Arc AAA - how bright?

C

Claidheamh Mor

Joined
Aug 8, 2001
Messages
58
I keep reading about the Arc AAA LED torch but I can't relate its brightness to any torch I know

How bright is it in comparison to say a Surefire E2? Or is it as bright as any of the maglites?

Thanks
:) :) :)
 
You should read the other threads on this light. Its only a <b>one LED</b> light. Very small, meant for backup and not primary light unless you don't need a lot. It is (I have a white one), as bright, or maybe a little brighter than a Photon II or the Photon III in its "high beam" mode. Its technology is not anything like a Surefire! It is more closely related to the Photon lights, or something like the Inova X5 which has 5 LEDs...

I bought one for each one of my kids, and they use them every night to do their outside chores (making sure the foul are in their hutches for the night). Unlike larger flashlights they can not carry around their necks, they don't seem to loose these. Their really <b>big</b> advantage over the Photons is that battery replacement is both inexpensive and very simple.

If its dark enough and your eyes are well enough adapted, these little flashlights are more than adequate for most chores.
 
For a lot of info on flashlights check out http://www.candlepowerforums.com/

It is to flashlights what Bladeforums is to knives.

The arc AAA is plenty bright. I am very impressed with the amount of light it puts out. I also like the fact that it takes AAA batteries.
 
The ARC LE I have is about 6.8 Candlepower power level. This is way more light then any of my Photon Microlite II's. Light output is roughly equivalent to a Maglite Solatire or an average "pen" light. It also is significantly brighter then my StreamLight Stylus LED pen light.

For what it's worth, the ARC AAA lights are significantly better then the CMG Infinity lights. Better light output, small size, better beam quality, better machining of the light itself, etc. Both lights are priced about the same, don't waste your money on the Infinity.

Once I put the ARC LE on my keychain, I quit using my Photon Mircolit II and the double AA Maglite I carried in my bag. It fits the roles those lights did very well since I always have more light output then the Photon but, rarely needed the Maglite - its bulk or, its weight for additional light output wasn't needed.
 
I bought a few of the ARC lights. A white one...and a blue one just for grins.

They both put out an impressive amount of light for something so small. Just got them so no input on battery life. Supposed to be around 5 hours or so. AAA's are everywhere...and cheap, so batteries are no problem.

I have an Infinity light too. Not as bright, but still well made. The good thing about the Infinity is a 40 hour burn time.

I keep the white one on my keychain as a back-up for my back-up light. :rolleyes: I carry way too much crap with me. :D

I don't think you'll be disappointed with an ARC light. So small and light weight, you won't have an excuse not having a light with you at all times.
 
I don't think you'll be disappointed with an ARC light. So small and light weight, you won't have an excuse not having a light with you at all times.
Click to expand...

Yes this is the idea I think. But they are both bigger (over all) and heavier than a photon, and that, along with the instant on/off switch is the big advantage of the photon II. The photon III has the various brightness and flash modes, but its also a little more expensive. I've compared my new photon III with the ARC, and find that at hi-brightness, the photon puts out just about the same light (remember, brand new battery, and they do start to dim fairly quickly). The ARC is supposed to have circutry that keeps the lamp at maximum brightness until the battery is close to exhaustion, while the photon dims steadily over the life of the battery - at least my photon II did this.

The photons to have their disadvantages to be sure. Primarily their battery cost, but I've noticed that in the dead of night, when my eyes are fully dialated, and inside my house (with mostly white walls), both the ARC, and the photon on bright mode, are way brighter than necessary for simple navigation or reading. The low-mode on the photon III (I'd subjectively guess 30-50% of the bright-mode) is just right for these chores, and I'm pleased with this feature. I also got the "covert" version of the photon, which sheilds the LED from splashing light back at you. This <i>reduces</i> the light's utility as a rescue signal, but just about everything else you might want to do with it becomes <i>much</i> more comfortable!.

So the Photon stays around my neck, even when I sleep, while the ARC goes on my keychain.
 
Thanks for the thoughts everyone - right now I have a maglite solitaire on my keychain and an asp in my coat pocket. I guess the arc will beat both of these.
 
Hey guys

I bought an Inova X-5 a few weeks ago and am very impressed. Lots of light for an LED.

fdc28bd5.jpg


Runs on 123's. Cheaper if you buy on the internet in bulk. Heard they can run "dead" batteries from Surefire lights for a while. Stood it on end in dark room, and it put out lots of usable light.
 
I've switched from PhotonIII's on a neck lanyard to an Arc AAA in my pocket.
The Arc AAA is bright, and stays brighter for longer. I've had dreadful problems with 4 out of the 6 P3's I've got. Basically they've stopped working. I prefer the simple PII but when they get wet, they stay on and drain the batteries.

Anyway, I use the Arc AAA for when my E2e is too much light. Both are my EDC until the A2 is released.

Al
 
Oni - that Inova - how does it compare to the surefire E2 in brightness?

Size 15s - what is the A2? Maybe I should hang on....
 
The SureFire Digital Fusion A2 Aviator -

Digitally regulated incandescent bulb ~60 Lumens constant output for 60 minutes. With a 3 LEDs mounted within the reflector for useful "navigational", reading, etc output.

The A2 has a two stage pressure switch LockOut TailCap -
Press it gently to light up the 3 LEDs, or rotate the TailCap for constant LED output.
Press it harder to light up the main beam or rotate the TailCap on for constant output.

The A2 is roughly the same size as the current E2e - That's tiny. The A2 gives you the ability to have brilliant white light and LED output from a single flashlight that is perfect for EDC.

The latest proto-type of the A2 was shown at the NRA Show / Conference 2002.
Reference the following photo showing [top to bottom] the E2e, the 2nd Gen. A2, the 1st Gen. A2, and the M2.
from PK's NRA 2002 Gallery at www.pk-engineering.com

It's amazing that SureFire have managed to fit the A2 into flashlight number 1 (shown at the SHOT Show 2002) - Then, at the NRA Show 2002, a smaller A2 (number 2) is shown!!

The LEDs will be available in white, red, blue or IR.
The output will be similar to the E2e but at a higher colour temperature (brilliant white), and will remain so for the runtime of the batteries (two x SF123A).

Some of the "Digital" SureFires due for release this year feature constant output regulated incandescent bulbs. With the M2D & C2D, the output will switch to about 20% of full for the final 10 minutes of the runtime allowing you to not only have warning that the batteries are almost dead, but also enough light to locate a backup SureFire or spares carrier.

While I was out with PK in Vegas during the SHOT Show 2002, the A2 proto-type was his EDC. I got to have a try and it is on my wish list to be sure!

Digital Fusion is significant.

Al
 
Claidheamh Mor

The light does not really compare to the E2e. It is an LED light. Like apples to oranges.

It is however a very nice and useful light. Sometimes the Surefire is just too much light. For those times, the Inova steps in. Great light for working under the hood at night, general camping use, or in emergencies or power outages. The light is very "white" too. Unlike the yellowish glow of AA maglights.

I guess for comparison, you can say the LED lights are sort of like a flourescent desk lamp. Nice bright light, but you would not use it to light up a hill 100 yards away.

For me the Inova is more of a user light than the ARC. A lot brighter, and IMHO, generally more useful. The ARC is always on my keychain no matter what though. I may forget the Inova...but the ARC is always with me as long as I have my keys.

I too am awaiting the A2 Aviator light. Looks like a great light. Best of both worlds. May have to wait awhile though.

Flashlights are like knives and guns. Never have too many! :D

Sorry for the rambling
 
Thanks for the explanations guys - I really appreciate them:) :) :) I need to get to grips with flashlight technology

I have handled the surefire E2 and know it sets the standard for a pocket flashlight but here in the UK running costs are an issue. I can find the batteries at a good price - it's the $45 cost (I jest not) of the replacement bulb.

Hence my interest in the LED lights. However this A2 sounds good as there are plenty of times you need some light, not blinding light. Equally there are times when you want the full works.

Has anyone any idea how much the A2 will sell for?

Meantime I have bought the arc AAA - thanks for your tips Dennis
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top