Now bear in mind that the original NexNeedle used a 5W Cyan LAMBERTIAN (or High Dome), the focusing ability with which I was not exactly pleased. However, this 5W White is a Side Emitter and I had higher hopes for the combination.

Both lights have 5W White Luxeons, both Side Emitters, both running on 3x123s, the Maglite 2C is on the left, and the NexNeedle is the one on the right (duh!):

The back of the NexStar's reflector had to be cut away some to allow emitter/lead clearance for full range of focus. This may or may not have eliminated precious reflective area. But only the rear-extending post was trimmed from the Mag's reflector, leaving its entire reflective surface intact:

It is apparent from this picture just how much larger the Mag's reflector really is. And the larger reflector will play a part in the final results, although variances between individual Luxeon characteristics are also a significant determining factor.

And finally, the required beamshots, this one with the NexNeedle on the right:

Note how the Mag produces a larger hotspot, due no doubt to its larger and differently shaped reflector. But brightness and color tint are due to differences in the Luxeons themselves.

And now the LLS (Lambda Light Saber) shot with NexNeedle on the left this time:

You can see in both shots that the 5W Luxeon in the NexNeedle does not quite match up to the one in the Mag -- slightly dimmer with more of a green tint compared to the original Space Needle's truly daylight-white output.

As with 1-watt Luxeons and LGIs, it is obvious that bin sorting of the 5-watt Whites will play an important part in producing quality mods.