This past week, SupraSPL and I discussed some of the results I've recorded and we reached a few conclusions. We both use a similar wavelength correction for our Apogee meters, so that was ruled as being on point. One of the things that partially explains why the Vero 29 4000K performs as good, if not better, than the CXB3590 3500K 36V (CD) at currents of 1600~2400mA, with respect to light output. is that the Vero 29 runs at a higher potential/voltage at similar currents/amps. Another factor is the optics used, with the Vero 29 emitting at a tighter angle (~69 degrees) in comparison to the CXB3590 (~72 degrees) with Stella HB optics. From my visual observations, the Cree 3590 3500K appeared warmer/redder than the Vero 29 3000K and if so, could possibly result in a higher wavelength correction, thus raising the overall light output of the Cree CXB3590. SupraSPL thoroughly shared his views over this notion and reassured me that one's perception of color can be slightly different than another's and to disregard the idea that the correction factor, calculated and given by Apogee, for the CXB3590 should be higher.
Now two sides can argue over which cob is the best performer but from what I've seen, recorded, and shared, both Vero 29 and CXB3590 36V (CD) clearly perform quite similarly with respect to light output. If one can conclude that they perform similarly in real life application, then the only matter of question when choosing one from another for use is quality and cost. Most of us here can agree that both brands of cobs are of the highest quality and that Vero is much more affordable than its Cree counterpart.
There's more testing that I'd like to perform to better determine where exactly the Cree CXB3590 36V (CD) does its best, such as running it at currents below 1600mA.
