The TRI-Cree vs Single LED thread.

[ThreadJack]

I've seen some topics on this, but I figured it was a good idea to have one central topic, for ease of reference. I'm ordering a stunt in BR, but I'm not entirely sure if the TRI-Cree is actually worth it, especially in red. Even single LED red is quite bright, so it's possible we're dealing with the law of diminishing returns.

If you have any experience, with any color, in both a single diode and TRI-Cree setup, let us know here. If you'd like to post pictures or video so we can get a look at them side by side, that would be amazing!

[Rapine]

Multiple LEDs will ALWAYS be brighter than just one.  That's purely strength in numbers...lol

I think I know what you mean though.  Sometimes less is more...

That said, my TRI red Warlord is just insanely bright.

I'm a huge proponent of FoC though, so I typically go for custom LEDs now.  Two main colour, and a flash.

I find that with some single LEDs, you run the risk of "dim" spots or "fade out" along the blade towards the tip.   Depends on the colour though. 

My Prophecy is a CG single, and it's pretty stinkin' bright.   

[Samhain138]

I’ve got some single red stunts.  They’re pretty much eclipsed by my tri cree Menace.  Eats a lot of power so I usually save that for premium setups.  Rechargeable betteries will be your friend.

[ThreadJack]

I’ve got some single red stunts.  They’re pretty much eclipsed by my tri cree Menace.  Eats a lot of power so I usually save that for premium setups.  Rechargeable betteries will be your friend.

That's what I thought. I have a tri-FO, and a tri-BR module in another saber, but they both have sound, and so lithium setup. The FO is not all that bright, tri cree basically brings that in line with the other US colors, which is why I specifically ordered that setup. The BR actually kinda hurt to look at, which maybe I should factor in.

[Samhain138]

Tri is on the left, a standard led is on the right.  Guardian blue is a pretty bright color regardless, but the tri cree is far more intense.


The tri red is on the left, standard led on the right.  Look at the range the light is cast from the tri cree red!

[Malik Thanewulf]

This really is super helpful. I have to get at least one saber with the try Cree set up.

[ThreadJack]

Thanks for the pics, Sam! Point. That's very helpful. The red seems to be a less obvious difference, but I see what you mean with the "aura." It definitely seems brighter.

[Malik Thanewulf]

What about fire Orange and tri-cree fire Orange? Anyone with pictures of those 2 colors side by side? Last question, would the Pyreston Orange be just as bright? Again,  any help would be awesome. (pictures of the 3 colors side by side by side, would be helpful.

[Edon Bluewolf]

Excellent side by side comparison pics Sam!

What about fire Orange and tri-cree fire Orange? Anyone with pictures of those 2 colors side by side?

Yes please I am very interested to see this

[Karmack]

I'll need to get some pictures, but I have noticed that my Tri-Cree Arctic Blue is a bit more aqua colored than the single LED Arctic Blue, which comes across as a bright, icy light blue with little or no green color at all.  More like mixing blue and white...

The Tri-Cree AB is created by using two blue LEDs and a green LED in the trio.  I think the other is generated by using the white and blue LEDs in a quad?   That would fit the color profile I'm seeing.

Its kind of interesting, because the tri-cree AB is between SRD and "standard" AB, almost like a different color entirely.

I have an SRD, Tri-Cree AB and normal AB, I'll try to get them laid out next to each other and get a good photo.   Unfortunately one (the Tri-Cree AB) is on display in my office at the moment and the other two are here at home with me...   LOL

[Samhain138]

I agree on tri AB being a different look than the standard AB.  It has a tinge more green to it.  I run it through a blue day blade and it's a really nice effect.

[deevee2]

What I notice most is that tri-cree setups do a better job of lighting the entire length of the blade well, whereas single LED setups seem to not reach the end as well and taper off more noticeably.

[Edon Bluewolf]

Same as Karmack and Sam, I see the Tri-cree AB to be an aqua color, where just regular AB is a light blue.  Not too noticeable in pics but very clear in person.

Tri-cree AB


Regular AB


Both together in staff


Like I said not very noticeably different in pics but pretty obvious difference of more green in the Tri-cree version in person.

[ThreadJack]

What was described seems more like my stunt AB when the batteries start to get just a bit low. Then slowly tapers to a dim SRD.

Is it true that a regular stunt(AAA) setup won't actually see the benefits of the tri cree? Both mine are Lithium with sound, I'd be nervous that the AAA couldn't fully power the tri LED and the tri would also drain the batteries more quickly.

[Edon Bluewolf]

I only got Tri-cree in AAA setups but they still are brighter than my regular single or blended colors with my Li-ion setups.  Also the batteries last longer than on my Emerald or Diamond, those two have the least battery life but again I got them programmed to be doing all sorts of color changes.  The Tri-crees with AAA's have about the same battery life as my Li-ions with single LED and V4 or V3 sound seems like.  My next saber is most likely going to be a stunt Tri-cree in AS with Li-ion and buck puck so I can see first hand the difference batteries and buck puck are supposed to make to increased brightness.