I have been receiving questions about the upcoming BH (BulkHead) as compared to the IMS 17mm reflector. This post will illustrate some contrasts between them and why one serves a different purpose from the other, thereby helping the true Flashoholic come to the appropriate decision reflecting the time-honored CPF mantra of, "buy'em both."

Here we see two black VIPs, one with the still-bare-aluminum BulkHead prototype (final format will be black HA3 anodized to match):

It is obvious which reflector is larger as well as deeper. Note the texturing of the BH's reflector in just the deeper recess of the cavity which helps maintain a brighter spill corona.

Here's a beamshot of both against the baseboard about three feet away (BH'd VIP on the right in all beamshots):

At 20 feet up on the sloped ceiling:

And from about 30 feet away onto the same ceiling:

The IMS 17mm reflector will provide a clear and even "softspot" with usably wide corona while retaining the original head (it is a drop-in replacement for the Fraen LP optic). But for significantly greater reach with similarly reflectorized corona and more intense hotspot, all in a not-much-larger head, the BulkHead is a must.

But then of course when canyon-crossing throw rivaling that of the much larger Mag mods is required, there is still no substitute for the "Big" BulkHead (BBH).

All of'em coming to a theater near you. Hey, "buy all three."

6.19.04

For those who intend to carry their VIPs with the BulkHead installed, the dimensions of the BH itself are 1-1/4" in diameter by 1-21/32" high and approximately ~1-3/16" to where the chamfer begins (see picture) and when installed the VIP grows to 4-9/16", thereby adding 7/16" to the overall length:

UPDATE 7-1-04: BLACK BULKHEADS are shipping now!!! This is from the CNC shop to me, so it will be a few days. Then a quick HAT pack 'n ship to y'all.

Just thought you'd like to know. We do things quick around here at BulkWare™...