Are you in the market for a new flashlight? There are hundreds of options available, but if you want something durable that can illuminate the dark, wide spaces, go for top brand LEDs like CREE flashlight LEDs.
CREE, Incorporated is a LED manufacturing company founded in the North Carolina State University in 1987. Customers favor this brand for all kinds of LED uses but especially high-quality handheld flashlights. Some of the highest output lights on the market use Cree LEDs
Do be aware that some of the lower quality and older LEDs by Cree are in some lower quality flashlights.
Just because it says Cree does not mean it is a great flashlight. Consider the flashlight brand also. Go here to check all of our light buyers guides.
What sets CREE apart is its commitment to efficiency and quality. The researchers go the extra mile to bring efficient, innovative lighting solutions into the new millennium.
Since this is one of the most important pieces of a flashlight going with a high quality brand like Cree is important.
Types of CREE Flashlight LEDs
Below we’ve explored nine of the most popular LED models that CREE has released so far:
1. XR-E
One of the older LED models available on the market, most handheld flashlights with XR-E LED will be several years old already. It has a great throw with a maximum light output of around 300 lumens.
CREE flashlight LEDs that feature the XR-E model include the Xlamp XR-E LED.
XLamp XR-E LED
An innovative piece of technology forever changed the industry, with its excellent throw, strong output, and long durability. Many consumers immediately replaced their traditional light source with this XR-E LED bulb from CREE.
At 7 x 9 mm, it has a maximum light output of 251 lumens and maximum power consumption of 4 watts. CREE offers it in warm white, neutral white, and cool white.
2. XP-E
XP-E LED models provide virtually the same, if not higher, lumen output than XR-E models. It has 80% smaller footprint, though, being more energy-efficient despite the power increase.
CREE flashlight LEDs with the XP-E model include E, E2, and E2 Torch:
XLamp XP-E
What sets the XLamp XP-E apart from its predecessors is its compact size. It provides virtually the same lighting power in an 80% smaller package.
It has a maximum lighting output of 307 lumens, maximum power consumption of 3.5 watts, and measures only 3.45 x 3.45 mm.
CREE offers the XLamp XP-E in warm white, neutral white, outdoor white, and cool white.
XLamp XP-E2
The XLamp XP-E2 has better optical control than other LED models without compromising lighting output and LED reliability.
These features make it the perfect LED model to combine different colors of light. You use it in horticulture, for example, because it can produce Photo Red and Far Red.
It has a maximum lighting output of 238 lumens, maximum power consumption of 3 watts, and is only 3.45 x 3.45 mm. CREE offers the XLamp XP-E2 in warm white, neutral white, outdoor white, and cool white.
XLamp XP-E2 Torch
The XLamp XP-E2 Torch has the highest power output among CREE’s XP-E LEDs. Its energy efficiency makes it the ideal model for portable lamps and handheld flashlights, for example, providing 20% higher max lumen output without increasing its footprint.
It has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 456 lumens, maximum power consumption of 3.5 watts, and is only 3.45 x 3.45 mm. CREE offers the XLamp XP-E2 Torch in cool white.
3. XP-C
The best word to describe flashlights powered by XP-C LED models is affordable.
It is inexpensive to produce and sold cheaper than its competitors. Despite weak lumen output, it’s more susceptible to overheating than other LED models. We advise against using these flashlights unless you’re looking for quick, affordable lighting and no choice.
XLamp XP-C
The XLamp XP-C isn’t a great LED model, but it’s a notch above other LEDs in its class. It has a maximum lighting output of 138 lumens, maximum power consumption of 2 watts, and is only 3.45 x 3.45 mm. It comes in warm white, neutral white, and cool white.
4. XP-G/XP-G2/XP-G3
The XP-G LED line offers a powerful light output at a small, compact footprint. Output is so strong that it matches the throwing capabilities of the XR-E models despite being 80% smaller—true compact power.
CREE flashlight LEDs with the XP-G/XP-G2/XP-G3 models include:
XLamp XP-G
At a whopping 500-lumen output, you’d think that the XLamp XP-G overheats quickly, but it doesn’t. It is the first LED with a TM-21 reported lifespan to exceed 60,000 hours—more than half a decade’s worth of continuous usage!
The XLamp XP-G is a prime example of power and durability. It has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 493 lumens, maximum power consumption of 5 watts, and is only 3.45 x 3.45 mm. It comes in warm white, cool white, neutral white, and outdoor white.
XLamp XP-G2
The XLamp XP-G2 delivers almost 100 lumens of extra power at the same five-watt power consumption (not even its maximum output). The XLamp XP-G2 is compatible with units powered by the XLamp XP-G, so you can upgrade your old models any time.
It has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 735 lumens, maximum power consumption of 5.8 watts, and is only 3.45 x 3.45 mm. CREE offers the XLamp XP-G in warm white, cool white, and neutral white.
XLamp XP-G3
The XLamp XP-G3 is the ideal LED model for industrial lighting on roadways, construction, and horticultural projects. It has a monstrous power output of 777 lumens at a minuscule 3.45 x 3.45 mm footprint. Despite the large power output, it has a reasonable max consumption at 6 watts.
5. XM-L/XM-L2
Commercially available flashlights on the market usually use an XM-L LED model variant. It is popular for the staggering output (exceeding 1000 lumens).
CREE flashlight LEDs with the XM-L/XM-L2 models include:
XLamp XM-L
The XLamp XM-L offers a reasonable 100 lumen-per-watt consumption. Its efficacy and power make it ideal for areas that need bright lighting, such as indoor commercial spaces or roadways.
It has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 1040 lumens, maximum power consumption of 10 watts, and is 5 x 5 mm. CREE offers the XLamp XM-L in warm white, cool white, and neutral white.
XLamp XM-L EasyWhite
The XLamp XM-L EasyWhite offers an impressive two-step color point—the industry’s most compact LED-to-LED color consistency.
It’s available in high-CRI options and nearly imitates incandescent light uniformity. It has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 774 lumens, maximum power consumption of 13 watts, and is 5 x 5 mm.
XLamp XM-L2
The XLamp XM-L2 is easily one of the most popular commercial single-die LEDs. It can reach an impressive 170 lumen-per-watt efficiency.
XLamp XM-L2 has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 1040 lumens, maximum power consumption of 10 watts, and is 5 x 5 mm. It comes in warm white, cool white, and neutral white.
6. XP-L/HI
XP-L LEDs are generally the same as the older XM-L2, but on a smaller board the size of XP-G. The only difference is its limited reach. It makes up for the reach in raw power and brightness, though.
Some models far exceed 1000 lumens of power output.
CREE flashlight LEDs with the XP-L/HI models include:
XLamp XP-L High Intensity
The XLamp XP-L High Intensity is a powerful LED model in one tiny footprint. It has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 1095 lumens, maximum power consumption of 10 watts, and is 3.45 x 3.45 mm. It is available in warm white, cool white, and neutral white.
7. XHP35/HI and XHP35.2
XHP35 is a small LED model with a tiny 3.45 x 3.45 mm footprint. Don’t be fooled—it has a powerful power output capable of exceeding 1600 lumens.
The LED model is popular on a lot of commercial and residential lighting options. It’s known for its dome-like shape.
CREE flashlight LEDs with the XHP35/HI and XHP35.2 models include:
XLamp XHP35
The XLamp XHP35 serves as the golden standard for 3.45 x 3.45 mm LEDs. It has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 1712 lumens, maximum power consumption of 13 watts, and burns energy at 161 lumen-per-watt rate.
CREE offers the XLamp XM-L in warm white, cool white, and neutral white.
8. XHP50/50.2
The XHP50 has a larger footprint than the XHP35 at 5 x 5 mm. However, it isn’t just for show as it has more than 50% more power—some models exceed 2500 lumens.
CREE flashlight LEDs with the XHP50/50.2 models include:
XLamp XHP50
The XLamp XHP50 has a maximum lighting output of a whopping 2546 lumens, maximum power consumption of 19 watts, and is only 5 x 5 mm.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this is among the most powerful LEDs in its class.
CREE offers the XLamp XM-L in warm white, cool white, and neutral white.
9. XHP70/70.2
Finally, the XHP70 has a large footprint of 7 x 7 mm with a massive light source capable of busting out a maximum of 4000 lumens. Some units use an XHP70.2, known to reach around 4200 lumens.
XLamp XHP70.2
A maximum lighting output of a whopping 4292 lumens and maximum power consumption of 29 watts, it is 7 x 7 mm. Despite its monstrous power output, it maintains a maximum efficacy of 181 lumen-per-watt rate.
It comes in warm white, cool white, and neutral white.
Conclusion
There are dozens of LED models and flux bin combinations, but the average shopper will be happy with the few we’ve mentioned above. The compilation of CREE flashlight LEDs provides more than enough information to help buyers make an educated decision. In another article we will get more into flux bins.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’ll be much easier to reach a decision. Assess how you’ll be using the handheld flashlights to see which models offer the features you need and then enjoy the show. CREE has something for everyone.
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