Do I really need an Arc LS?

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komondor

Joined
Jul 2, 2001
Messages
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I'm in the market for a small EDC light. I have the E2 but it is just a bit too big for everyday, walking around carry.

I'm looking for something smaller and, although the pics I've seen don't make the LS look much smaller than an E2, it is perhaps small enough to keep in the pocket. No?

It needs to be small, LED (preferably Luxeon), and a decent burn time. What other lights might compete with the LS? I also do NOT like twist heads. Every twist head light I've had has been a POS, including my Inova. That is what has swayed me from just a regular Arc AAA light.

So, to summarize, is the LS small enough to be comfortable in the front pocket? What other lights might compete with it in this category? I looked at the Surefire LED heads, but that won't solve my size problem if I stick it on my E2. I really don't care about buying an E1 and the LED head as I could get the ultra premium LS for less than those two pieces together. Which brings up my next question. Are the premium LS versions worth the extra cost from the standards?

Okay, sorry about all the questions. One last one. What has been your experiences with burn times on the LS w/123? I've read two hours full followed by about an hour of dim light.

Thanks.
 
From what I've read, the Arc AAA seems to fit the bill for a much more reasonable price than the LS. I know you said you don't like twist heads but all the reviews I read said that the foam padding and secure fit make that setup work perfectly for the AAA. (not to mention it saves some space) I'm getting mine sometime next week, I'll repost then with my first-hand opinions.
 
The ARC AAA and LS are really two different lights that serve two different roles. If you want the absolute best EDC light, go with the LS. The reasons are that the LS has great throw for a Luxeon light (High dome version) and is very small when compared to a E1e or E2e with KL1 head. There is also a "clickie" tailcap that makes it a bit longer, but you gain a momentary on and click switch (Kroll). The 2 hour runtime is pretty much right one, depending on the brand of 123 that you use. Surefire brands seem to get about 2 hrs. full brightness.

The ARC AAA is great for a backup keychain light, and is meant for close up task work. Good for finding connections on back of computers or where you don't need blinding light (like a Surefire L4).

As usual, some people will tell you to "buy both". The ARC website has been running the LS "seconds" for $50, which is a great deal for a superb light. Many have blemishes that are hard to find. I thought it was too steep of a price for just a light, but I kept searching and found an insane deal for a LSH-S. Check the B/S/T on candlepowerforums and you might find a deal...

Just my thoughts...
 
I'm sorry. I meant to post this under the "Do I really need an Arc LS" thread.


Damn. It's late. Sorry.
 
Inova is coming out with the X1, which is pretty small (a little smaller than the E2e), but has a clicky on the rear of the light, and has a lens setup for a nice collimated-looking beam. Supposedly they're available in Europe and will be for sale here in the states anytime now.

I just got a SF L4, I love it :)
 
The LS is an awesome light! I have one and so does my wife (both LSH-S) and we love them. I got both of them through good trades on CPF. They are easy to drop in your front pocket and put out a tone of light. The only direct semi-production light in "competition" is the FIREFLY! (Do a search on www.candlepower forums .com)
 
The LS is too cool not to have one, and is small enough for pocket carry. I have an LSH - P, with an LSL - S on the way. I also have two Arc AAAs and three Arc AAs. Yes, I'm an Arco - holic!

I would not recommend the Inova X1, because: a) it's a keychain light (which means you would do better getting an Arc AAA or an Arc AA), and b) my experience with the Inova X5 has soured me on further Inova products.
 
I just bought an Arc LSL (Fedex should deliver it today).
Reason I got it ( I have an SF E2e ) is that you should NOT drain the batteries in an SF E2e. There's more info on this on CPF.
When the beam get's yellow, you risk damaging/lessen the life of the lamp. So my plan is to keep fresh batteries in the E2e, and put the partly used batteries in my Arc-LSL. And it gives me two brightness options. A bright far throw with the E2e, and a lesser flood light with the LSL.
And there's always the Arc-AAA for bed-time reading.
Oh, and the Arc-AA for illuminating the tent while eating.

Humm..Interesting to see how I managed to replace my M@glites in one month with Arc's & SF's. ;):)

M@G 4D - now SF E2e
M@G 2xAA - now Arc LS
M@G 3xAAA - never used it anyway
M@G 1xAAA - Arc-AAA
 
Humm..Interesting to see how I managed to replace my M@glites in one month with Arc's & SF's. ;):)[/B]
Click to expand...

Best use for mags is LED conversion. My 2AA Mag is sporting a BadBoy500 from The Sandwich Shop. - Lee
 
Sorry, komondor, I just noticed the second question in your post, about the difference between the premium and standard versions of the LS.

My advice? Get a standard LSH. I have the premium version, which is nice, but I can't say that it's ass-kickingly greater than the standard LS. I compared my LSH - P to my sister's LSH - S, side to side, and frankly couldn't see a huge difference. Like I said, I love my premium LS, but you'll get the most bang for your buck from a standard version.
 
Thanks Nathan and everyone else.

Good information, all.

I think I will get the Arc LS standard.
 
I waited for awhile before purchasing my LSH-S due to cost. It's been part of my EDC for a few months now, and has been a great light.

Place your order :D
 
The ARC(or Inova) is worth the money just because you can use the old 123a's in them.
I have 2 ARC's and an Inova X5. I'm impressed with both lights.


Blades
 
Yes, I think it's the best around-the-house light available. Carries very well. Plenty bright for anything I can think of but less blinding than an e2e. The AAA is also very nice but I keep losing them.
 
the LS is a fantastic light w/o question. it is very small, powerful and durable. however, i found it too large for the pocket and quit carrying it. i also had a waterproofness problem that was quickly solved by Arc (lesson: keep the kroll and body/head tight).
if you are interested in an EDC, the LS is the best available.
 
If you go to the ARC website there are very good and complete explanations of the differences and the intended uses. In a nut shell high domes give a longer throw, premium has a whiter beam with less color aberrations(ie) a warmer color.BTW ARC is selling as of the 10th of Oct the ARC AA which is the "slightly" larger model of the AAA but it too has the twistie top. IMO twistie tops are no better or worse than push button type switches Maglight has been using them on the minimag for its entire lifespan.
 
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