KC Flex Era 3

[raptor36]

Any KC light fans out there? I like the “Gravity” LED concept with some of their lights. I see the idea behind it but I am not fully convinced. 20w per 6” light seems a bit under designed. But, I have seen some great YouTube footage on their Pro6.

Anywho, KC is giving us a sneak peek at a new light coming out sept 1, 2020. The “Flex Era 3.” From what I can gather, it will be 3 LEDs per light. I curious if will have a traditional cone optic reflector or incorporate their Gravity tech.

I am really curious on the type of LED. The CREE XHP50 has been around for a number of years. I think that would be cool. They will prob just stick with the XP-L high. I am curious about the CREE XHP70.2. A lot of custom high end flash lights use it. It has also been out for a few years.

Any who. I am rambling. Anyone heard anything?!


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[NE Raptor]

I was...I wasn't privy to the knowledge I now have about off road lighting when I first purchased my triple fog kit. I put KC's in the bumper because I was familiar with the brand and they have been around forever. If I knew then what I know now, I would have went with BD. After putting XL80s on the pillars and seeing the quality difference, it is hard to argue. Not to mention light output (XL80s are a different league to be fair.) There is a price difference too but I would rather spend once and be happy.

My KC cubes in the fog pockets are quite corroded and flaking at around 18 months, though still work fine, they just kind of look crappy now. One flex light stopped working altogether which was warrantied easily through a vendor here. I have 2 C3 cubes and a flex on each side with an amber filter. I am thinking about upgrading and using these for something else altogether.

 

[Baja Designs]

We’re excited to see the release of the new Flex Era 3 as well!

By no means are we attempting to thread jack this post. Your question about the XHP70 excites us so I figured some feedback will benefit enthusiasts looking for the perfect lighting solution. When the XHP70 was first released we thoroughly evaluated this LED with our existing reflectors, prototype optics and optical software programs. While the specifications are impressive, the large die size making this an excellent LED for “immediate nearfield illumination similar to a street lamp”. We found as a forward projection LED the die size creates too much near field intensity that washes out terrain. We commonly like to reference HIDs when talking about overall performance. For example, 4”, 6”, and 8” HID’s all produce the same wattage and lumen count yet the performance varied dramatically. That’s due to the overall reflector size and depth. The same holds true when talking about LED. The reflector size is equally as important as the LED when looking for performance forward projection lighting solutions.

 

[raptor36]

^ fascinating. Thanks for the feedback! There is so much that goes into lighting and I have doing my best to research. Glad to hear first hand R&D info/ opinions especially from BD. Very much appreciated.

Btw, BD you can post anything you want on any thread I start. Never a high jack. Your input is great and highly sought over by anyone into lighting.

I have a feeling the Flex era 3 might be disappointing. I say that because most of the reviews on the “Flex” aren’t overwhelming positive. I am very curious on the design and hopefully a push forward innovation with this new to be released light.

On a side note, BD, does CREE have anything in the horizon that has sparked significant interest for you guys? Details? Thanks


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[Baja Designs]

^ fascinating. Thanks for the feedback! There is so much that goes into lighting and I have doing my best to research. Glad to hear first hand R&D info/ opinions especially from BD. Very much appreciated.

Btw, BD you can post anything you want on any thread I start. Never a high jack. Your input is great and highly sought over by anyone into lighting.

I have a feeling the Flex era 3 might be disappointing. I say that because most of the reviews on the “Flex” aren’t overwhelming positive. I am very curious on the design and hopefully a push forward innovation with this new to be released light.

On a side note, BD, does CREE have anything in the horizon that has sparked significant interest for you guys? Details? Thanks


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As of right now, nothing that I can release.

 

[raptor36]

As of right now, nothing that I can release.

Copy that! I will stay tuned for now.


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[EatYourVeggies]

https://www.kchilites.com/flex-era.html

 

[KC HiLiTES]

Hey there @raptor36 ! Just wanted to hop in here and address some of your questions that you brought up about our upcoming FLEX ERA 3 lights.

Our current FLEX lights have been around for a number of years now, so it was time for them to be revamped and redesigned. There were both some wins and losses with our original FLEX lights, and you can bet that we've taken all of that into consideration for this new ERA of FLEX lighting for us. This FE3 has been in the works for a while now, so we're very stoked to get it out there into people's hands to test for themselves.

Overall, no - these lights are not going to utilize our Gravity/rear-facing LED technology, and will stay true to the heritage of the original FLEX lights in terms of being a forward-facing LED. One of the big goals with the FLEX ERA 3 lights was the increase the output, reliability, and performance/dollar out of this light, while still keeping it in a compact, clean, and customize-able form factor that made the original FLEX lineup so popular. These are gonna be three CREE LEDs per light, each one hitting 3,672 lm @5000K color temp with a lux value 800 lx for spot, and 350 lx for combo beam. Let us know if you have any other questions about the FE3 lights! We're always happy to help answers questions and give our direct insight wherever desired.

 

[raptor36]

Hey there @raptor36 ! Just wanted to hop in here and address some of your questions that you brought up about our upcoming FLEX ERA 3 lights.

Our current FLEX lights have been around for a number of years now, so it was time for them to be revamped and redesigned. There were both some wins and losses with our original FLEX lights, and you can bet that we've taken all of that into consideration for this new ERA of FLEX lighting for us. This FE3 has been in the works for a while now, so we're very stoked to get it out there into people's hands to test for themselves.

Overall, no - these lights are not going to utilize our Gravity/rear-facing LED technology, and will stay true to the heritage of the original FLEX lights in terms of being a forward-facing LED. One of the big goals with the FLEX ERA 3 lights was the increase the output, reliability, and performance/dollar out of this light, while still keeping it in a compact, clean, and customize-able form factor that made the original FLEX lineup so popular. These are gonna be three CREE LEDs per light, each one hitting 3,672 lm @5000K color temp with a lux value 800 lx for spot, and 350 lx for combo beam. Let us know if you have any other questions about the FE3 lights! We're always happy to help answers questions and give our direct insight wherever desired.

I didn’t know you guys posted on this forum. That is awesome. Glad to get a reply from such a historic lighting company. The first lights I ever bought where 4 KC Apollo halogens! I follow you guys on IG and enjoyed your recent shop tour video post.

Anywho, you are right about the original flex. I saw those in person a few years ago at the Off road expo and sand sport super show. It is absolutely time for an upgrade on that light with newer design/ tech available. Very cool. Exciting.

I must say, after going on your site, I read up on the Flex Era 3 and I am highly impressed. Top three things I like in no particular order? First, I love the idea of the amber back light. Second, the spot pair is rated for 607 meters (1991 feet)! That is truly amazing for such a compact light. Third, ability to switch out lens optics and bezels.

Also, included is a complete harness, covers and KC’s warranty. Damn. Good value!!!!!!!!! Especially when factoring in promotions!

I can tell a lot of thought has gone into this light. I believe this light will be the talk of the town for various competitors come Monday morning. You guys should be very happy with this light. I am impressed and, I believe, a needed light for KC.

Anyway Brad from “Trailrecon” can get his hands on a pair for a video. It might be a tad biased because I am pretty sure KC sponsors his channel. But, his content is pretty interesting and I think he will do great showcasing the light for us consumers.

I would be curious to see that distance shot! Anything in the works for a FE4?! That will really wake the beast. Cree XP-L high? (You know I am going to ask lol).


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[KC HiLiTES]

I didn’t know you guys posted on this forum. That is awesome. Glad to get a reply from such a historic lighting company. The first lights I ever bought where 4 KC Apollo halogens! I follow you guys on IG and enjoyed your recent shop tour video post.

Anywho, you are right about the original flex. I saw those in person a few years ago at the Off road expo and sand sport super show. It is absolutely time for an upgrade on that light with newer design/ tech available. Very cool. Exciting.

I must say, after going on your site, I read up on the Flex Era 3 and I am highly impressed. Top three things I like in no particular order? First, I love the idea of the amber back light. Second, the spot pair is rated for 607 meters (1991 feet)! That is truly amazing for such a compact light. Third, ability to switch out lens optics and bezels.

Also, included is a complete harness, covers and KC’s warranty. Damn. Good value!!!!!!!!! Especially when factoring in promotions!

I can tell a lot of thought has gone into this light. I believe this light will be the talk of the town for various competitors come Monday morning. You guys should be very happy with this light. I am impressed and, I believe, a needed light for KC.

Anyway Brad from “Trailrecon” can get his hands on a pair for a video. It might be a tad biased because I am pretty sure KC sponsors his channel. But, his content is pretty interesting and I think he will do great showcasing the light for us consumers.

I would be curious to see that distance shot! Anything in the works for a FE4?! That will really wake the beast. Cree XP-L high? (You know I am going to ask lol).


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Glad to hear you're impressed so far with the FE3s! Like I mentioned, we are AMPed on these. Like very stoked. We recognized it was time too, so we tried to really knock it out of the park with these.

About Brad getting some - yes, he's already got a set! As well as about 15 other folks that are KC Ambassadors.

FE4?! Huh? Who told you?! TELL ME! Shhh..... I've said too much.


BTW -- thanks for watching the shop tour, that was me! We'll do a new one once the WiFi in production is up and running again.
-Taylor