4 version does when using the same amount of power, although this is not really noticeable.
	Cree XR-E R2	2010	250 Lumen	The Cree XR-E series dates back to a few years ago (2007) when the XR-E P4 came onto the market. At that time, it was an enormous breakthrough in light output and efficiency. Meanwhile, the LED is still popular and the specification has risen from P4 to R2, via Q2, Q4 and Q5. Although the light output of the Cree XR-E R2 is somewhat lower than that of the XP-G R5, the focus achieved with an equally large reflector is much stronger. If you want a torch with a far throw, then the XR-E R2 is currently your best option.
	Cree MC-E M	2010	730 Lumen	The Cree MC-E LED is a LED where 4 LEDs are placed under 1 lens. It rather large in size and it provides a high lumen output. However, because of its size, the light is difficult to focus. Torches equipped with these LEDs have a wide beam with relatively little throw.
	Cree XP-E R2	2010	250 Lumen	The Cree XP-E LED strongly resembles the XP-G series in appearance. However, the diode is slightly smaller and produces less light. On the other hand, the focus is much better, making it similar to the Cree XR-E LED, as far as its characteristics are concerned.
	Luminus SST-50	2010	1250 Lumen	The Luminus SST-50 is an LED which yields a maximum output of 1,250 Lumens. For example, the JetBeam RRT3, among others, uses this type of LED.

(Older LEDs can be found at the bottom of this page.)

* About the specifications of Q5, R2, R4, R5 etc:

Besides a brand name and a series name, many 3 Watt high power LEDs are often characterised by a specification, such as Q5, R2 or R4, depending on the type of diode that is used (the yellow square in the LED).

This specification denotes the efficiency of the LED. In general, you can say that: :

- LEDs indicated by a letter lower down the alphabet are better.When the LEDs have the same letters, those indicated with a higher number are better.

- In other words, R2 is better than Q5 and R5 is better than R2.

Other specifications apply to other LEDs, such as the Cree MC-E. Generally speaking, the same applies here: the higher, the better.

Other features

A torch manufacturer is generally able to order LEDs with features other than those usually stated, for instance, the colour of the light (tint). Each LED is tested after production and is given a particular label. The torch manufacturer does not usually include this label on his products.

** Light output (Lumens) of a LED

The light output of a LED stated in the table above shows the maximum specifications of the LED. Generally speaking, torch manufacturers do not opt for the maximum output of the LED because otherwise problems would arise concerning heat dissipation, for example, or because the batteries would be unable to provide the necessary power. In addition to this, part of the light is blocked by the the glass of the torch and the reflector. These are reasons why torch manufacturers should state a lower number of lumens than those indicated in the table below.

We have also come across some manufacturers who claim that their flashlights provide more lumens output than the LED can (or may) produce. On the other hand, there are manufacturers who state the lumens according to the ANSI standard, whereby the real output is measured and degradation of the LED is taken into account.

Older and less frequently used LEDs

Several older LEDs are listed below. These LEDs are still available although most manufacturers have switched to newer Leds.

Osram Golden Dragon LED

The Osram Golden Dragon was used briefly by NiteCore, among others. The LED was supposed to produce an improved white spectrum. However,the focusing feature was once again problematic. Torches with a far reach were more sought after and so the Cree LED was the more popular choice.

Cree XR-E Q2, Q4, Q5 LEDs

These are varieties of the Cree XR-E LED, each one being slightly more efficient than the previous one.

Luxeon Rebel 80 en 100 LEDs

The Luxeon Rebel 80 and 100 competed against the Cree XR-E P4 for a short time. However, because of quality problems, which have since been solved, this LED never became very popular. In addition to this, its focus feature was less concentrated than that of Cree LED.

SSC P7 LED

The Seoul Semi Conductor SSC P4 was comparable with the Cree XR-E 7090 P4 and even contained the same diode. However, since the focus feature in the Cree variant was better, it remained more popular than the SSC P4 LED.

SSC P4 LED

Cree XR-E P4 LED

In 2007, the Cree CR-E P4 was a real breakthrough in the field of high power LEDs. Thanks to a new technological application, its efficacy doubled. This 3-Watt LED produced 130 lumens of light, which means more than twice as much output as the Luxeon III!

Luxeon V LED

The Luxeon V LED was a 5-Watt LED, which consisted of 4 diodes, such as the Cree MC-E, for example. The Luxion V LED produced an output of 100 lumens using a power consumption of 5 Watts.

Luxeon III LED

The Luxeon 3 was one of the first real high power LEDs. Round about 2004, this 3-Watt LED achieved a light output of 60 lumens, which was spectacular at that time! The Luxion 3 LEDs produced an enormous amount of heat.

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