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Arc AAA
- Thread starter Moon
- Start date
Try www.tadgear.com They have the ARC AAA regular for $23.95. Although they carry the Arc AAA Premium model for $34.95, they are currently out of stock. But you can probably call and back order one.
- Joined
- Dec 2, 1999
- Messages
- 12,249
I had a AAA premium, three versions (3 years? ) old. it had the roll crip problem and only worked about 50% of the time, I finally sent it in to be fixed, it returned and the intermittant problem returned fairly quickly. I carefully removed the battery anti-rattle pad, cleaned the contacts with goo-off (citrus cleaner) and it then wouldn't come on at all. I sent it back into ARC and they replaced it after a delay of around 2 months. So I don't know exactly why it failed.
I do know that the 2 more recent versions I have been fine.
If you don't want to wait you can pick up a Peak LED version. and they have a tremendous variety, I got an aluminum 3 LED - 1 AAA light that I like quite a bit. Quite I bit brighter than the ARC. I think they offer a AAA high power 3 LED in brass, I think that would be interesting.
I do know that the 2 more recent versions I have been fine.
If you don't want to wait you can pick up a Peak LED version. and they have a tremendous variety, I got an aluminum 3 LED - 1 AAA light that I like quite a bit. Quite I bit brighter than the ARC. I think they offer a AAA high power 3 LED in brass, I think that would be interesting.
Moon,
I'd wait, $50.00 is too much. I'm not saying it's not a great little light, just not $50.00 worth. To tide you over try a CMG Sonic AAA or a Dorcy AAA, both have one little led like the Arc. In fact, lots of people are finding those little Dorcy's at Walmart for around $6.00 and seem to like them.
Now, these two examples are not as durable or small as an Arc AAA, but they also don't cost nearly as much and certainly not $50.00. I think Arc's inventory/manufacturing issues will get sorted out before the holidays (that's a guess, don't bet money on what I say though). Until then, buy the cheapies.
Mike
I'd wait, $50.00 is too much. I'm not saying it's not a great little light, just not $50.00 worth. To tide you over try a CMG Sonic AAA or a Dorcy AAA, both have one little led like the Arc. In fact, lots of people are finding those little Dorcy's at Walmart for around $6.00 and seem to like them.
Now, these two examples are not as durable or small as an Arc AAA, but they also don't cost nearly as much and certainly not $50.00. I think Arc's inventory/manufacturing issues will get sorted out before the holidays (that's a guess, don't bet money on what I say though). Until then, buy the cheapies.
Mike
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 2,468
I think Peak LED Solutions still has some prototype AAA units for $14.95 each. I just picked up a couple for Xmas gifts. They have no anodizing, just bare aluminum, but otherwise are pretty much identical to the Arc AAA.
I have their 3 LED AAA hi power in brass and it is indeed a nifty little light and a good bit brighter than the Arc AAA.
I have their 3 LED AAA hi power in brass and it is indeed a nifty little light and a good bit brighter than the Arc AAA.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 2,468
I'm telling you Moon, the prototype Peak AAA is IDENTICAL to an Arc AAA. The Peak people were former Arc employees. As nice as the Arcs are I wouldn't pay $60 for one unless it was modded with a luxeon and even then I would have to really think about it. 
Just checked out the Peak site - wow they have a lot of good-looking stuff.
I have an ARC AAA limited edition that is a few years old and it is doing what DaveH described, so I have a feeling it is going to need to be replaced. I like the fact that you can get a 3 LED AAA from Peak...
I have an ARC AAA limited edition that is a few years old and it is doing what DaveH described, so I have a feeling it is going to need to be replaced. I like the fact that you can get a 3 LED AAA from Peak...
The only issue I have heard about the Peak Prototype is that the LED extends past the head slightly and is not quite as bright as the Arc AAA. But yeah, a very good alternative. Also, with the now available Lithium AAA batteries, brightness might not be such an issue depending on the electronics in the Peak. Preliminary reports are there is a slight brightness increase when used in the Arc AAA and longer run times by about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Mike
Mike
http://www.peakledsolutions.net/
Some other things came up so Im gonna have to hold off for a little while any way. Thanks for the info
Some other things came up so Im gonna have to hold off for a little while any way. Thanks for the info
First ArcAAA is a great light - it was the winner of the Lummies 2003 at CandlePowerForums.com by dedicated Flashaholics.
However well built as it is - $50-$60 is WAY too expensive - even allowing for the "scarcity" value - considering many people got them for well under $20.
I have one and although I do appreciate it - I have found the following - (for me) it is a bit too big for my keyring, and a bit too small for in-pocket carry as it tends to get "lost" among the other stuff in there.
Also it is a bit too small for comfortable/easy in hand usage, when compared to say the Dorcy 1AAA or the Ultra-G.
Please take a look at this direct comparison linked thread -
Dorcy 1AAA #2 (vs ArcAAA vs Ultra-G vs Dorcy #1)
Strangely enough I used to be critical of the Dorcy 1AAA size - for being larger than necessary for a single AAA battery 1LED light - but in use I found its larger size to be easier to locate in pocket and much more comfortable in use in the hand. Couple that with the momentary on tail-switch - it became my EDC over my previous EDC of the Ultra-G........
--
Vincent
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
However well built as it is - $50-$60 is WAY too expensive - even allowing for the "scarcity" value - considering many people got them for well under $20.
I have one and although I do appreciate it - I have found the following - (for me) it is a bit too big for my keyring, and a bit too small for in-pocket carry as it tends to get "lost" among the other stuff in there.
Also it is a bit too small for comfortable/easy in hand usage, when compared to say the Dorcy 1AAA or the Ultra-G.
Please take a look at this direct comparison linked thread -
Dorcy 1AAA #2 (vs ArcAAA vs Ultra-G vs Dorcy #1)
Strangely enough I used to be critical of the Dorcy 1AAA size - for being larger than necessary for a single AAA battery 1LED light - but in use I found its larger size to be easier to locate in pocket and much more comfortable in use in the hand. Couple that with the momentary on tail-switch - it became my EDC over my previous EDC of the Ultra-G........
--
Vincent
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2001
- Messages
- 2,726
My wife and I each got a AAA Limited Edition when those came out. We've carried them every day since and used them often. There has not been a single problem in all that time.
I agree that the AAA is a bit too large for my keychain, but with the pen-style clip it works well attached to a pocket. I put a snap-clip on mine and wear it attached to a belt loop or zipper-pull. For that sort of application the minimal size is perfect. You can always go smaller, with battery-cell lights like the Photon, but AAA batteries are vastly cheaper and last a lot longer.
Also, I'm not aware of anything else in that size range with regulated output. Getting a constant level of light for five hours is a big improvement. Unregulated lights decline sharply in brightness after the first few minutes.
--Bob Q
I agree that the AAA is a bit too large for my keychain, but with the pen-style clip it works well attached to a pocket. I put a snap-clip on mine and wear it attached to a belt loop or zipper-pull. For that sort of application the minimal size is perfect. You can always go smaller, with battery-cell lights like the Photon, but AAA batteries are vastly cheaper and last a lot longer.
Also, I'm not aware of anything else in that size range with regulated output. Getting a constant level of light for five hours is a big improvement. Unregulated lights decline sharply in brightness after the first few minutes.
--Bob Q
Peter Atwood said:I'm telling you Moon, the prototype Peak AAA is IDENTICAL to an Arc AAA. The Peak people were former Arc employees. As nice as the Arcs are I wouldn't pay $60 for one unless it was modded with a luxeon and even then I would have to really think about it.
Thanks, I just ordered one of the $14.95 prototypes
I figured since Arc is out of business, I might as well give the Peak a try.
