Photon II vs. Arc AAA Flashlight

KBR

KBR

Joined
Feb 12, 2002
Messages
1,525
I picked up my second Photon II(white) this past weekend and was disappointed that I couldn't find an Arc AAA. I was going to buy one of these, along with my new Photon just to have one of each and compare which was best. I guess that I'll order one off of the net.

In your opinion, which of these little LED flashlights is the best?? I love my Photon II but one main drawback is that it isn't waterproof. Which provides the best amount of light for a flashlight of this size? :confused: Also, is it true that the turquoise is brighter than the white?
 
Do a search in this very forum and you will find several other threads on this very subject. One of mine, a comparison between the newer Photon III and the ARC-AAA.

Bottom line seems to be that the ARC is the better over-all deal. Lamp stays brighter longer, battery cheaper and easier to replace, etc. Photon's only advantages are that it is smaller and lighter, and its "instant on" switch compared to the ARC's rotating head switch. The Photon III adds the various lamp modes if that is useful to you, but otherwise suffers from the same disadvantages as the II.
 
This isn't one of the options, but I'd say the Inova Microlight with the constant on/off switch is better than either. I have several Photon IIs, a Photon III covert, and an Arc AAA that all sit in the drawer. The Inova is what is on my keyring. And I don't see that changing anytime soon. Check them out, you might be surprised.

ZF
 
You know, there are very clear tradeoffs between the modelss being mentioned here, IMO. The biggest advantage to the Arc, besides overall robustness, is the fact that you get X hours (can't remember what X is) of bright light. All the competitors, Photon, Inova, etc., you get 30 minutes of bright light, then hours on end of increasingly diminishing light. The consistent bright light is what is currently earning the Arc the coveted spot on my keyring.

The Photon II has the advantage of being so small and light it disappears on your keyring, and the more convenient switch. The Inova shares both of those advantages.


Joe
 
The Arc light is the king if you are looking for the best overall package.

Batteries: Photon II 2016s (I think) a little harder to find and definitely harder to change than the the AAA in the Arc.

Size and durability: plastic Photon is smaller and lighter but I like the feel and durability of the aluminum Arc.

Brightness: Photon is brighter for the first 5-10 minutes of use, but drops off quickly. Arc is not quite as bright initially, but keeps maximum brightness for 3+ hours, then "moon mode" for a while after that.

Check out CandlePowerForums.com for more info. (They are down until 7/5 for maintenance).

Aloha
 
KBR

Just to add....the turquoise IS brighter than the white but it doesn't allow you to see the natural colour of objects. The turquoise is however great for seeing your way in the dark / emergency night light.

tardis
 
I went through the same analysis a while ago and bought a turquoise ARC. Compactness was not as important to me as using a AAA battery and the durration of near full intensity light. Normark (On/Scene Tactical) makes a nice Kydex or Concealex "Micro-Rig" for the ARC, too. Check it out :)
 
BTW, those of you who don't have an Arc yet, pick one up and let us know your impressions. I know that since getting my Arc, I'm consistently irritated at my Photons for dimming so quickly. I didn't realize quite how irritating this was until the Arc started getting me hours of consistently bright light.

For me, there's definitely still a place for the photons in my lineup, but my regular-use microlight is the Arc.

Joe
 
I've been very pleased with my two photon IIs, but the dimming light does irritate me. The white one is the worst, but my blue one seems to stay bright for a long time. I bought some 2016s in bulk and still have a bunch, so batteries aren't really a concern.

However, I think I'll have to look into this Arc light...
 
I have both lights, but use them in different ways.

I like to leave the Photon II on my keychain, especially during the winter. It is dark when I leave for work and dark when I return, so having it with the keys is handy for illuminating keyholes. In the summer I rarely use it. I have the green for a little more night-vision friendliness. Also, the green LED lasts so long and I use it so momentarily that I have never noticed the dimming much.

My white Arc I have been keeping separate and is good for work, when I need to light up the inside of equipment cases and run cables under floors.
 
I recently got an ARC and like it a lot. Unlike the Photon, it is a real flashlight. Once the Photon dims, it's useless to me -- I cannot replace the batteries.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. I do plan on getting that Arc, but I need to do some more research on the net to find the lowest price.

Thanks again.:D
 
seems like a total no brainer to me, i had a photon, got dim after 10-20 min and was useless for the rest of its so called run time. ARC AAA is same brightness all through its battery life, its waterproof, and seems more durable and the batteries are way easy to change and are cheap. Didnt take me much thought to switch over.
 
I just ordered a white Arc AAA from Texas Tactical Supply. It will be in early next week.:D :D :D

The total price came out to only $25.44!!

The waiting is the hardest part...:( Now I have to figure out what to do with my Photon IIs.

No, I won't give them away :p
 
Texas tactical was the best price I found, and the version they are selling is the latest. I think it is version 3.1. Look for instructions in English and French. Main improvements are in the anodized finish and waterproofness is improved to 50 feet.
G.
 
I bought a "mission wallet" from BladeArt. Wow. It holds my small sebbie and Arc AAA in a vertical position and keeps them from wear and tear. It has a compartment for some credit cards and a zippered pouch on back to corrale my pocket change. Very much worth the bucks. It's not listed on their web site, but write or call for details (I think it was around $27). There are some great threads about this on the Candlepower Forums when they come back up. Love my Arc AAA.:)
 
Ryan,
How long ago did you order your Arc? Have you received it yet? I just sent my MO yesterday, and being in Texas myself, they should receive it by Saturday. Hopefully, I'll be getting it early next week.:D :D

RevJim, thanks for the tip on the mission wallet.;)
 
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