Compared to halogen, xenon and incandescent lamps, Cree LEDs have a whole range of advantages:

• Have more high level light output per watt of energy.
• Resistant to vibration and mechanical stress.
• Long service life.
• Low energy consumption.
• Miniature dimensions and economical design.
• They produce radiation in both the warm and cold ranges of the spectrum, as well as glow of different color shades.
• Provides maximum luminous flux output immediately from the moment of switching on, without a warm-up period.
• The width of the light beam can vary from 15 to 180 degrees.
• Use of low voltage level during operation.
• Does not heat up during operation.
• They operate under large temperature changes in the external environment.
• The number of LED activations does not affect the life of the diode.

Specifications Cree XM-L T6, XM-L2, XP-L

• Cree LED XM- L T6

Single-chip diode with high efficiency. It has the standard dimensions for diodes of this series: 5mmx5mm, height 2.1mm and a standard mounting base. Operating current power indicators range from 700 to 3000 Watts. It has a high level of light output of about 120 lumens per watt. The color palette of the radiation produces neutral and cool white light from 5000 K to 8300 K. The beam dispersion angle is 125°. The operating voltage level ranges from 3 to 10 W. At a maximum ambient temperature of + 15O, the decrease in the brightness of the luminous flux is no more than 15 - 20%. Xml T6 is a very successful specimen in terms of characteristics. However, quite expensive. It is suitable for those who choose branded quality and value the product, including the brand.

• Light-emitting diodeCree XM-L2

New generation solid state power diode. Used in the production of powerful battery-powered and hand-held flashlights, bicycle headlights. Differs from the basic XM-L model in the silver color of the backing. It has dimensions of 5x5 mm and the shape of the landing base similar to the original. Technological selection is carried out at a temperature transition index of 85°C, this makes it easier to check the characteristics of the device during operation. The color palette of radiation provides neutral and cool white light from 2700 K to 8300 K. The efficiency is increased by 15 - 20% compared to the original model. The LED produces a more pronounced light beam intensity with less heat dissipation. Light output at a base current of 700 mA is 150 lm/W. The operating current limit is 3 A. Compared to the basic xm-l model, the brightness of the outgoing light stream of this model has been increased by 20%. But at the same time the heat dissipation is reduced. This allows companies producing lighting equipment to create smaller but brighter lanterns.

• Cree XP-L LED

The XP-L model differs, in comparison with the diodes of this series, in its minimum dimensions of 3.45x3.45 mm with a height of 1 mm. At the same time, the undoubted advantage is the high power - up to 10 W. The XP-L LED lens is almost identical to the XM-L, the only difference being the truncated side edges of the optical element. The optical axis is compatible with the geometric center of the housing, which greatly simplifies the design of the secondary optical system and ensures maximum compatibility. The angle of the light flux is 125°. The landing pad is similar to the XT-E and XP-G models, allowing them to be interchanged. The XP-L LED is actively used in the production of powerful flashlights by such brands as UltraFire, Police, Bailong, Nitercore, Olight, Imalent. This diode is a very interesting new product. Miniature size with high performance – its main feature. Can be assembled into fairly extensive matrices.

Let's summarize:

From a comparison of the characteristics of these LEDs, we can note that the XM-L T6 LED is now the most popular diode, with good light output per watt and excellent value prices and quality.
The XM-L2 LED is a newer generation and has the same physical dimensions on the substrate, like XM-L, while the brightness of the outgoing light stream was increased by 20% and also reduced its heating.
The XPL series of LEDs is Cree's best development to date.
The XPL series diode can even be visually distinguished from previous series; it is the smallest diode in its class; the high crystal density allows for increased light output.
In all temperature conditions he demonstrates better efficiency compared to the XM-L2 generation of diodes up to 7.5% and copes better with high temperatures.
We can certainly say that this diode, combining minimalistic size, high power and highest light output, is the future of Cree.

Characteristics:	XM-L	XM-LT6	XM-L2	XP-L
Nominal Luminous Flux (Lumens)
Power, W)
Operating temperature (degrees)	From - 40 to + 85	From - 40 to + 150	From - 40 to + 90	From - 40 to + 120
Rated current (mA)
Light output using the example of individual diode bins	XM-L U2 (300 lm at 700 mA)	XM-L T6 (290 lm at 700 mA)	XM-L2 U2 (320 lm at 700 mA)	XP-L V2 (420 lm at 1050 mA)
Dimensions (mm)
Luminous flux angle (degrees)
Color rendering index (Ra)

Detailed Specifications CREE XM-L T6 LEDs. Nominal luminous flux and power CREE T6. Table of LED brightness depending on marking.

Characteristics of CREE XM-L T6 LED.

One of the leaders in the global LED market is CREE. Its LEDs are many times more popular compared to other manufacturers. But this company does not have its official website in Russia, there is only a website in English and Chinese. Who is not good at foreign languages, will not be able to find anything on it, and the structure of the official website is quite confusing. But in Russian online stores there is practically no information about specifications, and to find the characteristics of CREE LEDs you have to try hard. To find the technical specifications of CREE XM-L T6, sometimes called simply XML T6, I had to review several fairly large datasheet documents with parameters.

Many stores, including Chinese ones, take advantage of this situation. Referring to a famous manufacturer, they promise a huge number of Lumens of luminous flux and also unreasonably raise the price of such light bulbs.

At best, they will sell you an original KRII light bulb at an inflated price. In the worst case, thanks to the influx of low-quality diode lamps from China, you will be sold a poor-quality lamp with a powerful LED of unknown manufacture at the price of the original CREE T6. To distinguish a similar one from the original, you will have to look for technical specifications, find out everything yourself, or consult an independent specialist. In this case, the online store will receive excess profits, since the price of a copy from the original may differ by 5-10 times.

Technical characteristics of CREE XM-L T6.

Appearance of CREE XM-L T6.

CRI parameters have always been different best characteristics: Super bright, durable and expensive. Consider the parameters of the T6 LED neutral white light, which has average characteristics between warm and cool. It belongs to the CREE Xlamp prayer range.

In rooms with white surfaces, a cold light lamp gives an ultraviolet effect. I got this effect when installing such a light bulb in a large corridor on the site, for some reason everyone is delighted with such light, like at a disco.

Other modes are shown in the table for reference only, such as 1000, 1500, 2000 milliamps. That is, they are calculated theoretically, but in practice they are not used, and performance in these modes is not guaranteed.

Also, in any case, pay attention to the heat dissipation of the lamp; the higher the power, the better its radiator should be. Otherwise, it will easily melt or burn.

Detailed characteristics.

Graph of current versus voltage.

Brightness level depending on current strength.

XM L T6 LED Dimensions.

XML T6 turned out to be really very successful in terms of parameters. High output of 120 lumens per watt will not be worth the money spent. It’s easier to buy regular lamps with an output of 100 lumens per watt, but the bulb will have 1 or 2 more diodes, but it will cost 5 times less. But if you are a fan of tuning, then you can show off well by buying dimensions for 3,000 rubles, you just have to explain to everyone that this is an original KRI or stick a sticker next to the dimensions.

then add it to your VKontakte page.

Characteristics of the Cree XP-G LED.

Characteristics of the CREE XM-L2 U2 and U3 LED.

Characteristics of the CREE MT-G2 LED.

Your feedback and questions.

Amir 02/07/2017 at 15:24.

Hello Sergey. I ordered an LED from Ali, neutral white 4500K on a copper substrate, it has already arrived.

Three questions are confusing:

1. Is it original? Since your image shows that the LED is divided into 6 segments, but I have no segments at all? Moreover, it is not clear which LED was sent, since the name includes several CREE XML2 XM-L2 LED T6 U2 chips.

2. Again, the specification is unclear. According to your data, the rated current T6 = 700mA, the seller indicates a current of 3.0A. With a power of 10W and 3.33V. Or do the Chinese, as always, overprice or am I missing something?

3. Before disassembling the old flashlight (on which the LB 2.0 was installed), I measured the current, it was 0.91A at maximum brightness. Question: will the new LED, which is rated at 0.7A, burn out a flashlight with a current of 0.91A?

For flashlights, ask at the flashlight.

Since the operating mode of the diode is provided by the driver, 18650 flashlights without a driver will burn out, because a charged 18650 produces 4.2 volts. What does this driver look like? and how to find out if it is in the lantern? These flashlights are so small (for example, mine says AFKA-TECH C87), in my opinion there is no place to place the driver...

The driver is made on a stabilizer chip measuring 3 by 3 mm.

I have a flashlight in which you can put 1 or 2 batteries, now I have one, if I put a second one, will this affect the brightness?

I wanted to buy a flashlight. LED CREE XM-L2 - Power 10 Watt. But I found the same ones on 4 batteries, but the power indicated is 20 watts and even 45 watts. Tell me, is it worth paying more? Or are they actually 2 or 4 times more powerful??

The LED costs the same, unless of course it’s a fake. Read the characteristics of the Cree XML2 T6 LED on my website, it is up to 10 watts, nominal 3W.

The website sells flashlights supposedly with CREE LED (Headlamp HL-900 Price: 1600 rubles)

But it seemed to me that it was cheap - isn’t it a fake?

You ask the store, they still won’t admit it.

Hello, Sergey. I wanted to ask you for advice. Opened a dispute on Aliexpress for a refund for a fake LED. In the flashlight I bought, instead of a CREE XML T6 diode, there is a diode of unknown origin. I sent a photo of the original XML and a photo of what they sent me. The Aliexpress administration refuses to acknowledge the fact of counterfeiting and asks me to provide an expert opinion from the manufacturer. Apparently from CREE itself. The expectation is that it is almost impossible for the buyer to do this. Are there any official documents that can be referred to? What would you advise in such a situation? Thank you.

Without a photo of the diode, I can’t definitely say what’s best for you to do.

Hello! I purchased a POLICE 500000 headlamp. I replaced two diodes within a month. I didn’t put much strain on the flashlight. What could be the problem?

Fake diodes or driver failure.

Hello Sergey! I have a headlamp TX133 Led 9 (circuit TX 135), the diagram shows a capacitor L105Jx400v P1007, a diode bridge, an indicator (Led) and 2 resistors. The circuit indicator does not light up, the battery does not charge, although when plugged in it shows an electrical circuit, not the lamps (LEDs) light up, when the battery is disconnected from the charger, it shows the voltage and directly lights the lamps, what could be the reason. Thank you.

The charging unit is probably faulty.

Hello! How many lumens will such a flashlight produce? And what flashlight do you recommend for cycling?

At this price, most likely the diodes there are fake, and not the original Cree T6. It’s better to ask about bicycle lights on the Fonarevka forum, they know better.

Hello Sergey, please tell me what kind of LED to put on the Sheker 1101 lamp, I’m zero in this, thank you.

I couldn’t find what kind of diode it is. Such rechargeable flashlights with a shocker are usually equipped with Cree XML T6.

Sergey, what is your opinion about LED headlights NANOLED 20W, 2 LED CREE X-ML T6,?

I can't say anything. But they often put fake Cree LEDs in such products, which are sold at the price of the original ones.

Good afternoon. Tell me, I want to order such a flashlight to use it as a bicycle light, the question is what kind of battery to buy for it so that it shines brightly and economically, I don’t know the characteristics at all, so I wouldn’t want to make a mistake with the purchase. Please help with an answer. Thank you very much in advance.

Design LED flashlight I don't know about the battery, the store consultant will tell you. Chinese lanterns, although similar in appearance, have completely different fillings. And of course there is no Cree T6 LED, but a fake one with 200 lumens instead of 300 lumens.

Hello Sergey. I bought a BL-X334-T6 headlamp, but I didn’t like the charging from the mains and from the car lighter, they are somehow weak in power. When opened, they do not have driver control for the charge level and shutdown when the charge is complete. And the battery is questionable, it says on the battery case Bailong Li-ion 18650 8800mAh, and it’s too light in weight, unlike others. What could you advise on how and what to replace with a quality and reliable one?

Buy a good flashlight that does not have these shortcomings. A good Chinese LED flashlight costs the same as a branded one.

I have a rechargeable flashlight that I want to convert into a mini spotlight.

The voltage at the contacts is 20.5 volts; when a standard incandescent light bulb is connected, the voltage drops to 20.2 volts. the current is 0.71A.

Question: what components do I need to purchase to create a mini-spotlight using LEDs with a current consumption of no more than 0.7 A, that is, a power of 8-10 Watts.

Need LED and driver.

Sergey, good afternoon! Thanks for the advice, I listened to it. I won't take it. Another question about LED bulbs low beam. In rain and fog (5000k) it will probably be very difficult to see? And is it advisable to install them in headlights without lenses? Thank you!

Good lamps work correctly without lenses. The light sensitivity of the eye depends on age, some people can see well in rain and fog, others don’t like it. That is, it is individual.

Greetings Sergey! I liked your articles, you tell them very interestingly and clearly. I wanted to ask your opinion about car lamps, everything is too good about them. Thank you in advance!

It’s better not to mess with Dled stores, they sell junk at inflated prices and scam a lot of people. In order for it to sell, the characteristics are inflated by 2 times.

Hello, dear Sergey. I have a question for you as an expert. I purchased a flashlight [link]

and I want to buy an extension cord for this flashlight [link]

to install an additional, second 18650 battery, because One battery doesn't last long. Could this have a negative effect on the LED?

Firstly, the seller is lying, there are no 1800 lumens. Nominal 300lm, maximum 600lm. The flashlight contains a driver that controls the current. It shouldn't affect the LED.

Hello Sergey. I would like to ask for help in assembling the lantern. I’m thinking of using an auto xeon as a light-emitting element, how can I assemble a flashlight with a xeon and a 12 W battery, what and how to connect, write what additionally you will need besides: battery, xenon lamps, ignition, connection diagram and how much mA to take the battery I’m looking at 12W 6800mA is approximately how long it will work on such a battery.

Nowadays there are LED lamps for cars with 4000 Lumens, I’m currently writing a review of such lamps, they are similar to xenon. The blocks for such a flashlight are the same as in a car. Calculate the battery based on the xenon power.

Hello, help me figure it out: after a minute of operation, T6 began to glow purple from white with a loss of power and became terribly hot. After turning it off and on again, it turned from white to purple and then half of the crystal died. Now there is a quarter light, but after a minute of operation it also shines purple and begins to heat up madly. What happened and what needs to be replaced?? Thanks in advance for your answer!

The LED was overheated and failed.

Hello, I have two flashlights, one with a q5 crystal, and the second with a t6. Tell me which crystal uses battery energy more economically, because when fishing, sometimes the duration of the glow and not the intensity of the light is important. I also noticed that the T6 is similar in luminous range to the q5, which did not meet my expectations of the bl 1812-t6 flashlight, the focal spot is many times larger, but the range is the same, maybe they slipped me a fake??

When fishing, the battery capacity is more important, which you probably saved on. You have the cheapest flashlight for $3, which shines at 5 meters. The seller could have deceived you, it is unknown what is stuffed there. Buy a decent flashlight and you won't have any problems.

Hello! I am a hunter and fisherman, a northerner. Can I ask you for advice on what kind of ready-made headlamp I can buy so as not to regret the money spent and get the maximum light. The ability to operate the flashlight in low temperatures is important (you often have to sit on the armor of an all-terrain vehicle all night to get to the hunting site).

It’s better to ask at the flashlight, they will advise all-terrain vehicles there good models. LEDs work even better in cold weather.

In the article you write that “the T6 LED is neutral white light, which has average characteristics between warm and cold,” but in the table with the parameters it is clearly visible that T6 is Cool White (5000-8300K), and this is nothing more than cold light.

4500K-5000K neutral white.

Do you know if it is possible to buy a separate zoom lens for such LEDs? (as in flashlights)

The light spot of Chinese lanterns is extremely well formed. I want to try to make additional headlights with a high-quality light beam by installing 5 of these diodes with lenses on one main one and adjusting the tilt and width of the light beam for each.

You can buy it. Zoom is not only a lens, it is a mechanism that moves the lens back and forth. I saw different lenses in the Chinese components.

Good afternoon. I bought a Magic Shine 878 flashlight. After working for a year, the LED burned out. There is nothing in return. LED sst-90. Can you help….

Can help. An excellent LED flashlight, but the price tag is not humane. Buy an SST90 LED on aliexpress.com, I looked it costs 1200 rubles. Disassemble the flashlight and install a new star with a diode. They also sell drivers for it for 800 rubles.

Thank you very much for your answer Sergey.

In connection with your answer, several more questions arose, write which is better to buy an LED car lamp (brand and name). And another question: is it worth assembling the circuits or looking at a ready-made inexpensive flashlight to complete it, tell me which one. And as I understand it for An external battery is suitable for powering the flashlight.

If you install the same auto lamp, but under the H4 base. You will have two modes, near and far at 1500 and 3000 Lumens. There are many other lamps for cars, but they have more disadvantages. It will be easier and more reliable to install a car lamp that will be a little more expensive. Nutrition lithium battery 12V or gel battery from an uninterruptible power supply.

It’s easy to make a flashlight yourself if you have a housing from a suitable flashlight. Buy 2 powerful LEDs or several small ones. Buy a driver. Place it on the radiator from the computer processor, connect it to the battery.

Hello Sergey. I came across your site on the Internet, after reading some topics, I decided to write to you. Backstory: I recently started digging and got involved. Until I got to the underground bunkers. The power of my old flashlight, to put it mildly, was no longer enough, and walking in semi-darkness was not a very pleasant experience. So, I had to look for something else. I wanted to assemble my own, but I really couldn’t find any drawings or diagrams anywhere on the internet. Then I went to several stores in search of a flashlight and settled on a flashlight FA-8011 T 6 32000W for 900 rubles. So, finally, my Sergei comes to you: can you help me find a ready-made one or sketch out a couple of diagrams on how to make a battery-powered spotlight (if a drawing, please with a description of the exact spare parts that will need to be purchased).Technical characteristics: range up to 1000 meters, 1000-3000Lm, I don’t know what kind of battery, old 12V, with the ability to charge a phone. Under the body of the spotlight, I selected a Soviet fan with space for batteries and circuitry, and at the back of the paint there is space for installing a diode cooler. Help me calculate the approximate amount that the homemade product will cost. And what do you think about the FA-8011 T 6 32000W is it worth it or not?

The CREE XML T6 LED shines at 280 Lumens, with a maximum of 550 Lumens. The characteristics of the FA-8011 flashlight are overestimated. Buy LED car lamps with a built-in fan and get 1500-2000 Lumens. Take the battery from an uninterruptible power supply, or better yet lithium ones from tablets.

Good afternoon. I read about LEDs, but I still have questions. Ordered 8 Rockbros 1200 Lumen CREE XM-L T6 LED Bike Lights. Most likely the power is 10 watts each. Now the question itself is what kind of power source to install so that they work. ? When I bought a 12 volt LED strip and connected it in series with a 24 volt voltage, everything worked. It will probably be the same here. If the LED's power supply is 3.7 volts (although I don't know for sure), the flashlights use batteries. So, if 3.7 volts is multiplied by 8, then it turns out to be almost 30 volts, and 0.7 A. X 8 = 5.6 A. Or is it better to put 15 volts and 3 A for every 4 lamps? Specifically for these lamps, the following batteries are used: Lithium-ion battery 18650 3.7 V 260 mAh.

I have moved your question here. Cree T6 specifications are on this page. Don't trust the Chinese, they are very deceiving.

Supply voltage 2.9 V minimum.

The power of the diode is 2 Watt and it shines at a maximum of 240 lumens.

You can use 18650 if you connect all the diodes in parallel. Just remember to connect each T6 diode through a current limiting resistor.

They must be connected in series, if 12V power is used, then they can be connected in series 4 pieces + resistor.

Hi all!

A long-term love for a bicycle pushes me to make new purchases) Sometimes it seems to me that this is not a bicycle, but a car that requires constant investment :-) But not everything is so sad. I bought a flashlight :-)

Background:
While driving with friends in the city at night, the streets of which, unfortunately, are not always illuminated, I thought over and over again that it was time to put a normal light on the steering wheel in order to be insured against a possible open hatch, or something else that you could run into in the dark.

I watched different models, thought. The light with the dynamo somehow doesn’t bother me. Then I found a cool headlight with 4 diodes, but it’s damn expensive, almost $50 and is powered by a power bank. The idea of ​​carrying a power bank with me somehow didn’t impress me. I also looked at bicycle lights, but the plastic-rubber housing in the photo is clumsy and did not inspire confidence, although it is attached to its bracket to the handlebars, which is good.

In the end, I decided to take a regular flashlight that is carried in the hand and separately buy fasteners for it, as well as a case. But I will know that this is a reliable flashlight in a metal case, and it will not be a single-function item - it can be used without a bicycle.

Selected model XML-T6 from Ultrafire, which I read about good reviews. The model is old, I think from 2014, but judging by people’s stories, it has proven itself well.

The purchase was made on the Gearbest store website, which in the product description indicates that the flashlight is equipped with two 18650 batteries from Ultrafire 3000 mAh and a charger for them.

Package: I haven’t bought from Gearbest before, I don’t know how they usually pack here, I had it in a package that contained a cardboard box. Inside the box I found a pimply bag containing two crumpled cardboard boxes - with a flashlight and a charger and batteries.

There is also a piece of paper:

Seems to be packaged securely, however:

I immediately compared the thin, crumpled cardboard packaging of the XML-T6 flashlight with the packaging of the BlitzWolf BW-LT3 lamp I had previously reviewed - theirs was much thicker and more beautiful. I think that Ultrafire needs to learn how to make packaging or select a supplier from BlitzWolf :-)

Packaging BlitzWolf BW-LT3

In the new battery charger (also in a thin cardboard package), upon close inspection, I discovered a crack in the plastic near the contact.

To be honest, the plastic from which it is made does not inspire confidence in me, and “jumping from heights” is contraindicated for it. He reminded me of the cheap, low-quality Chinese toys that our market is flooded with. They break either on the first day of purchase or before purchase....)

Considering this quality and the crack, I did not dare to open it and show you the inside, fearing that it would crunch in my hands. However, this thing is quite popular, and I think many have already opened it and, if necessary, you can find a photo. Charging has a red indicator.

Either it was my fault and I didn’t warn myself, or I forgot to put the store in - in the parcel I didn’t find an adapter from the American plug to the native one for my region. So, if you buy it, probably write to the seller in advance which fork you need. But I have such an adapter; through it I charge the batteries of my Canon camera.

P/S people who bought also complain about the lack of an adapter

Second item of the set – 2 lithium ion battery Ultrafire TR 18650 3000 mAh 3.7 V. They appear often in reviews here, you won’t be surprised by them. Brand new, charged I don’t know how long, in film. Fits the charger and the flashlight :-)

And the lantern itself: metal, cold, heavy, fits perfectly in the hand.

In addition to the cardboard, the lantern was also packed in a bag. The flashlight already has a strap inserted into it.

Having unscrewed the flashlight, I found a case inside for 3 batteries, and a white plastic tube for fixing the battery was separately

The store gives the following characteristics:

• (Range in Lumens) Lumens Range: >1000 Lumens
• (Luminous Flux) Luminous Flux: 1600 Lm
• Battery type: 1 x 18650 or 3 x AAA battery
• Modes: 5 (High > Mid > Low > Strobe > SOS)
• Zoom: yes
• Functions: walking, night riding, exploration, emergency situations
• Waterproof: IPX-65 Standard Water Resistant
• Flashlight body material: wear-resistant aluminum alloy 6061 - Durable 6061 Aluminum Alloy
• Product weight: 0.200 kg
• Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 13 x 3 x 3 cm / 5.11 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches
• Contents: 1 x UltraFire flashlight, 2 x 18650 batteries, 1 x battery charger, 1 x AAA battery case

I immediately liked its large, rubber, grooved button, which fits the entire pad of my thumb. It is convenient to press on it and there is no need to look for it in the dark. Credit to the designer!

When choosing this model, in addition to reviews, I was guided by the presence of a zoom and three different modes brightness, which, in my opinion, is just ideal for the cycling I planned.

There are rubber rings in places where the flashlight can be untwisted. The description on the store's website states that it is waterproof. I had no need to check it for water transmission.

The body has the following inscriptions:

Disassembled:

The flashlight has 5 modes:

• maximum
• average
• muted
• strobe
• SOS (shows SOS signal)

The moving part of the head allows you to zoom the beam radius

Yesterday I rode through the forest at night with friends - an excellent testing ground for the flashlight I had in mind. It illuminates the road ahead of the bike well. I was pleased with the purchase. Thanks to the zoom there are different beam angles:

This is how 3 brightness modes work (sorry for the photo, the camera is not friendly with night photography)

Let me summarize:

Minuses:
- poor quality battery charging
- lack of adapter plug

Pros:
- normal price for such a complete set
- good inexpensive flashlight
- 5 operating modes
- durable body

I'm planning to buy +7 Add to favorites I liked the review +11 +19

The CREE company is one of the market leaders in the production of LEDs. One of the most popular are the powerful diodes of the Xlamp series. Bicycle headlights and compact powerful flashlights are made on the basis of CREE XM-L2.

Cunning Chinese sellers especially like to put the CREE mark on their products; the presence of such an inscription greatly increases the level of sales. After all, the majority of buyers will not be able to distinguish a real Cree from a fake one, they will not even be able to compare the luminous flux; bright light is already good. But if there were no KRII inscription, then there is a high probability that you would have bought something else that would justify the trust placed in it.

• 1. Main parameters of CREE XM-L2 U2 and U3
• 2. How to distinguish original from fake
• 3. Detailed characteristics of U2 and U3
• 4. Results

Main parameters of CREE XM-L2 U2 and U3

For those who do not particularly understand technical documentation, I will compile a table of the main parameters. Also, do not confuse the Cree XM-L and XM-L2 series, they differ in color. For XML it is green, for XML2 it is silver. They may also slip you a very popular LED bin; it has slightly worse characteristics, but visually you will not notice the difference.

Parameter	U2	U3
Luminous flux, Lumen	300-320	320-340
Power	2 W	2 W
Operating temperature, degrees	-40 to + 85	-40 to + 85
Rated current, mA	700	700
Supply voltage, current 700 mA	2.85 Volts	2.85 Volts
Supply voltage, current 1500 mA	3.05 Volt	3.05 Volt
Supply voltage, current 3000 mA	3.3 Volt	3.3 Volt
Length and width, mm	5 x 5	5 x 5
Angle of illumination, degrees	125	125
Color rendering index	from 70 to 90 Ra	from 70 to 90 Ra

How to distinguish original from fake

Super-bright LEDs are mainly used in expensive multifunctional flashlights, such as Ultrafire. For some flashlights, for example on Aliexpress, the Chinese indicate such high brightness as if they were using alien technology. To establish the true brightness, you need to find out its nominal luminous flux by the brand of the LED. In addition to original lanterns, the Chinese sell a large number of flashlights on fake elements. Fake by appearance may resemble the original, but there is no exact resemblance. Accordingly, its quality is lower and its service life will be much shorter, because they can fail prematurely due to low quality.

One of the most simple ways To determine that the Chinese are cheating is to look at the specifications (datasheet) for the original one and compare the sizes. As a rule, the fake one is larger in size in order to provide the necessary luminous flux. Compared to the original, it has fewer Lumens per Watt. Having purchased such a flashlight, you should not be upset, you simply received a product that corresponds to the amount spent.

Detailed characteristics of U2 and U3

Main characteristics

Kriya XML Parameter Table

Emission spectrum

Results

Regardless of the generation, this LED provides a very good luminous flux. If the seller asks for a considerable additional payment for the second generation, then you can safely kick him, he is trying to scam you out of money, since they have the same price, and the difference is only on paper.

.. If you liked my article,
then add it to your VKontakte page Rate this article with stars

Reviews and questions, 40 comments

1. Nikolay 15.09.2017

   Good day. I have such a dilemma that I have not eaten or slept for the second week... PETZL myo XP headlamp, which is already 7 years old. Power supply: 3 AA batteries. It contains a Seoul w42182 LED. The flashlight is programmable. On the most high power 600 mA comes to the LED and then the amperes decrease depending on the program number. I really want to change the LED to a more powerful and efficient one, but in the general ocean of LEDs I can’t decide. Help, please, advise what is better. Thanks in advance for your answer.

   1. Expert answer 09.10.2017

      It depends on the driver parameters, you will have to increase the power on the LED.

2. Anton Ivanovich 12.05.2017

   Hello, dear Sergey. Please answer. Is there such a car lamp for 6 and 12 volts with a CREE LED or with CREE LEDs, according to the characteristics it would be very bright, but at the same time the lamp would consume a minimum number of watts. Please, if you decide to answer , focus on such an indicator as the capacity of the battery, which is small, this is 5 ampere hours, the glow time of “good” light is 24 hours. I hope for a friendly answer. Sincerely, Anton Ivanovich.

   1. Expert answer 14.05.2017

      I don’t understand what kind of lamp you need and where it goes. Buy a Cree diode and driver.

3. Vlad 16.01.2017

   What kind of (Miracle) Cree XML UV 395 nm LED is installed in flashlights. Bailong Police UV Headlamp BL-6866 I understand the color is warm white, white and cool white

   1. Expert answer 23.01.2017

      Ultraviolet LED, but most likely a fake LED, not the original Cree.

4. Igor 02.01.2017

   Hello, Sergey, Happy New Year to you, I wish you good health, success, new knowledge, and acquaintances.
   I would like to ask you what kind of color temperature is 15000K. Here on Ali they sell a set of LEDs for growers and in the description there is a line wavelength: 10 pcs. 380nm~840nm/7pcs 660nm 3 pcs. 475nm/5 pcs. 15000 K 5 pcs. 460nm. When searching on Google, I find a lamp with CreeXLamp® XT-E and XP-E diodes with a temperature of 16000K (and even saw somewhere with the same 15000K), BUT CreeXLamp® XT-E and XP-E do not have a color temperature of 15000,16000K h . What do you think the Chinese mean by color temperature 15000K

   1. Expert answer 10.01.2017

      15000 K is violet, blue. These are ordinary Chinese LEDs, there are no Cree ones there.

5. Sergey 23.12.2016

   Hello. For underwater hunting you need a powerful flashlight with warm light, what do you recommend?

   1. Expert answer 25.12.2016

      I’d advise you to go to the “Fonaryovka” forum, they know better about flashlights.

6. Mateo 16.11.2016

   There is an MTE sf23 flashlight on an ancient P7
   I want to change the driver and diode to a modern and warmer one. I use it mainly on my bike.
   What do you advise? Thank you.

   1. Expert answer 16.11.2016

      Put the Cree that suits you.

7. Dmitriy 01.09.2016

   Sergey, help me with this problem. I bought a flashlight XGlow series E6, after the next charge I mixed up the polarity and as a result the LED burned out (it rings in both directions with a resistance of 10 ohms, a characteristic smell appeared), max. light output 625 lumens. The question is where can I buy such an LED, and what brand is it?

   1. Expert answer 01.09.2016

      Typically this is Cree XML T6. You can buy it in any online store; this is the most common LED.

8. Alexey 15.08.2016

   Hello. Krii xm-l t6 worked for 3 years in the fog light of a car and then died the other day. I checked it with a tester. I think the reason is the shortcomings of the thermal paste.
   question: 1. Is it possible to change the chip yourself or take it with a radiator and farm it.
   2. where to buy (except Alli)
   3. How long will XM-L 2 U2 work on an old radiator from T6 at a current of 3A?

   1. Expert answer 17.08.2016

      1. The chip can be changed, but you need good equipment.
      2. You can buy it in domestic online stores.
      3. Depends on the size of the radiator and heating. Long is a relative concept, for some it takes 1000 hours in this mode.

9. Nikolay 12.08.2016

   Tell me how to prove that the seller sent a fake? I bought a bicycle light on Ali which, according to the ad text, contains 2 x cree xml u3. When I unpacked it and turned it on, it shines like a child’s hand-held flashlight, I took it apart and there is no cree inscription on the substrate, and in general they are somehow nameless and double... two substrates together and only two contacts for two LEDs, i.e. the second one is soldered somehow from inside the substrate, unfortunately I can’t insert a photo of this miracle here, but Ali opened a dispute with the seller, help him how to correctly prove that the bastard is cheating.

   1. Expert answer 12.08.2016

      I am an expert in this; after my examinations, manufacturers usually begin to deal with Chinese factories. Write to me by email, it is in the “About Me” section.

10. Kitaer 01.06.2016

    Everything is clear there

    1. Expert answer 01.06.2016
11. Kitaer 01.06.2016

    Sergey, please read more about bins and don’t confuse people with your misconceptions.

    1. Expert answer 01.06.2016

       Write what you didn't like.

12. Igor 25.04.2016

    Sergey, please answer. What is the difference between Cree XM-L2 and Cree XM-L2 U2 LEDs? I want to order a Nightcore HC-50 headlamp. The 2015 version includes Cree XM-L2, new version 2016 Cree XM-L2 U2 installed. Which one is better to take? Thank you in advance.

    1. Expert answer 26.04.2016

       U2 is the Cree XM-L2 LED bin. Another popular bin of this diode is “T6”. They differ by 20 lumens. It turns out T6 300 lumens, U2 320 lumens. The difference is insignificant and unnoticeable.

13. Maxim Popovich 01.04.2016

    Dear! You are an expert. I've looked at a lot of reviews. Nobody understands. There are no specific tests for LEDs. I want to buy a flashlight, but I don’t know which LED is better, because there are no specific comparisons.
    Dear! What would you recommend based on your experience - C8 CREE XM-L2 U3 with a current of 3500 mA, or C8 CREE XP-L V5 with a current of 3000 mA. Or Convoy XM-L2 U2 1A 2800 mA.
    Which one is brighter, more powerful? long-range? What is your opinion? Please write to my email: [email protected]

    1. Expert answer 01.04.2016

       Compare the nominal luminous flux and find out the difference. They are similar in parameters, so the range of a rechargeable LED flashlight will depend on the optics of the flashlight.

14. Andrey 27.03.2016

    Hello, can you please tell me which LED lamps for high and low beam will suit me? I have a two-compartment headlight Model Chevrolet Lumina APV 1992 edition Everyone complains that they initially have a bad factory light

    1. Expert answer 27.03.2016

       Look in the “Auto shop” section on my website, there are good low and high beam lamps there.

15. Igor 18.03.2016

    “... Then each diode will give 600 Lumens. In total, 2 T6 LEDs will give 1200 Lm.
    It seems to me something (from a physics course) that light fluxes from various sources are not summed up, but are calculated as the square root of the sum of the squares of each source. Those. it will not be 1200, but 848. (Light still has particle-wave duality. And waves, as you know, cannot be summed up, because even if the waves are of the same frequency, but in antiphase, we will get 0 at the exhaust). But if the waves were coherent (with the same frequency and phase), then it would be possible to summarize

    1. Expert answer 19.03.2016

       There is no need to sum up the waves here, this is a stream of photons. For example, 1 diode produces 40 lumens. We turn on 2 diodes, we get 80 lumens.

16. Dima 28.02.2016

    Hello, is the driver suitable for t6 to l2 u2?? if not, please advise the required power!!

    1. Expert answer 29.02.2016

       Will do.

17. Sergey 23.12.2015

    Hello, what can you say about these light bulbs?

    1. Expert answer 23.12.2015

       Like copies of old Japs, the seller is lying about the luminous flux. One lamp is only 1200-1300 Lumens. Long outdated.

18. Anonymous 04.11.2015

    I didn't expect to find the answer to my question (number 1) in this thread. Thank you Sergey!
    The beam shape of the Fenix ​​headlights is very good, as far as one can judge from the YouTube videos.
    You won't see another headlight like this for under $200.

    1. Expert answer 04.11.2015

       In fact, everything is standard if you know the specifications.

19. Dmitriy 17.10.2015

    Hello Sergey!

    I also did some digging on the Cree website.
    If you follow the table with technical characteristics and believe that Cree is not lying, it turns out that, for example, U2 LEDs at 0.7 amperes will produce 300 lumens of illumination. Then what we get. Famous companies, for example Fenix ​​in the BT30 model, either lie with 1200 (1800) lumens, or use the driver to increase the current to more than 2 amperes (728+728 lumens)? We all know that there are two Panasonic 2900 (3100) mAh batteries inside. That is, if two LEDs work for 1 hour 50 minutes, as Fenix ​​indicates, then in the best case, each LED will require 1690 mAh, which is more than half the capacity of the original batteries. The question is, where does the extra hour of work come from?

    1. Expert answer 17.10.2015

       These diodes are described on my website. Everything is simple here.
       The Fenix ​​BT30 has two Cree XML-T6 diodes. It has a nominal output of 300 Lumens. With good cooling, the current can be increased up to 2 times. Then each diode will give 600 Lumens. In total, 2 T6 LEDs will give 1200 Lm.
       If the current is increased further, there will be significant degradation. In Turbo mode 1800 lm. The LED will work 10 times less. At nominal value it works for 30,000 hours. On double current 20,000 hours. In turbo mode 2,000 hours. Ask the flashlight manufacturer Fenix ​​about the extra hour of work.

20. Andrey 03.10.2015

    Good day, Sergey. I have a big problem with the ThruNite TN30 flashlight. During disassembly, I accidentally turned the reflector and broke two TN30 LEDs (LEDs 3 x Cree XM-L U2, 2630 ANSI Lumens). I searched all over the Internet and couldn’t find where I could buy such a board with LEDs. Please give me some advice on what to do? Where can I buy such a board or buy LEDs separately? If you buy them separately from the board, the question arises - how to solder them. I’m not an expert in this matter, and I can’t find specially trained people in our city. I can send you a photo of the board with LEDs to your email. Help me please. With all respect, Andrew.

    1. Expert answer 06.10.2015

       It’s better to ask this question on the “Fonarevka” forum; they specialize in flashlights.