Flashlights

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Well, I've tried the HDS executive clicky (170) and a lenslight mini now for a month or so. The one that seems to go in my pocket? The Powertac (Olight?) E10 Spark I picked up at the local knife shop for $40.

The HDS is really nice in regard to fit & finish, build quality, and overall aesthetics. I _want_ to like it. But, I think I need it to be a rotary. I like the clicky for on/off but I'm pretty sure I want a rotary adjustment. After the holidays, I think I will take Rubi's suggestion and pre-order a 200 Rotary from Henry and then scope the dealers for a quicker turn around.. I might sit and play with the clicky some more today (with the users' manual) and see if I can make it's operation any easier for me. I just don't find the user interface very intuitive. I don't really like the clip either, it's functional but I think it could be better.

The Lenslight also appeals to me in build quality, it seems very robust and well put together. It's a dual output (5 and 300 lumens advertised) with an adjustable beam. The 5 lumen might as well not be included without another mid-level output option, IMO. The 300 seems ok, bright enough for most of my needs in a pocket torch. The adjustable beam is a nice idea, and is ok - I say that because when adjusted to the tightest beam it casts a square area of light which offends my OCD ;) On this one I'd like to see a couple/few more output options to include a strobe.

The E10 Spark doesn't compete with either the HDS or Lenslight in terms of F/F or build quality. But, at 1/3-ish the cost of the other two it serves my purpose of a small high-ouput light. That said, side-by-side it's advertised "300 lumens" doesn't match up to either the HDS 170 or the Lenslight's "300". This is where I'm out of my area of expertise, I'm not smart enough (yet) on lumens vs candelas vs lux vs temp, etc. All I know is the E10 says "300 lumens" but isn't as good or bright necessarily side-by-side the other two. Then again, it meets my needs for a small, powerful-enough, torch to slip in my pocket and go. And, while semi-gimmicky, I like the magnetic tailcap. I can't seem to figure out where it's made though, my google-fu must be weak at the moment..

The HDS being the winner in F/F, build, and aesthetics for me , with the Lenslight appealing to me in those areas but in a different way - the HDS is more elegant I guess. Kind of the difference between wearing a tux and combat utilities. Light quality has the HDS leading the way for me as well, just wish it was easier to use (or I was smarter perhaps).

My desire for "Hinderer level quality" in my toys & tools has me continuing to search for a light that meets my needs AND preferences. In that regard, I'm on board with N2K - still looking. Any thoughts on Jetbeams? I'm looking at the TCR10, the RRC01, and the PC10. I wish the features of the TCR10 could be had on a more economical platform (although I do like the Ti).. This HDS and the LL might end up on the exchange shortly to fund a TCR10 - any thoughts, feedback, experience with that one?
 
I might be able to save you time and money. JetBeam lights are similar quality to the Olight stuff and their claimed max outputs are no more than claims.
 
Ah, thanks - good to know. That's disappointing :) I might still try the TRC10 and then wait on an HDS 200 Rotary...

Replied to you PM, thanks!
 
Let's face it, we need a true 300+ lumen, rotary + tail clicky Hinderer illumination tool. Ion Bond DLCed, nicely knurled and the quality combined with robust and innovative brilliance that brought us to adore the knives.
 
Let's face it, we need a true 300+ lumen, rotary + tail clicky Hinderer illumination tool. Ion Bond DLCed, nicely knurled and the quality combined with robust and innovative brilliance that brought us to adore the knives.

Lessee, I'm down for three: FDE DLC, black DLC, Copper ;)
 
Let's face it, we need a true 300+ lumen, rotary + tail clicky Hinderer illumination tool. Ion Bond DLCed, nicely knurled and the quality combined with robust and innovative brilliance that brought us to adore the knives.

Just wanted to stick my head in and say....


Yes!!!
 
I might be able to save you time and money. JetBeam lights are similar quality to the Olight stuff and their claimed max outputs are no more than claims.

I do have to add to this that the Ti offerings from Jetbeam have a feel that certainly is superior to their more common metal-n-plastic lights.
 
Let's face it, we need a true 300+ lumen, rotary + tail clicky Hinderer illumination tool. Ion Bond DLCed, nicely knurled and the quality combined with robust and innovative brilliance that brought us to adore the knives.


Yes, yes, and yes, that is the grail in flashlights that I seek!
 
^ I would order one of those suckers for sure! Flamed titanium please! I'm hoping they will put that new monster lathe to work on this excellent idea. Fingers crossed!
 
^ I would order one of those suckers for sure! Flamed titanium please! I'm hoping they will put that new monster lathe to work on this excellent idea. Fingers crossed!

Oh yeah, good call - I'm in for four!
 
Flamed Ti, 300 lumen rotary!....with a tritium marker and textured carbon fiber end cap.ohhhh!
 
Flamed Ti, 300 lumen rotary!....with a tritium marker and textured carbon fiber end cap.ohhhh!

Huh? :confused:

Textured c/f "end cap"? Lights rock with tail clicky + rotary (infinately variable not stepped). Now, 3 trits and a bit of textured c/f inlays into the rotary have an appeal. But sounds more like "modded" stuff to me.
 
Huh? :confused:

Textured c/f "end cap"? Lights rock with tail clicky + rotary (infinately variable not stepped). Now, 3 trits and a bit of textured c/f inlays into the rotary have an appeal. But sounds more like "modded" stuff to me.
agreed thats the ultimate, textured carbon and three trits at 300 lumen and infinitely adjustable rotary in high cri!!!
 
Yes you are. Got some good ones in there (several that we share representatives in our respective collections)
I still carry my Rotary. I can't believe how much I use it and how I use the rotary.
 
Final, I think both Rubi and I could take a very similar photo.

It was many lights like those that educated me on mass-produced illumination tool truths and inaccuracies. Feel of buttons, grip of textures / finishes, weights, smoothness of rotary (or not)...etc.

And is why I'm still hunting for the right light. I'm pretty sure it's a next generation HDS or better yet...a Hinderer creation.
 
As for the rotary on my 200, I don't dial it back too often. Mostly, I assure it's set to max output; as I find the 200 just a tad too dim for some of my outdoor needs.
 
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