Hey Accutronitis, people like to see pics, but it is cool to get a beam dialed in isn't it, I have started using NUBM06 diodes with a 3X BE for my 15-20 foot outside burning and saving my 44's with more complex optics for the longer stretches, everything wears down slowly over time so I beat on the cheapies, I may even PBS a pair of 06 diodes for the short range burning.....BTW are you running 4.5 or 5.0 amps on your 44? They last longer at 4.5 amps.
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This had a NUBM44 that was in a different host, it's been around and well used for a year or so, the driver still pulls down 2 amps from 3 x 26650 cells in the 11.9 volt range under load yet the old 44 was just losing it's ability to burn, everything wears out.
I put in a NUBM06 with the GBall intact and with the 3X BE it lights the bag where the year old 44 focused down even tighter would not, SAME DRIVER at 4.5a.
My point is everything wears out, so if you build a medium range champ take it easy on it and save the mileage, build a few beaters to hammer on or be prepared to replace diodes and realign every so often, but it sure is nice to have a strong one set aside for that stubborn cardboard box, this is why my builds have evolved to the removable top design, so I can change parts easily and re align everything.
This is an 06 with a 3xBE and it will light a paper bag full of cardboard in the pit, not bad for a 31 dollar diode I won at auction, I just scored another for 35 dollars, but these wont reach across the yard for burning unless you pop the can off, but that is not recommended, anyway I love a 30 dollar diode that starts fires, pretty cool...err hot.
Actually that GBall lens is more efficient than a 3 element.