Re: Ok, so what is it with Arc\'s?
As an avid ARC fan, (I own two, the CPF edition, and the 3.1 LE edition, and will purchase any future LE edition, if Peter even hints that it will give out more light!)
I really like my ARC AAA and will not substitute it for any other single LED light out there, for EDC on my keychain.
Now, while small, I understand the comments about how "big" it is compared to other very tiny LED lights. Until I figured how to mount it on my keychain via a tiny "ball chain" loop, that you have seen a million times (I bought 4 of them for like a dollar or two, at a key display at wal-mart), I did not fully appreciate the ARC either.
Now I find myself using the light several times a week, and I am glad that I have the extra "omph" that the ARC AAA provides.
I also like knowing that if I use the ARC AAA for 2 or three hours, I don't have to worry about diminishing brightness, or running home and changing the battery. HOWEVER, changing the battery is something I do more often than I should, because the single AAA battery that the ARC AAA uses, is way cheap! I think 3.50 or so for eight, at Wal-mart! Compare that to the 6-8 dollars for the two coin cell 2016 that you would pay for at radio shack. Also remember that the ARC gives CONSTANT BRIGHTNESS for most of the battery life. Every other coin cell light does not.
Now, with all that said, I will tell you of my "other" favorite light, that I give to friends.
It is the inova Microlight. Here is a pic:
On the other side of this light, is a "constant on" switch, so you can either squeeze this light on, or use the very easy "constant on" switch, by just flicking your thumb.
This light is like adding just one more key on you keyring. I just compared the two a second ago, and the ARC is brighter, blue-er, and wider than the Inova Microlight (the Microlight is a more natural white than the arc!). In comparing the two, the ARC is the one that I would want to have in any dark situation.
However, to give out as gifts, the arc is more expensive, and the Microlight fits with a smaller profile on your keychain.
So, in summary, for flashoholics, or anyone finding themselves using a light more than once a week, the ARC AAA, no doubt! But the inova Microlight is a nice "flashoholic gift!"
Now let me be perfectly clear, I much much much much prefer my ARC AA to my Inova Microlight, but for gift giving, or for where space / weight is at a VERY VERY VERY VERY premium, the Inova Microlight is a very nice alternative.
Let me state again, that the ARC is my favorite, and my only EDC light, but the Microlight is a nice second.