Flashlights

Need2Know said:
I guess what I am seeking is a light with close to 300 honest OTF lumens, IPX 8, shock proof, overbuilt, but small as possible with a clicky, multiple outputs, strobe, and possibly a rotary for more output flexibility. If it ran 1CR123 or RCr123, even if I had to replace or recharge often, I.'d be all over one of these.

Anyone know a light that fits this description?

I will probably give the suggested EagleTac a look or try. Any other ideas for a small, robust high output device?
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For sake of clarity this is what I was looking for at the early days of this thread. Several days and dollars later I'm still not satisfied with what I find.

The "300 honest lumens" is just a suggested output to put dimmer lights out of competition and the relegation to one CR123 cell is also stated to limit possibilities.

I guess I was and am looking for a beast of a little light that can be frequently dropped form the hand and keep on going, be caught in a thunderstorm or submerged in water without worry and is as bright as common dual CR123 (or 18650) lights. Strobe isn't necessary but a rotary or three levels of easily accessed output are desired.
 
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Need2Know said:
For same of clarity this is what I was looking for at the early days of this thread. Several days and dollars later I'm still not satisfied with what I find.

The "300 honest lumens" is just a suggested output to put dimmer lights out of competition and the relegation to one CR123 cell is also stated to limit possibilities.

I guess I was and am looking for a beast of a little light that can be frequently dropped form the hand and keep on going, be caught in a thunderstorm or submerged in water without worry and is as bright as common dual CR123 (or 18650) lights. Strobe isn't necessary but a rotary or three levels of easily accessed output are desired.
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N2K I gotta believe your HDS 200 rotary is awfully close (not exact) but close on this para.
I will submit that in trade-off that the 1 cell HDS, while not as bright as a common 2 cell - offers the regulated circuitry that gives considerable brightness, Great quality beam throw and spill AND does so while maintaining very respectable runtimes.
I know you to be a redundency guy with your gear - that serch torch (500-800 lumens) is always just a grab away.
Come to the light N2K......follow the light.... H...D...S... 2 0 0 .... R O T A R Y.....:)
 
It's close but not "there" yet. But HDS do get the pocket / use while I continue the hunt.

My gripes on the 200 Rotary are mentioned throughout this thread and include that it's just often not "bright enough" outside to discern a skunk from a cat or jackrabbit beyond 30 meters. My vision isn't poor, nor is my night vision.

The parental control features once the cell runs down are helpful at first but grow to annoy in very short time.

The body is not grippy, tends to be quite slippery.

They weigh more than they need to and feel bulkier and heavier than they actually are because of it.

And the stepped-rotary is less desirable than an infinite type.
 
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So, I picked up these two lights about a week or so ago (I can't keep track of time anymore). Previously, Streamlights and Surefires were my go-to's and I haven't discounted them. I find myself on the hunt similar to N2K's - something small & compact, yet powerful and set up to my preferences. That would be about 3.5" long (longer it too long, shorter is awkward to hold in use), preferably around 3/4" in diameter (this is tough for CR123 powered lights) and not much more than 1", at least 150 lumens (higher is good but not a showstopper) and easily adjustable/selectable so I think I'd prefer rotary to click, BUT I have to have clicky on/off/momentary, and a strobe feature. Of course, good looks and quality F/F is very important. I'll buy non-US manufacture, BUT given a choice with the options I want I will buy US and don't mind paying more to do so.

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So, here are some thoughts on these two - please bear with my limited experience with both, I still need to give them both some time and use..

I'm super happy with the build and F/F of the HDS. I would like it to be "grippier", maybe more aggressive knurling or a different texture. By the time pulled the trigger on the site I found these, the only one left was a Executive EDC 170 w/ the recessed button. I'd really like to try out a raised cap along with a rotary adjustment. I think I can pick up a raised cap, I'll have to keep an eye out for a rotary. My only other complaint, and this is probably slow learning/not a lot of sleep on my part, is the "manual of arms" as it were for cycling through the various modes. I think a bit more use/practice will take care of that though :)

I also like the Lenslight, but also with reservations. Build and F/F are good, perhaps not quite equal to the HDS though. I both like the logo on the Lenslight as well as the clean look of the HDS - depends on my mood I guess, the HDS is more "elegant". I got a dual-mode, so I like the option of High/Low (300/5) but I find myself wanting for more versatility, plus a strobe would be nice.

Anyway, those are my initial (1 week) impressions. Time will tell, but I think I'm with N2K in that if I was searching for a "perfect" torch I'd still be looking. I'm not really a flashlight aficionado (yet), so my opinion shouldn't hold much weight. Both of these lights will easily satisfy my EDC needs, and they are compact enough to where I find myself actually carrying one regularly now.
 
The more you guys read this thread the more my quest becomes more understandable.

And I'm aware I seek what technology may yet provide. Then again, some makers are darn close...couple changes and bam! Sweet pocketable on-demand sunshine.

There is a reason flashlights is a popular hobby in and of itself and why many are drawn to custom orders or customizing. Now, come on quality USA robust light makers....bring some stuff to existence and help end this quest.
 
Need2Know said:
The more you guys read this thread the more my quest becomes more understandable.

And I'm aware I seek what technology may yet provide. Then again, some makers are darn close...couple changes and bam! Sweet pocketable on-demand sunshine.

There is a reason flashlights is a popular hobby in and of itself and why many are drawn to custom orders or customizing. Now, come on quality USA robust light makers....bring some stuff to existence and help end this quest.
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Then what?!?
 
Do any of yall have good suggestions for online light ordering? I think I'm finally ready to jump in and buy a better light and my first cr123 variety. I've been back and forth between the lens-light mini, the surefire eb1, and the HDS. I think I aesthetically I like the surefire the least, so it was between the LL mini and the HDS. Between these two, it was close and I'll probably end up with both, but for now I think I want the lens-light.
 
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After digesting 14 pages of great pictures and information I finally decided to order a HDS 200 rotary from HDS Systems directly. No dealers had them in stock, Henry stated in "confirmation order" 4 to 6 weeks delivery time. After searching the Internet most folks wait much longer than that.

Has anyone ordered direct recently and what is realistic delivery times. Thanks for any info offered.
 
HDS lights are the best edc lights you can get. Especially, with an emitter swap. Hopefully one day Henry can put them out a lot faster.
 
Final Option said:
After digesting 14 pages of great pictures and information I finally decided to order a HDS 200 rotary from HDS Systems directly. No dealers had them in stock, Henry stated in "confirmation order" 4 to 6 weeks delivery time. After searching the Internet most folks wait much longer than that.

Has anyone ordered direct recently and what is realistic delivery times. Thanks for any info offered.
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2-12 months. Watch his dealers too as he filled their orders before mine.
 
Final Option said:
After digesting 14 pages of great pictures and information I finally decided to order a HDS 200 rotary from HDS Systems directly. No dealers had them in stock, Henry stated in "confirmation order" 4 to 6 weeks delivery time. After searching the Internet most folks wait much longer than that.

Has anyone ordered direct recently and what is realistic delivery times. Thanks for any info offered.
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I got mine in 9 months but that was after some waited 12-14 months and according to what I've read - time frames have continued to improve due to improved supply chain sourcing. Based on history that could change depending on performance.
As N2K mentioned, eye suppliers. IF they come in stock you can always cancel your standing order and Henry will refund you your payment. That's a no lose proposition.
I'll PM you the retailers I find get the most regular supply.
 
^^ Good info. I never considered ordering one while also hawking the dealers and then getting a refund. Although, I'd probably still keep the ordered one coming - someone would be able to use one if there's an extra..
 
AZ2AK said:
^^ Good info. I never considered ordering one while also hawking the dealers and then getting a refund. Although, I'd probably still keep the ordered one coming - someone would be able to use one if there's an extra..
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Exactly. Trust me, Henry doesn't care either way and I don't mean that in a bad way. If an order gets cancelled - he has the next guy on the list to take it. I had mine on order and a few others found there way my way while I waited :)
 
Okay guys thanks tremendously, guess the 4-6 wks is a default setting. No problem, keep the order standing, if one pops up I have options.
 
Well, looked at the Olight M10 Maverick then rembered how I bit the hype of data sheets and YouTube reviews in the past to still be in the hunt. Looks like I seek something without a mass-produced fit/finish. I do already have an S10, likely pictured or mentioned earlier in this thread.
 
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