hotfoot
Flashlight Enthusiast
Peter (et al),
Sorry if I've missed any earlier thread on this, but have you considered cheaper and simpler finishes for the Arc-LS, like just plain unfinished aluminium or powder-coating?
These will probably not meet your ideal flashlight standards, but I'd think most folks(myself included) would love to own an LS first that doesn't cost so much. Additionally, you could offer it in only one battery tube size included, perhaps just the single AA or the 123.
That way, all machining can continue as is, but a small production line forking off earlier (before full HAIII anodizing) from the main LS line to produce the "market meat" as described.
Fans of the ultimate LS will still have the HAIII with all the tubes, while Mom and Dad can enjoy the 'regular' LSs for nightstand duty and fishing. With the lower entry point, more will come to know and experience Arc flashglights and hopefully decide that the premium models really are worth that extra moola (scenario: dad fishes every week with regular LS - its satin-black powder finish wears out, but still works great - he decides it would be nice to have one that doesn't look as good, but wears well and has better battery life than a single AA can offer - voila! instant customer...)
as usual always, just IMHO...
Sorry if I've missed any earlier thread on this, but have you considered cheaper and simpler finishes for the Arc-LS, like just plain unfinished aluminium or powder-coating?
These will probably not meet your ideal flashlight standards, but I'd think most folks(myself included) would love to own an LS first that doesn't cost so much. Additionally, you could offer it in only one battery tube size included, perhaps just the single AA or the 123.
That way, all machining can continue as is, but a small production line forking off earlier (before full HAIII anodizing) from the main LS line to produce the "market meat" as described.
Fans of the ultimate LS will still have the HAIII with all the tubes, while Mom and Dad can enjoy the 'regular' LSs for nightstand duty and fishing. With the lower entry point, more will come to know and experience Arc flashglights and hopefully decide that the premium models really are worth that extra moola (scenario: dad fishes every week with regular LS - its satin-black powder finish wears out, but still works great - he decides it would be nice to have one that doesn't look as good, but wears well and has better battery life than a single AA can offer - voila! instant customer...)
as usual always, just IMHO...