ASP Sapphire vs. Photon

Asha'man · Apr 1, 2002

I had an ASP Sapphire light on my keychain for a year or two, but the clipper thingy broke a few days ago. I like the light, but am wondering something. Should I send it back to be fixed and keep it on my keychain, or should I get a Photon light? I've looked at a Photon, and I liked it, but I didn't get to see it in the dark. Which light should I get? I really hate having no light with me...

Asha'man

Clint Simpson · Apr 1, 2002

If the sapphire is under warranty, fix it. Better yet, fix it anyway and buy a photon in the mean time

Good reason to have two lights in two styles for different things. Then post how you like each one and hhe pros/cons of each. Thanks for sharing the useful info

The Inova lights coming out now-a-days look good and only cost $10. That should keep you from being lost in the dark until you sapphire returns.

David Williams · Apr 1, 2002

Get it fixed. Get a Photon. And then get an ARC AAA

Zhang Fei · Apr 1, 2002

Second that on the Inova lights. Had a Photon2, picked up an Inova. Don't know where the Photon is now, but the Inova is always on my keychain. More than bright enough. Plus the LED is protected by the casing, making it more like a flashlight, that is, no light is spilling back. Can't recommend it enough.

ZF

Johnclarke · Apr 3, 2002

I like the Photons too but I just picked up several of the new Innova's and I really like them. They were the new ones with the switch on the bottom so they are functionally the same as a Photon II. Good price on them too compared to the Photon.

tarsier · Apr 7, 2002

Several folks mentioned the Inova, Photon II, and ARC lights in their replies. The Inova sounds like a fine light, but I don't have one yet. I do have a Photon II and an ARC, so I can help with that decision.

If you are going to use your light regularly, the ARC has some advantages. It uses inexpensive, readily-available AAA batteries. Also, the batteries are easy to change by unscrewing the head assembly. It is solidly-constructed and water-resistant.

On the other hand, the Photon is great for emergencies and occasional use. The batteries last longer, especially with the green LED, so changing them is less of an issue for infrequent use. Also, it feels significantly lighter and less bulky than the ARC. When I have the Photon on my keychain, I can carry another item in the same pocket more comfortably than with the ARC.

dkochan · Apr 8, 2002

The O4 Mini Task Light is another type of keychain light that I recommend taking a look at. It is slightly larger than the Photon Micro-Light.

KBR · Apr 14, 2002

Another vote for the Photon.
I've had my red Photon II on my keychain for about three months now and it's come in very handy when I need a light. I also carry the Maglite solitaire(on keychain too) for the times that I may prefer a white light. The Photon, in my opinion, is somewhat brighter than the solitaire. That Maglite will be replaced by a white Photon II pretty soon.