Flashlights

AR_Shorty · Apr 18, 2012

I love HDS Systems lights. I have 3 right now. A black 200T, a orange cerakote 170T, and a limited edition Titanium Clicky. These lights are built like tanks and have a ton of features through their programability. The lumen output for their one-cell size is amazing!

Need2Know · Apr 18, 2012

AR_Shorty said:
I love HDS Systems lights. I have 3 right now. A black 200T, a orange cerakote 170T, and a limited edition Titanium Clicky. These lights are built like tanks and have a ton of features through their programability. The lumen output for their one-cell size is amazing!

I have one on order since late January. I patiently and respectfully await it. The shops a bit backed up right now. When it arrives I will have another rotary light to experience.

tjswarbrick · Apr 18, 2012

RubiconSS said:
tjs- You are a wealth of flashlight knowledge, what's your take on the whole "lumen" rating?
I have found it to be somewhat misleading with some lights.

Can we take a quick trip off-topic if the mod asks the question?

I agree, even when MFR's claim to use the ANSI method, it can be very misleading. One man's 355 Lumens is another man's 240.
Plus, as long as output is adequate, I find that the beam profile and tint are much more important than the actual lumen output. And Lux is a more accurate measurement of actual throw. Total lumens output doesn't tell you much. Unless you side-by-side or back-to-back compare, it takes at least a 50% increase (and often a 100% increase) in output to appear appreciably brighter. An adequate light with the right profile for the task will appear brighter than a much brighter light with an inappropriate profile. A 200L spotlight will show you what's down the road or across the field much better than a 500L flood; don't try to use a 500L spotter to work under the hood. And don't get me started on donut holes / Cree rings. But it's hard to put beam quality into the spec sheet, and everyone's needs/desires are different.
As an example on the importance of beam: my first "bright" light was a LuminTop TD15x - 580 lumens on 2xCR123 in a light little bigger than a 6P. First month, it just blew me away. A great wall of light. Now, unless I'm looking at a bird or tree or something up high with no background, I run the the thing on Medium, because High puts so much light into my peripheral vision that my distance vision is degraded. And the tint's so cool that wood picks up shades of gray.

If Rick came out with a line of lights, that would be awesome, but I doubt I could afford them. Besides, the Hinderer (or at the very least CRK) of the light world already exists - his name is McGizmo, and he makes titanium wonders. They aren't the brightest in the world, but the beams are fantastic and they're indestructible.

mctrinket · Apr 18, 2012

AR_Shorty said:
I love HDS Systems lights. I have 3 right now. A black 200T, a orange cerakote 170T, and a limited edition Titanium Clicky. These lights are built like tanks and have a ton of features through their programability. The lumen output for their one-cell size is amazing!

Are they a relatively new company? Their products looks really interesting.

hhski · Apr 18, 2012

RubiconSS said:
For those looking for bullet proof quality (IMO) and 5" acceptable - SureFire has a new P2X Fury (500 Lumens) that is serious light.
If I was bugging out I would be grabbing that and my Hinderer XM 24 DLC (with out question) along with an Hk Mp5k and a Glock 19 (same ammo) and a case of Speer 124 gr 9mm +P

+1 on the surefire and glock but I'm grabbing myRoni G1 same caliber and mags!

mctrinket · Apr 18, 2012

McGizmo, huh? Very cool lights.

RubiconSS · Apr 18, 2012

Good Intel germane to the topic is never a drift:thumbup: Good stuff. I am familiar with McGiizmo, great looking product. I still hold out Hope for Ricks entre into the High Quality light field, its just a good fit.

NightMare Silverado · Apr 18, 2012

Fenix pd 32 is a beast.

RubiconSS · Apr 18, 2012

As if Rick and Rob aren't workin' their arses off already... but can you imagine a Pelican case with a matching serial number Custom XM, Flashlight, Armorers Tool and Extreme Duty Pen!!
How Cool it must be to build items that are literally Peoples MOST prized possessions. Pretty neat stuff.

But, back to reality.....lots of great suggestions and expertise in this thread. Makes me wish for more pockets!
Lots of great stuff to EDC.

RDA · Apr 18, 2012

tjswarbrick said:
If Rick came out with a line of lights, that would be awesome, but I doubt I could afford them. Besides, the Hinderer (or at the very least CRK) of the light world already exists - his name is McGizmo, and he makes titanium wonders. They aren't the brightest in the world, but the beams are fantastic and they're indestructible.

Agreed, and add simple design and works of art.

Need2Know · Apr 18, 2012

RubiconSS said:
As if Rick and Rob aren't workin' their arses off already... but can you imagine a Pelican case with a matching serial number Custom XM, Flashlight, Armorers Tool and Extreme Duty Pen!!
How Cool it must be to build items that are literally Peoples MOST prized possessions. Pretty neat stuff.

This would be sweet. Add a challenge coin that we can whip out at gatherings/shows and anyone without it buys the beers. Oh, and offer this package in a limited run just for those of us who show the loyalty and respect admired by the maker. How cool would that be????

Dude. You are a Mad Genius

RubiconSS · Apr 18, 2012

Need2Know said:
This would be sweet. Add a challenge coin that we can whip out at gatherings/shows and anyone without it buys the beers. Oh, and offer this package in a limited run just for those of us who show the loyalty and respect admired by the maker. How cool would that be????

Dude. You are a Mad Genius

Here we go again....trying to post from my Droid. Anyway, you are still a mad genius and I can't use a phone.

onlooker96 · Apr 18, 2012

I'm waiting for Rick to make a flashlight.

Need2Know · Apr 18, 2012

RubiconSS said:
Here we go again....trying to post from my Droid. Anyway, you are still a mad genius and I can't use a phone.

"Mad" Agreed, "Genius" Debateable.

Here is a pic of a few of my larger high-output lights and a couple others. Just to meet the "pics or it didn't happen" belief.

uncle wong · Apr 19, 2012

onlooker96 said:
I'm waiting for Rick to make a flashlight.

Good Idea

AR_Shorty · Apr 19, 2012

mctrinket said:
Are they a relatively new company? Their products looks really interesting.

They've been around for a a few years. Henry of HDS used to be with Novatac but then split off on his own. His lights are worlds better than the current Novatac lights that are on the market.

Also on the Surefire Fury: I really like this light. It does tend to be slippery in the hand and a little unbalanced (head is heavier than body). The HDS lights aren't going to slip out of your hand.

Capbyrd · Apr 19, 2012

RubiconSS said:
As if Rick and Rob aren't workin' their arses off already... but can you imagine a Pelican case with a matching serial number Custom XM, Flashlight, Armorers Tool and Extreme Duty Pen!!
How Cool it must be to build items that are literally Peoples MOST prized possessions. Pretty neat stuff.

Make the case large enough for *insert pistol of choice here* and you have the perfect set. I like it!

RubiconSS · Apr 19, 2012

Capbyrd said:
Make the case large enough for *insert pistol of choice here* and you have the perfect set. I like it!

Yes, on a Wish List Absolutely but real world you then involve FFL and depending on how far involved -actually become a Licensed Firearms Manufacturer. Big step.
For an operation making knives, pens etc a light would be a great fit.

Need2Know · Apr 19, 2012

tjswarbrick said:
Can we take a quick trip off-topic if the mod asks the question?

I agree, even when MFR's claim to use the ANSI method, it can be very misleading. One man's 355 Lumens is another man's 240.
Plus, as long as output is adequate, I find that the beam profile and tint are much more important than the actual lumen output. And Lux is a more accurate measurement of actual throw. Total lumens output doesn't tell you much. Unless you side-by-side or back-to-back compare, it takes at least a 50% increase (and often a 100% increase) in output to appear appreciably brighter. An adequate light with the right profile for the task will appear brighter than a much brighter light with an inappropriate profile. A 200L spotlight will show you what's down the road or across the field much better than a 500L flood; don't try to use a 500L spotter to work under the hood. And don't get me started on donut holes / Cree rings. But it's hard to put beam quality into the spec sheet, and everyone's needs/desires are different.
As an example on the importance of beam: my first "bright" light was a LuminTop TD15x - 580 lumens on 2xCR123 in a light little bigger than a 6P. First month, it just blew me away. A great wall of light. Now, unless I'm looking at a bird or tree or something up high with no background, I run the the thing on Medium, because High puts so much light into my peripheral vision that my distance vision is degraded. And the tint's so cool that wood picks up shades of gray.

If Rick came out with a line of lights, that would be awesome, but I doubt I could afford them. Besides, the Hinderer (or at the very least CRK) of the light world already exists - his name is McGizmo, and he makes titanium wonders. They aren't the brightest in the world, but the beams are fantastic and they're indestructible.

I gave a lumen spec to help better describe what I'm seeking. The smallest high output, rugged light available. I agree that mfg. suggested lumen output is of less value than how an actual beam looks while in use. Not a fan of the doughnut or odd circles of discoloration on the spill.
Been looking at McGizmo, McClicky, TorchLab, HDS, Pelican and so on....still difficult to find the perfect fit. I'm still doing homework. And still looking forward to the arrivial my HDS.
In the mean time I ordered two more of the "wrong" tool to fit my illumination wants...
A Fenix PD32--because so many recommended it.
And A Klarus TK11--because of it's claimed output and unique features. I did see both good and bad reviews. We will see.
These are both dual CR123/ single 18650 batteries, so not the compact torch I am still seeking.

BARBARIAN-X · Apr 20, 2012

I'm currently waiting on 4 lights to come in the mail. 2 are for my son so nothing special because they will be lost or destroyed but the other 2 will become my EDC's.

V10R Ti+ is 3.3 inches long, has an infinite variable output ring, a 500 lumens turbo mode using RCR123A/16340, and a nice floody XM-L U2 LED giving a wall of light with an effective range of 130 meters. The button binds as a result of poor tolerances but they are issuing a fix and others have already come up with their own. I have also had the AA extender turned down and bored to allow 17500 Li-Ions for extended run times.

DEFT-edc LR+ is 5.3 inches long, runs 18650 Li-Ions, aspheric lens, 72000 lux @1 meter (mine was adjusted and is somewhere in the range of 76Kcd & 80Kcd) with an approx effective range of 600 meters.

For comparison Klarus XT11 8800 Lux@1m & Fenix PD32 5000 Lux@1m. That extra 0 on the LR+'s lux is not a typo which is why this is the ultimate pocket thrower!