Ledengin vs Tri-Rebel

[TheCheeker]

I'm trying to decide what LED I should use in my new build and am curious what's going to get me the brightest blue. I'm looking at this stickied thread:

http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...ightness-Chart

According to the first post, the Tri-Rebel will get me the brightest blue at 144 Lumens. But on page 9, a user posts the specs for the Ledengin LZ4's and it looks like if I can get one with 4 blues, I'll get 160 Lumens.

My questions:
- Is this an accurate representation of brightness?
- Am I right in thinking that since the Ledengin comes with all four colors together I can use the standard 5 degree lens rather than using the 18 degree the Tri-Rebel needs?
- To utilize all four dies, I would lose the ability to do any FoC configuration correct?

(I'm planning on using a NBv3, a lighted switch, an accent LED, and a recharge port w/ kill key if that makes any difference...)

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

LEDEngins (and Tri-Rebels for that matter), are basically old technology, plus you would never be able to run a LEDEngin properly with a NB. IF you use a Tri-Cree BBW (and use the White for FoC, you'll be happy with the results.

[Silver Serpent]

Yep, what FJK said is true. The LEDEngins are notoriously power hungry. It's difficult to drive them to their full potential, and the power requirements needed are not really compatible with the NB.

Tri-Crees are the way to go (today). Next year, the answer may be different.

[TheCheeker]

Well then the LEDEngin is out. What makes you guys lean toward the Tri-Cree over the Tri-Rebel?

For a B/B/W setup, the lumens listed in the shop say this:

Tri-Rebel: 58-58-235
Tri-Cree: 45.7-45.7-266

Doesn't that mean the Tri-Rebel will give me the brighter blue?

[Silver Serpent]

The 45.7 number for the Cree is at 350mA, the 58 number for the Tri-Rebel is at 700mA. When you drive both at 1000mA (typical for lightsabers), the Cree is significantly brighter.

[TheCheeker]

Ah! Perfect. Thanks guys!