Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Photon Lights
- Thread starter David Williams
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 15,212
Here are some images that Tim forwarded to me to upload here: http://www.bladeforums.com/images/tim
Check it out.
Spark
------------------
Kevin Jon Schlossberg
SysOp and Administrator for BladeForums.com
Insert witty quip here
Check it out.
Spark
------------------
Kevin Jon Schlossberg
SysOp and Administrator for BladeForums.com
Insert witty quip here
- Joined
- Feb 20, 1999
- Messages
- 1,284
Spark, nice pics from Tim.
I pity the Photon...
Hmm... I think the Photon will still work even when wet... but it's the battery I'm worried about, as these coin lithium cells rust very easily, and shorts out when it gets wet.
But I think the bulb would still work.
Dan
Hmm... I think the Photon will still work even when wet... but it's the battery I'm worried about, as these coin lithium cells rust very easily, and shorts out when it gets wet.
But I think the bulb would still work.
Dan
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 573
http://www.bladeforums.com/images/tim
Here's a bunch of pics with me "testing" one Orange Photon Micro-Light 2- the same one I've run over before. As was suggested, I put it in a pint glass of water for 10 minutes, took a pic, waited until one hour, took a pic, waited until 2 hours, took it out- still running- that's when I held it up for a bottom's up pic. Next, I stepped on it with my heel on a tile floor so there was no cushion for it and balanced on one foot to exert as much of my body weight on the photon- see the pic- notice toes are raised- NOT EASY to take a pic that way! Note it still worked through the test. And I'm not
what you'd call a light guy. Next was the 30 foot drop. Well, I didn't have 30 feet, only about 22', so to make up for this, I leaned out the window and threw it with some decent force into the cement sidewalk- see the arrow for photon location where it landed. Note it still works if you look real close while it's on the ground (I have a larger, more detailed
pic, but it's 390kb). Then see where it's still lit while I'm holding it outside- note Sebenza wound as well ;-) In short, it passed every "test"- what bets did you win with your test? Seems like I would have passed to at least a draw- assuming the ASP passes them all as well. And Photon WILL back their warranty if you get it wet and for some reason won't re-start after a good soaking/spitting/sweating- then drying- but
notice that this one ran fine IN the water. I'll have some ASP's to beat on by Tuesday and will do the same thing. I'm also getting the ASP spec sheets- the distributor said they are not waterproof, as I believe I
stated as well. We will see. If you have other "tests" you'd like me to do, I have the camera and Photons and will soon have the ASP. One caveat: I won't waste my alcohol on testing, so there will be no beer-dunkings in that pint glass- not that you could see through what I drink anyhow.
There may be other caveats- we'll see what you can come
up with for "testing"- anyone can ask in addition to NamViet Vo. Apologies if I used your name incorrectly earlier- it was unintentional.
I also carry multiple Photons and have a bunch stashed around everywhere- keys (2 on each set), car (3-4 plus Krills, mag and SF), home, briefcase, every suit coat has at least one and every jacket etc. Change the batteries in an emergency environment- nope- don't want to do that. Use the backup photon or a real light instead- like a 3P in the
briefcase or the 6P's/Carleyized mags in the cars, or the 9P/91'd that resides in the house (maybe a 12z coming in?? hmmm). I don't expect any mini-light- be it an Asp, Photon, Rigel, LED systems etc.- to be bulletproof- I expect convenience and usefulness. If they can survive testing like was done, so much the better. If both survive- I expect the ASP to pass all but the dunking- I'll take the one with more features- on/off switch and various colors/burn times and user replacable batteries. IMO, I get more features and convenience from the Photons than from any other source- which is why I continue to recommend them.
As for the sales numbers- those are my sales numbers- I got in 12 ASPs and broke one to dissect it. Sold the other 11. I began selling Photons in August or September of 1998- less than one year ago. I apologize as
well- that was an off the cuff number. Actual sales are roughly 380:1 from Aug/Sept 1998 until present- sorry. Once again, these are MY sales figures, not Photon's. They sold over 250,000 of them last year (1998). I don't do charts, graphs or diagrams for my knife/light sales- that'd be work.
Thanks to Spark for posting the pictures for me.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.
[This message has been edited by Tim Flanagan (edited 01 July 1999).]
Here's a bunch of pics with me "testing" one Orange Photon Micro-Light 2- the same one I've run over before. As was suggested, I put it in a pint glass of water for 10 minutes, took a pic, waited until one hour, took a pic, waited until 2 hours, took it out- still running- that's when I held it up for a bottom's up pic. Next, I stepped on it with my heel on a tile floor so there was no cushion for it and balanced on one foot to exert as much of my body weight on the photon- see the pic- notice toes are raised- NOT EASY to take a pic that way! Note it still worked through the test. And I'm not
what you'd call a light guy. Next was the 30 foot drop. Well, I didn't have 30 feet, only about 22', so to make up for this, I leaned out the window and threw it with some decent force into the cement sidewalk- see the arrow for photon location where it landed. Note it still works if you look real close while it's on the ground (I have a larger, more detailed
pic, but it's 390kb). Then see where it's still lit while I'm holding it outside- note Sebenza wound as well ;-) In short, it passed every "test"- what bets did you win with your test? Seems like I would have passed to at least a draw- assuming the ASP passes them all as well. And Photon WILL back their warranty if you get it wet and for some reason won't re-start after a good soaking/spitting/sweating- then drying- but
notice that this one ran fine IN the water. I'll have some ASP's to beat on by Tuesday and will do the same thing. I'm also getting the ASP spec sheets- the distributor said they are not waterproof, as I believe I
stated as well. We will see. If you have other "tests" you'd like me to do, I have the camera and Photons and will soon have the ASP. One caveat: I won't waste my alcohol on testing, so there will be no beer-dunkings in that pint glass- not that you could see through what I drink anyhow.
up with for "testing"- anyone can ask in addition to NamViet Vo. Apologies if I used your name incorrectly earlier- it was unintentional.
I also carry multiple Photons and have a bunch stashed around everywhere- keys (2 on each set), car (3-4 plus Krills, mag and SF), home, briefcase, every suit coat has at least one and every jacket etc. Change the batteries in an emergency environment- nope- don't want to do that. Use the backup photon or a real light instead- like a 3P in the
briefcase or the 6P's/Carleyized mags in the cars, or the 9P/91'd that resides in the house (maybe a 12z coming in?? hmmm). I don't expect any mini-light- be it an Asp, Photon, Rigel, LED systems etc.- to be bulletproof- I expect convenience and usefulness. If they can survive testing like was done, so much the better. If both survive- I expect the ASP to pass all but the dunking- I'll take the one with more features- on/off switch and various colors/burn times and user replacable batteries. IMO, I get more features and convenience from the Photons than from any other source- which is why I continue to recommend them.
As for the sales numbers- those are my sales numbers- I got in 12 ASPs and broke one to dissect it. Sold the other 11. I began selling Photons in August or September of 1998- less than one year ago. I apologize as
well- that was an off the cuff number. Actual sales are roughly 380:1 from Aug/Sept 1998 until present- sorry. Once again, these are MY sales figures, not Photon's. They sold over 250,000 of them last year (1998). I don't do charts, graphs or diagrams for my knife/light sales- that'd be work.
Thanks to Spark for posting the pictures for me.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.
[This message has been edited by Tim Flanagan (edited 01 July 1999).]
- Joined
- Oct 23, 1998
- Messages
- 160
Tim,
The contest I have won was done agains the 8 Sapphires I was carrying. There were about 15 Phontons in the contest. About 6 or seven Photons did not make it through any test. The rest of the photons would pass at least one of the test. I sold one of my own to a pilot because he thought the Photon would survive the test also. All of my Sapphires passed.
The height test was done by dropping the lights at increasing height until every one gave up. At about 30 feet, four Photons failed and no one want to continue except me. In all honesty, the soldiers did not want to waste their money. They did pay for the Photon themselves.
I cincerely hope that all Photons perform like your because there are a lot of people out there believe that they are. By the way, very one that I've met that carry Photons carry extra Photon, not batteries.
The contest I have won was done agains the 8 Sapphires I was carrying. There were about 15 Phontons in the contest. About 6 or seven Photons did not make it through any test. The rest of the photons would pass at least one of the test. I sold one of my own to a pilot because he thought the Photon would survive the test also. All of my Sapphires passed.
The height test was done by dropping the lights at increasing height until every one gave up. At about 30 feet, four Photons failed and no one want to continue except me. In all honesty, the soldiers did not want to waste their money. They did pay for the Photon themselves.
I cincerely hope that all Photons perform like your because there are a lot of people out there believe that they are. By the way, very one that I've met that carry Photons carry extra Photon, not batteries.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 573
I've seen many photons in many conditons and by-and-large, all have been extrememly durable- I've only seen a few failures- one was even dog-related - and Photon is backing even THAT "not really" waranty issue. I'll be testing the ASP next week (or this weekend if the distributor got off their collective duffs) and will post similar pics/tests.
Not wanting to be disagreeable, despite that fact that opinions differ, I will say both company's policies for warranty are excellent (I've dealt with ASP before the ASP Sapphire came out). Of the thousands of Photons I've sold, I've only received one back that went out with an almost discharged battery (the switch probably got left on after the factory test) and have one inbound with the aforementioned pup- damage. And while I see that you've tested mutliples vs. multiples, I don't have that kind of time, nor do I believe anyone cares all that much if I test one or test 10 of each. Choosing one random Photon or ASP may not be a scientific sample, but for testing purposes, it satisfies my needs and I believe many other's as well.
As for everyone carrying spare photons rather than batteries- that was my initial point. You don't change them in an emergency, but rather the weekend after when things have calmed down. That's when you truck on down to RS.
Points made, taken, and more testing to come on the ASP.
Take care.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.
Not wanting to be disagreeable, despite that fact that opinions differ, I will say both company's policies for warranty are excellent (I've dealt with ASP before the ASP Sapphire came out). Of the thousands of Photons I've sold, I've only received one back that went out with an almost discharged battery (the switch probably got left on after the factory test) and have one inbound with the aforementioned pup- damage. And while I see that you've tested mutliples vs. multiples, I don't have that kind of time, nor do I believe anyone cares all that much if I test one or test 10 of each. Choosing one random Photon or ASP may not be a scientific sample, but for testing purposes, it satisfies my needs and I believe many other's as well.
As for everyone carrying spare photons rather than batteries- that was my initial point. You don't change them in an emergency, but rather the weekend after when things have calmed down. That's when you truck on down to RS.
Points made, taken, and more testing to come on the ASP.
Take care.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.
Cougar Allen
Buccaneer (ret.)
- Joined
- Oct 9, 1998
- Messages
- 75,476
Any flashlight will work underwater. It'll be dimmer than normal and you can't shut it off (though it'll get even dimmer it won't go out). A Photon with a reasonably fresh battery is obviously not going to wear out the battery in a couple of hours. Dunking could cause it to fail later from corroded contacts but if that ever happens you could take it apart and clean the contacts ... not an infinite number of times, but still ... making a Photon waterproof would not seem to me a very significant improvement unless you expect to use it underwater or in very wet conditions.
I don't know; maybe I'm wrong and just getting rained on occasionally will corrode the contacts enough to be a real nuisance. I haven't had mine long enough to say for sure, but I doubt it.
-Cougar Allen :{)
I don't know; maybe I'm wrong and just getting rained on occasionally will corrode the contacts enough to be a real nuisance. I haven't had mine long enough to say for sure, but I doubt it.
-Cougar Allen :{)
- Joined
- Oct 23, 1998
- Messages
- 160
Cougar,
If the batteries (new or not) are shorted then the light does not get dimmer. It will stop working, basic electronics. Salt water and salt air will corrode metal faster than most people realized.
I and many marines were soaked while waiting on ship deck and trying to board landing crafts. I have stood in torrential rain trying to fix aircrafts and radar equipments. I have hunted in the rain and sleet. I have been to football and baseball games in heavy down pour. My former home was flooded a couple of time. I have dove with my ASP. I try to be prepared for the unexpected and this is why I usually carry a lot of cash around.
If the batteries (new or not) are shorted then the light does not get dimmer. It will stop working, basic electronics. Salt water and salt air will corrode metal faster than most people realized.
I and many marines were soaked while waiting on ship deck and trying to board landing crafts. I have stood in torrential rain trying to fix aircrafts and radar equipments. I have hunted in the rain and sleet. I have been to football and baseball games in heavy down pour. My former home was flooded a couple of time. I have dove with my ASP. I try to be prepared for the unexpected and this is why I usually carry a lot of cash around.
Cougar Allen
Buccaneer (ret.)
- Joined
- Oct 9, 1998
- Messages
- 75,476
Batteries shorted -- you mean internally?
Yeah, I suppose around salt water it could be important. I wouldn't know; I live inland ... sorry about that....
-Cougar Allen :{)
Yeah, I suppose around salt water it could be important. I wouldn't know; I live inland ... sorry about that....
-Cougar Allen :{)
Cougar Allen
Buccaneer (ret.)
- Joined
- Oct 9, 1998
- Messages
- 75,476
Hey Tim -- want to do a salt water immersion test?
-Cougar Allen :{)
-Cougar Allen :{)
- Joined
- Feb 20, 1999
- Messages
- 1,284
I've been meaning to post this funny thing that happened to the White Photon II that I gave my friend a few months back.
Apparently, his 1 1/2-year old daughter found it, and placed it in her mouth, and before we knew what was happening, it was already lighted up in her mouth!
I think it shorted out after that, and the kid did a backward flip and threw the Photon which hit the wall, and landed in three or four pieces... I guess it might be indestructible during the tests, but it sure didn't pass the "baby test".
Dan
Apparently, his 1 1/2-year old daughter found it, and placed it in her mouth, and before we knew what was happening, it was already lighted up in her mouth!
I think it shorted out after that, and the kid did a backward flip and threw the Photon which hit the wall, and landed in three or four pieces... I guess it might be indestructible during the tests, but it sure didn't pass the "baby test".
Dan
Cougar Allen
Buccaneer (ret.)
- Joined
- Oct 9, 1998
- Messages
- 75,476
Being thrown against a wall by a baby seems like it ought to be a lesser impact than being thrown down onto concrete 22 feet below by Tim ... makes me wonder if they vary in impact resistance, and Tim happened to test one of the stronger ones....
Come to think of it, it could easily make a big difference how it happens to land. I guess a single impact test is not very conclusive.
Want to throw one repeatedly, Tim? That could be fun ... get some friends together and take turns throwing it against a concrete wall. Or better, keep dropping it that 22 feet -- just drop it, don't throw it, but do it repeatedly.
-Cougar Allen :{)
Come to think of it, it could easily make a big difference how it happens to land. I guess a single impact test is not very conclusive.
Want to throw one repeatedly, Tim? That could be fun ... get some friends together and take turns throwing it against a concrete wall. Or better, keep dropping it that 22 feet -- just drop it, don't throw it, but do it repeatedly.
-Cougar Allen :{)
- Joined
- May 22, 1999
- Messages
- 1,474
Maybe that is why Pelican Lights give themselves an out at the end of their guarantee:
THE PELICAN GUARANTEE OF EXCELLENCE
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the quality or performance of the PELICAN LIGHT, PELICAN PRODUCTS will gladly replace the light or refund your money (at your option) within thirty days after the purchase through the original Dealer/Retailer. PELICAN PRODUCTS will continue to guarantee the light directly, for a lifetime, against breakage or defects in workmanship. Lifetime guarantee does not cover the lamp or batteries. The "O" rings must be kept greased (and replaced if damaged) per product instructions. (Replace "O" rings annually or when damaged.) Any
liability, either expressed or implied is limited to replacement of the light. This guarantee is void only if the PELICAN LIGHT has been abused beyond normal and sensible wear and tear. The above guarantee does not cover sharkbite, bear attack, or children under 5.
See for yourself: http://www.pelican.com/service/ste.htm
THE PELICAN GUARANTEE OF EXCELLENCE
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the quality or performance of the PELICAN LIGHT, PELICAN PRODUCTS will gladly replace the light or refund your money (at your option) within thirty days after the purchase through the original Dealer/Retailer. PELICAN PRODUCTS will continue to guarantee the light directly, for a lifetime, against breakage or defects in workmanship. Lifetime guarantee does not cover the lamp or batteries. The "O" rings must be kept greased (and replaced if damaged) per product instructions. (Replace "O" rings annually or when damaged.) Any
liability, either expressed or implied is limited to replacement of the light. This guarantee is void only if the PELICAN LIGHT has been abused beyond normal and sensible wear and tear. The above guarantee does not cover sharkbite, bear attack, or children under 5.
See for yourself: http://www.pelican.com/service/ste.htm
- Joined
- Feb 20, 1999
- Messages
- 1,284
Hmmm... Children under 5, huh... interesting.
Yes, Coug, I believe the impact should be a lot lesser than what Tim did to his Photon, but it did happen, and the Photon was in small pieces with the maid trying to pick them up as the baby was clapping happily.. hehehe...
Oh well, I guess it's not baby-proof.
Dan
Yes, Coug, I believe the impact should be a lot lesser than what Tim did to his Photon, but it did happen, and the Photon was in small pieces with the maid trying to pick them up as the baby was clapping happily.. hehehe...
Oh well, I guess it's not baby-proof.
Dan
Interesting thread...
Photon vs. ASP...from real world use not in the military.
The ASP suffers from the fact it is not available in colors (at least where I shop). If you want BLUE, great. Too bad it's not my favorite color. That clip is very handy, much easier to use routinely (ASP fits as a zipper pull on a coat easily, will you put an o-ring photon there?). The case size is a little large for my tastes, I like its rubber pad to turn it on but, the constant on feature is missing. The ASP is cheaper, all things considered so, you can have multiple units around to suffice for ones that need batteries without breaking the bank.
The Photon has advantages and disadvantes as well, most of which have already been covered above. These things don't resist water very well. A light rain in my pocket is not a problem, dropping them in the sink is. I really don't like unscrewing the case to turn it off when the bulb is glowing dimly. The fact that it is offered in many colors and brightness patterns and levels, is very nice, wish ASP would do the same. Some have a very good spread for area light, some a tight beam for pin point light, some are dim enough to use in the cockpit with out blinding the pilots and, others will adequately light a small back yard to find dogs and kids (not to mention avoiding things like toys and snakes that may lay in your path). Since it is so small and light weight, I find I have it everywhere I need it, whereas the ASP is clipped to briefcase or backpack which may not be within reach all the time.
Bigger lights...UnderWater Kinetics..
For the money, UnderWater Kinetics is the way to go. The 3 models I recommend are the little AAA light (a tad larger then older car alarm remotes and is "key chain-able"), the 4AA light (the flat case with 2 side by side pairs stacked) which fits in the palm your hand nicely, and the UKE2L for those who want the reliability of Lithium batteries but don't want to spend $40 on a light. These lights all have great beam quality, high light output, stand up to real life (rain, falls, etc.) well. When you consider they are only marginally more expensive then what you buy at Wal-mart and they always work (unless you run the batteries completely out), why throw your money away on a cheap flashlight that won't work a week later? UKE also offers many different color cases so, Yellow, Black, Safety Orange, etc are options for those that care. The twist off head means they won't come on accidently and are highly water resistent.
Mag-lites....
Beam quality in these are generally pretty bad, especially if you've been using some of the UKE's mentioned above. The beam has hot spots and shadows and, the variable focus is part of the reason why. If you shim the bulb properly to center it in the head and put it far enough forward to work properly, you can improve things some
. These are generally heavy enough and large enough that you won't have them on you
when you need them, if you're lucky you can find one the trunk of your car at a road side somewhere when needed. They won't be there after you leave the mall to check the interior of the car for bag guys and such.
Carley
lamps and RadioShack High Capacity Ni-Cad's go along way to improving this light. In fact, given the option of buying a Sure-Fire or a Carley'ized Mag-lite, I'll take the improved Mag-lite. Beam quality is improved (they can only do so much with a bad reflector design) but, OUTPUT! Lots of light
OUTPUT
. And since they are Ni-Cad powered, you can actually afford to use them routinely
, unlike Lithium powered lights
. With a standard bulb, you can milk the setup for really long run times
.
The larger Streamlights also should be mentioned here. Their recharge solution is the most convenient I have found and, they have plenty of good quality light with acceptable run times. They do cost more then most but, give you a better solution for the money.
For Tactical lights....
The two choices are Streamlight or SureFire. For a small non-rechargeable lights, the SureFires offer the package that fits me the best in their "Z" solution. In the rechargeables, the small Streamlights get the nod. With lithium batteries providing such short run times and high replacement expense, I tend to think most people would be happier spending a little extra and getting the smaller Streamlight rechargeable Tactical Lights.
I've rambled enough here...
Sid
[This message has been edited by Sid Post (edited 02 July 1999).]
Photon vs. ASP...from real world use not in the military.
The ASP suffers from the fact it is not available in colors (at least where I shop). If you want BLUE, great. Too bad it's not my favorite color. That clip is very handy, much easier to use routinely (ASP fits as a zipper pull on a coat easily, will you put an o-ring photon there?). The case size is a little large for my tastes, I like its rubber pad to turn it on but, the constant on feature is missing. The ASP is cheaper, all things considered so, you can have multiple units around to suffice for ones that need batteries without breaking the bank.
The Photon has advantages and disadvantes as well, most of which have already been covered above. These things don't resist water very well. A light rain in my pocket is not a problem, dropping them in the sink is. I really don't like unscrewing the case to turn it off when the bulb is glowing dimly. The fact that it is offered in many colors and brightness patterns and levels, is very nice, wish ASP would do the same. Some have a very good spread for area light, some a tight beam for pin point light, some are dim enough to use in the cockpit with out blinding the pilots and, others will adequately light a small back yard to find dogs and kids (not to mention avoiding things like toys and snakes that may lay in your path). Since it is so small and light weight, I find I have it everywhere I need it, whereas the ASP is clipped to briefcase or backpack which may not be within reach all the time.
Bigger lights...UnderWater Kinetics..
For the money, UnderWater Kinetics is the way to go. The 3 models I recommend are the little AAA light (a tad larger then older car alarm remotes and is "key chain-able"), the 4AA light (the flat case with 2 side by side pairs stacked) which fits in the palm your hand nicely, and the UKE2L for those who want the reliability of Lithium batteries but don't want to spend $40 on a light. These lights all have great beam quality, high light output, stand up to real life (rain, falls, etc.) well. When you consider they are only marginally more expensive then what you buy at Wal-mart and they always work (unless you run the batteries completely out), why throw your money away on a cheap flashlight that won't work a week later? UKE also offers many different color cases so, Yellow, Black, Safety Orange, etc are options for those that care. The twist off head means they won't come on accidently and are highly water resistent.
Mag-lites....
Beam quality in these are generally pretty bad, especially if you've been using some of the UKE's mentioned above. The beam has hot spots and shadows and, the variable focus is part of the reason why. If you shim the bulb properly to center it in the head and put it far enough forward to work properly, you can improve things some
The larger Streamlights also should be mentioned here. Their recharge solution is the most convenient I have found and, they have plenty of good quality light with acceptable run times. They do cost more then most but, give you a better solution for the money.
For Tactical lights....
The two choices are Streamlight or SureFire. For a small non-rechargeable lights, the SureFires offer the package that fits me the best in their "Z" solution. In the rechargeables, the small Streamlights get the nod. With lithium batteries providing such short run times and high replacement expense, I tend to think most people would be happier spending a little extra and getting the smaller Streamlight rechargeable Tactical Lights.
I've rambled enough here...
Sid
[This message has been edited by Sid Post (edited 02 July 1999).]
- Joined
- Oct 23, 1998
- Messages
- 160
I am still undecided on the constant-on feature of the Photon. I like the idea but I have suffered several accidental constant-on that complete drained the batteries in my Streamlight TopSpot. I did not find out about it until I really needed it, and then all I could do was a lot of hollering and yelling.
I like the Streamlight Stinger a lot. I have one for about 9 months now and I am using it about 1 hour every day. No degradation in performance as far as I can see. I recommend the poly version because the aluminum version stop working after I dropped it.
I also like the UKE2L for general purpose lighting. For you non-tactical user like myself the UKE2L is a much better value than the Surefire. I do have the Surefire 9P on my M16 though, for those time when I need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sid makes a very good point about the Mag-Lite.
I like the Streamlight Stinger a lot. I have one for about 9 months now and I am using it about 1 hour every day. No degradation in performance as far as I can see. I recommend the poly version because the aluminum version stop working after I dropped it.
I also like the UKE2L for general purpose lighting. For you non-tactical user like myself the UKE2L is a much better value than the Surefire. I do have the Surefire 9P on my M16 though, for those time when I need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sid makes a very good point about the Mag-Lite.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 573
Well, Cougar, sure why not! I will try out my Photon(s) when we head down the beach house on Monday. I can drop them into the ocean (on a string to be sure) and pull it out in a bit. Maybe I'll do it while I'm using the Krill to catch fish. However, don't expect pictures, as I'm not real keen on taking my new digital camera down to the rocks at seaside, where there's sun, fish, beer and salt water. Hope ya trust my findings.
Also, I just received the couple of ASP's I had ordered today- and guess what? They have a NEW color bulb! I got one standard blue and the new one. Still packaged as the Sapphire (blue) but has a label on the back- called the Navigator. It's a RED bulb. Now, nowhere on the packaging, nor in the literature of it's capabilities does it say it's waterproof. It does say "The two lithium power cells are leak proof, low temperature certified and vibration resistant." Nothing new there. I tried to call them today, but they're either closed for a long weekend/vacation or they went home early, so no information was forthcoming there.
The thing that still bugs me, not to be an asphole
, is the fact that, just like a BM knife et. al., they don't want the user to take it apart. They will replace it, rather than allow you to open it (whenever you want, why ever you want- not necessarily in an emergency situation). I'd prefer they screwed it together, rather than use a glue and let me have a go at it. Also:
" To obtain replacement components, send your Sapphire postage paid to: ASP... Please include a check in the amount of $3.00 (US) to cover return postage and handling. Be certain to include your return address. Allow four weeks for delivery."
Also, if (when) I take it apart (like I will again very soon), I void the warranty. I oughta send you guys a bill for my testing ;-) I'll drop the ASP in regular water and see what happens (and take a pic) before I rush off to kill another in salt water with no pics. We'll see how they hold up. Looking at them side by side with matching colored Photons, it's pretty clear that the Photon is brighter- I can see the "filament" (I know, it's not a filament, but the term escapes me now- the little round (ASP) or square(Photon from the looks of the dying battery ones) part that glows in the base of any LED) more clearly in the ASP (still an eye irritant), but the brightness of the Photon pretty much obscures any chance of seeing it's "filament"- it's that much more of an eye irritant. Damned spots- I can't type!
One thing they have improved is the spring clip on the ASP- seems much beefier than the original one I ripped open.
Anyhow, enough of this, I'll do some kick-asp
testing (drop, step, dunk as well) and see if my buddies are coherent enough to drop the photons and asps onto the rocks from the stairs. Should be about a 50' drop/toss to hit the rocks.
Have a happy and safe 4th.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.
[edited for typos]
[This message has been edited by Tim Flanagan (edited 02 July 1999).]
Also, I just received the couple of ASP's I had ordered today- and guess what? They have a NEW color bulb! I got one standard blue and the new one. Still packaged as the Sapphire (blue) but has a label on the back- called the Navigator. It's a RED bulb. Now, nowhere on the packaging, nor in the literature of it's capabilities does it say it's waterproof. It does say "The two lithium power cells are leak proof, low temperature certified and vibration resistant." Nothing new there. I tried to call them today, but they're either closed for a long weekend/vacation or they went home early, so no information was forthcoming there.
The thing that still bugs me, not to be an asphole
" To obtain replacement components, send your Sapphire postage paid to: ASP... Please include a check in the amount of $3.00 (US) to cover return postage and handling. Be certain to include your return address. Allow four weeks for delivery."
Also, if (when) I take it apart (like I will again very soon), I void the warranty. I oughta send you guys a bill for my testing ;-) I'll drop the ASP in regular water and see what happens (and take a pic) before I rush off to kill another in salt water with no pics. We'll see how they hold up. Looking at them side by side with matching colored Photons, it's pretty clear that the Photon is brighter- I can see the "filament" (I know, it's not a filament, but the term escapes me now- the little round (ASP) or square(Photon from the looks of the dying battery ones) part that glows in the base of any LED) more clearly in the ASP (still an eye irritant), but the brightness of the Photon pretty much obscures any chance of seeing it's "filament"- it's that much more of an eye irritant. Damned spots- I can't type!
One thing they have improved is the spring clip on the ASP- seems much beefier than the original one I ripped open.
Anyhow, enough of this, I'll do some kick-asp
Have a happy and safe 4th.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.
[edited for typos]
[This message has been edited by Tim Flanagan (edited 02 July 1999).]
- Joined
- May 22, 1999
- Messages
- 1,474
Tim,
The term is 'diode' but were all savvy enough to know what you mean
Why don't you get a canteen of seawater to test later in a safe place where you're not worried about your camera. Not quite the same beating but you do what you can. Somebody should make a digital camera version of the Nikonos.
Since I haven't bought a photon(s) yet I'm very interested in what you find out. Especially since they seem to be coming out with other colors of diodes.
The term is 'diode' but were all savvy enough to know what you mean
Since I haven't bought a photon(s) yet I'm very interested in what you find out. Especially since they seem to be coming out with other colors of diodes.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 573
Hmmm, yeah, diode- that was the word! In any event, yeah, I suppose carrying some of the Atlantic home wouldn't be out of the question- going to be more a test of how many fish I catch, but I'll do what I can.
If you've been waiting on purchasing a Photon hoping for more colors, well, they have always had multiple colors (started with 2 on the PhotonI, now up to 8 including infrared on the PII). The ASP is just now increasing it's color differentiation to two- blue and red.
I'll see what I can do on the testing. Seeya.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.
If you've been waiting on purchasing a Photon hoping for more colors, well, they have always had multiple colors (started with 2 on the PhotonI, now up to 8 including infrared on the PII). The ASP is just now increasing it's color differentiation to two- blue and red.
I'll see what I can do on the testing. Seeya.
------------------
--
Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.