Photon Freedom: Regular or Covert

TAH

TAH

Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
6,135
Which one do you like? I have heard that the Covert model eliminates wasted side light and doesn't blind you as much. Also turns it into more of a spot light. Is it still good for general use or does it cut down on the light too much?

Thanks for your help!

Tom
 
I have the regular version, and do not notice blinding effects from the LED. It just doesn't seem to be much of a problem to me. You can turn the regular version into a covert by putting a short section of shrink tubing around the LED. If you don't like the narrow beam, you can always remove the tubing.

Scott
 
I have two Covert models. The regular and the Doug Ritter Special Edition. Love 'em both. I generally wind up using them to check tire pressures before sunrise, before driving to work. Can't stand any side scatter, and the hood eliminates most of it, while allowing enough through to illuminate a decent work area. I go Covert all the way.
 
A lot of it depends on the beam style of the particular color. Some have wide beams, some have narrow. I'll assume you're talking about the regular white one.

TBH, I really don't see the need for the Covert model for general use. It's true that it won't blind you as much if you happen to be looking at your hand (like while fumbling with your keys to unlock a door), but the hood eliminates a lot of very useful sidespill in such a situation. With the hood, you really can't see what you're doing in your hands, but without, you can. And not just light coming from the Photon itself, but light reflected back from the surrounding area.

Also, for tasks like finding your path, reading a map, or looking for something you dropped under the car, the side spill makes a world of difference.

BTW, if you're worried about being blinded by your light, with the Freedom, you can press and hold the switch and the light will start at the dimmest output then gradually increase. So you can have as little or as much light as you need.

OTOH, if you get the Covert model, you can pop the hood right off very easily (bite it with your teeth) and you'll have some flood. Goes right back on easily too.
 
Planterz said:
TBH, I really don't see the need for the Covert model for general use.
Click to expand...

Then again, when someone asks you what kind of light it is that you have, you can name it, pause, and then add "Covert" in an undertone. :)

When that person asks you why you're using the Covert model, just answer, "Secret Missions." :D
 
It is the white light that I am interested in. Sounds like it really comes down to personal perference.

When speaking to PhotonLight.com and L.R.I., they both leaned towards the Covert model. Go figure. :confused:
 
For myself, I was shocked how much total light seemed to be blocked out by the covert version. The glare from the regular version occasionally bothers me, which is why I picked up the covert, but to me there's just too much light blocked for the covert to be worth it. Now, on those rare times the regular bothers me, I just place my thumb on the top part of the LED, which works fine and doesn't block that much light.

Joe
 
Joe Talmadge said:
For myself, I was shocked how much total light seemed to be blocked out by the covert version. The glare from the regular version occasionally bothers me, which is why I picked up the covert, but to me there's just too much light blocked for the covert to be worth it.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't the side-scatter be re-directed rather than blocked?

Joe Talmadge said:
Now, on those rare times the regular bothers me, I just place my thumb on the top part of the LED, which works fine and doesn't block that much light.
Click to expand...

That will work just fine -- unless you're holding the light in your mouth, between your lips, as I do when I'm checking tire pressures in predawn darkness.
 
cardimon said:
Wouldn't the side-scatter be re-directed rather than blocked?
Click to expand...

Judging by how much dimmer my 2 coverts seem to be versus regulars, I think a lot of the light is absorbed by the black shroud, and whatever is left must be uselessly scattered. Agree that in your case, if you're holding it in your mouth a lot, the shroud is probably worth it.
 
The Covert hood is a cylindrical piece of black plastic, not a cone shaped reflector. It definitely blocks light rather than redirected or focused.
 
You would think that L.R.I. could design the Micro Light where the hood could retract in and out. Problem solved! :confused:
 
Planterz said:
The Covert hood is a cylindrical piece of black plastic, not a cone shaped reflector. It definitely blocks light rather than redirected or focused.
Click to expand...

While the Covert model works well for me, I wonder if keychain lights with recessed rather than shrouded LEDs would redirect rather than block light -- ?
 
Well, I just ordered both. I guess I'll know which is best for me after I perform an extensive evaluation in my state-of-the-art testing facility (a.k.a. the basement). :D
 
The two lights arrived and here is my decision. After all of that, I'm keeping them both- the Covert for city use (theatres, restaurants, etc.) and the Regular for outdoor use (camping, hiking, etc.).

Because the Covert is a spot light and the Regular is a flood, I can see why L.R.I. hasn't designed a retractable hood. Sales would be cut in half. Both lights are fantastic, but for different reasons. If the Photon was offered with retractable hood, there would be no need for both.

Regardless, I'm happy! :)
 
I think I omitted some information regarding the Doug Ritter Special Edition Photon Freedom Micro Light. This light, while a Covert version (it comes with a shrouded or hooded LED), was designed by Doug to have a shorter hood for the LED, allowing for greater sidespill.

Doug says he considers sidespill important in survival situations, and thought the regular Covert version of the Photon Freedom Micro was too long and blocked too much light. The hood on the Doug Ritter Special Edition Photon Freedom Micro Light is a custom job specified by Doug to cut some but not all sidespill.

The light has been getting positive reviews. I know I love mine. :)
 
I like the Inova one, I got to check out one of my friend's ones, and I recently got one. It's much brighter than my photons and pulsars were, when they were new. Plus it's got high/low/blink.
 
tarsier said:
The hood in the latest Ritter version is longer now, rather than being cut off short like in the first version. The body is also now molded yellow plastic instead of yellow paint.
Click to expand...

The text is not exactly specific. From what I can gather, sidescatter from the twice-as-bright LED is more bothersome than useful, so there's the reason for the protective hood. Then again, I can't find where it says the Mark II hood is regular size rather than the original shorter version. Feel free to correct me if I've missed something.
 
Personally, for camp and trail use, I think the sidescatter will be helpful and the hood will be ideal in public settings.
 
cardimon said:
The text is not exactly specific. From what I can gather, sidescatter from the twice-as-bright LED is more bothersome than useful, so there's the reason for the protective hood. Then again, I can't find where it says the Mark II hood is regular size rather than the original shorter version.
Click to expand...
Howdy, cardimon. You're right, the Aeromedix description is vague.

I first read about the differences in this thread. I have one of the first version (Mk I?) lights, where the hood is cut off flush with the end of the light. Here is a picture that shows the Mk II better.

dr_photon_compare_closeup2.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top