Forge 500
Forge 500
Long-range searchlight with an Arca tripod mount.
Forge 500 is a fully assembled 500W high-output searchlight built around a twelve-emitter optical array, active dual-fan cooling, and an Arca-compatible tripod interface.
- Peak output: 500W / 45,000 lumens
- Beam distance: up to 2,500 meters
- Beam intensity: approximately 1,600,000 candela
- Mounting: Arca-compatible tripod interface
- LED array: 12 × 3570 automotive emitters, 5700–6000K, Ra70
- Thermal system: two 50 × 50 × 140 mm heatsinks and two 5010 high-speed fans
- Controls: stepped output, direct 500W, direct 0W, and moonlight mode
- Housing: PETG-GF5 main body with PBT Pro lens support
Battery options
With Battery: Includes one compatible Makita-style 18V LXT pack, ready to slide on.
Without Battery: The battery is not included. Forge 500 requires a Makita-style 18V LXT slide battery pack (5S lithium-ion, 18V nominal / approximately 20V fully charged). Because the light can operate at up to 500W, the battery must have sufficient high-current discharge capability. Low-current, incompatible, damaged, or heavily worn battery packs may trigger protection, reduce output, or fail to power the light. Confirm the connector fit, polarity, and battery condition before use.
Forge 500 ships fully assembled.
Details
Forge 500 is the long-range searchlight with an Arca tripod mount. Forge 500 is a 500W high-output searchlight rated at 45000 lm, up to 2500m beam distance, and about 1,600,000 cd beam intensity. Its twelve-emitter optical array, dual-heatsink active cooling system, display, and Arca-compatible tripod interface are designed for long-range outdoor use.
Shipping & Returns
US delivery: Standard 7–15 business days or Express 3–5 business days. Shipping is calculated at checkout. US import duties are prepaid, so there is nothing extra to pay on delivery. Every order ships with tracking. Request a return within 14 days of delivery; see the refund policy for details.
Ships fully assembled.
What ships in the box
Battery not included Battery includedThis option does not include a battery. It needs a high-current Makita 18V LXT-style pack. This option includes one Makita-style 18V 8.0Ah 21700 pack.
- 01BodyClosed at the factory
- 02OpticsLens array is already in the head
- 03CellsMakita-style 18V pack, not includedOne 8.0Ah Makita-style pack is included
- 04First useInstall your battery, then switch onInstall the included battery, then switch on
Performance proof
A twelve-emitter optical system delivers extremely high output for large-area and long-range illumination.
The multi-lens front assembly is designed for long-range search and outdoor observation.
High peak intensity supports focused illumination across very long distances.
The integrated mounting interface allows the light to be secured to a compatible tripod head.
Specification-backed claims
Performance messaging is tied to concrete hardware: twelve automotive-grade emitters, dual heatsinks, dual high-speed fans, a dedicated optical array, and a reinforced printed body.
- Power stageSC8815A DCDC controller
- LED array12x 3570 automotive emitters
- Cooling2x 50x50x140mm heatsinks
- Airflow2x 5010 dual-ball-bearing fans
The beam at night
Before you order
Forge 500 FAQ
Clear answers about the Makita-style battery, 500W runtime, cooling, tripod mounting, and controls. View Forge 500Is a battery included?
Choose With Battery for a ready-to-use light: it includes one Makita-style 18V 8.0Ah 21700 pack. Without Battery includes no pack. Forge 500 takes Makita 18V LXT-style slide packs (18V nominal / about 20V fully charged). The pack has to supply the current for 500W, and a smaller pack runs for less time.
How long does it run at 500W?
About 14 minutes on a fully charged 8.0Ah 21700 pack, until the pack is empty. Output stayed at 500W for the whole run and did not step down. A smaller pack runs for less time.
Can it mount to a tripod?
Yes. Forge 500 includes an Arca-compatible mounting interface for use with compatible tripod heads.
Will the handle feel hot at 500W?
No. In a 26°C room, the highest measured temperature was 89°C at the head, and the light held 500W without stepping down. Forge 500 is a large light, and the head sits well forward of the handle, so that heat does not travel back to the grip. The hand does not feel hot. The head is cooled by two 50x50x140mm heatsinks and two 5010 high-speed fans.
Is it waterproof?
No. Forge 500 is not waterproof. The two fans need open airflow to cool the head, so keep the light out of rain and away from water.
How do the controls work?
Short-press the upper button to increase output and the lower button to decrease it. Long-press the upper button for direct 500W output and the lower button for direct 0W. From 0W, short-press the lower button to enter moonlight mode.
Build sheet
Forge 500 verified specifications.
| System | Specification | Value | Build note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light output | Peak mode | 500W / 45000 lm | Direct-access control allows the light to jump immediately to the 500W mode. Output holds 500W and does not step down. |
| Runtime | 500W, full to empty | About 14 minutes | Measured on a Makita-style 18V 8.0Ah 21700 pack. Output did not step down. |
| Beam intensity | Peak intensity | About 1,600,000 cd | Designed for highly focused long-range illumination. |
| Beam distance | Maximum throw | Up to 2500m | Measured reach depends on atmospheric conditions and target reflectivity. |
| Tripod interface | Mounting | Arca-compatible | Fits compatible tripod heads for stable long-range use. |
| Main PCB | Power management | SC8815A DCDC controller | The four primary MOSFET positions must use the specified component models. |
| Inductor | Power stage | EPC1770 / 4.7uH | Dedicated high-current inductor for the DCDC power stage. |
| LED array | Emitter system | 12x 3570 / 5700-6000K / Ra70 | Automotive emitters on a thermally separated copper base board. |
| Thermal stack | Heat dissipation | 2x 50x50x140mm heatsinks | Paired with two 5010 dual-ball-bearing high-speed fans. |
| Temperature | Head, highest measured | 89°C at 26°C ambient | Held 500W without stepping down. The head sits well forward of the handle, so the grip does not get hot in the hand. |
| Housing | 3D-printed shell | PETG-GF5 | The main body uses glass-fiber-reinforced PETG; the lens support uses PBT Pro. |
| Display | User interface | 1.3-inch / 12-pin display | Works with the two-button output control system. |
| Front optics | Lens array | 12-head lens | Optional AR-coated tempered protective glass can be fitted over the optical array. |
