So what kind of flashlight do YOU carry?

Planterz said:
What's the connection between HDS and Arc? The descriptions say stuff like "Improvements over the Arc4..."
Click to expand...

Heh… that’s sort of a mild “can-o-worms” type question. :p It was a contentious issue for awhile and there were some ugly threads about it on CPF.

Basically, Arc (run by Peter Gransee) had the AAA and the LS series of flashlights. They brought in Henry from HDS to help engineer the Arc4, which was really light years beyond previous Arc designs. At that time, HDS was a little known company that had only produced one headlamp model.

There was a big (and public) falling out between Henry and Peter, with each claiming that they weren’t given enough credit for the Arc4 design. Henry announced that his company (HDS) would start making an improved version of the Arc4. At the same time, Peter announced plans for the Arc5.

Early versions of the Arc4 frequently had unreliable and/or stiff switches. Also, you couldn’t stand the flashlight on its switch end. The HDS EDC lights corrected these problems. Plus, the HDS lights use a Luxeon III (versus the 1-watt Luxeon LED on the Arc4), have more features in the software (with the Ultimate), and are more efficient.

The Arc5 was supposed to have similar improvements, but Arc went out of business before it went into production. (There were probably a few prototypes made though.)

Although the HDS Ultimate is really just version 2.0 of the Arc4, I think it is a much better flashlight. The HDS has more light levels to choose from and can get both dimmer and brighter than the Arc4. The HDS is also more ergonomic and its switch is definitely superior to Arc4’s.
 
Left front pocket, Surefire A2, belt pouch, Inova X5T and a Photon Freedom on a breakaway cord around my my neck. (also carry a Bic and a Zippo with Z-plus... They get kinda warm with extended runtime, and the throw isn't too great... :D )
 
I carry an Avexa Freelight (the old version that had the blue lanyard). Solar powered + LED means no need for maintenance ever; waterproof; shock-resistant; smaller than a matchbox; bright enough for my camping needs... all for US$17.

–Mike
 
Photon I white on keyring
Peak McKinley 7LED old style in front right pocket

Other non EDC lights I often carry
Inova X5 in briefcase
SureFire 6p if I go out in the dark

Hoping to add a SF E1L soon...
 
i edc a arc "aaa", surefire E2e w/a KL1 head, and have a surefire M3 or C2 in my bag at all times. another good 1 is a inova T1 though its bigger than the E2e and only 1 batt vs 2 so not as bright.
 
I carry a Surefire E1e with a KL1 attachment. While this is a superb EDC I plan on upgrading to a Fenix L1P. When I bought the surefire and the attachment I said I'd never need to buy another flashlight, good thing no one was around when I said that.
 
houdini28 said:
I carry a Surefire E1e with a KL1 attachment. While this is a superb EDC I plan on upgrading to a Fenix L1P. When I bought the surefire and the attachment I said I'd never need to buy another flashlight, good thing no one was around when I said that.
Click to expand...
I don't know that the L1P would really be considered an "upgrade". More throw perhaps, but the Surefire will have better regulation and a smoother beam with better flood. The Fenix is damn nice, but a direct comparison between the two is kinda apples vs. oranges, or rather a $100 orange vs. a $45 apple.
 
Arc AAA original on neck lanyard.
Inova X5-T in belt pouch.
SureFire E2e clipped inside rear jeans pocket.
Photon Freedom Covert on keyring.
Inova XO3 in coat pocket.
 
I EDC an Arc AAA. It's small enough to put the E into EDC, yet bright enough to make a walk home safe.

If needed, I can then escalate through the following:

Mini-Maglite AA with NiteIze LED conversion

Streamlight Twintask ( 2 x 123 model)

Surefire E1e

Surefire E2eHA

BIG Maglites...

I've just ordered a Fenix L1P

maximus otter
 
In casual dress:
Surefire E2D in Surefire belt pouch
Mag Solitaire in cellphone pouch (nite-ize)
Photon clone on keyring

In smart dress:
Storm shield platinum AA 5LED in pocket
photon clone on keyring
 
Fenix L1P combo'ed with an Inova Microlight. My also have a Nuwai QIII on rechargeable CR123's for for greater "Ow! That's bright" factor!
 
I've got a small Maglite in my sheath in my center console, and a dollar store flash light in my door pocket. I also have a large Rayovac spotlight in my cargo area.
 
Go between a SF 6P and numurous Mini-Mags----depending on the condition of the batteries in the SF----I know I can get them from SF----but what a PITA.

For the price of 2 123 batteries at Walmart---I can get a Mini-mag---complete with batteries---3 extra bulbs and a nylon holster----less actually.

Let's just say I have a lot of Mini-mag combos-----a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top