Opportunity to buy HDS EDC
- Thread starter Sarmajor
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Those are production lights by HDS quite many years ago. Although they are very nice lights, they are outdated and superseded by the clicky and rotary. Are you sure you still want to get them? If you do, you always have the choice to get the emitters modded later on to something more efficient.
As the owner of an original HDS Ultimate 60 GT, I'd recommend getting the U60 XR.
You will appreciate the added run time.
The run time on Max is 40 minutes, compared to 30 minutes with the U60GT that I have.
Also, Henry of HDS stated back then that the U60XR was basically the same light as the later U85
If you are very sensitive to the tint of the beam, and aren't too fussy about run time or overall brightness, then get the GT model. Guaranteed tint, and mine is awesome.
And the older models you describe are shorter in length than the current models, which I think makes them more easily carry-able.
The main down-side IMO is that the run times are short compared to more modern lights. They are just older LED technology, but they still do very well if you don't demand the highest light output or long run times. And the run times are pretty decent for the lower brightness levels.
If you use a 16340 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you can just recharge it every time you have significant use, and have it fresh and ready for morning. That's what I do. I became tired of using primary cr123 batteries, and having the Max setting run out early, and be saddled with stepped-down output for the rest of the life of the battery. The 16340 rechargeable solved this issue for me.
Much more convenient to have the Max available when desired, without wasting the remaining life of the battery. Just refresh the charge and have Max again!
You will appreciate the added run time.
The run time on Max is 40 minutes, compared to 30 minutes with the U60GT that I have.
Also, Henry of HDS stated back then that the U60XR was basically the same light as the later U85
If you are very sensitive to the tint of the beam, and aren't too fussy about run time or overall brightness, then get the GT model. Guaranteed tint, and mine is awesome.
And the older models you describe are shorter in length than the current models, which I think makes them more easily carry-able.
The main down-side IMO is that the run times are short compared to more modern lights. They are just older LED technology, but they still do very well if you don't demand the highest light output or long run times. And the run times are pretty decent for the lower brightness levels.
If you use a 16340 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you can just recharge it every time you have significant use, and have it fresh and ready for morning. That's what I do. I became tired of using primary cr123 batteries, and having the Max setting run out early, and be saddled with stepped-down output for the rest of the life of the battery. The 16340 rechargeable solved this issue for me.
Much more convenient to have the Max available when desired, without wasting the remaining life of the battery. Just refresh the charge and have Max again!
mossyoak
Flashlight Enthusiast
Actually, the LED is the only thing outdated. The old series were much more efficient on the lower levels, with runtimes approaching 1 month continuous. The newer versions low runtimes are somewhere around 128 hours.
Hondo
Flashlight Enthusiast
Ditto, and to what I think you are asking, the U60 is the one to have, as you can program it with a series of 10 clicks. Note that the Basics can do the same thing, it just takes 250 clicks to enter programming, rather than 10. And that is for each change you want to make. For me, that was just two times in, so my thumb only aches a little.
About these lights in general, the only "weak link" was the thin aluminum lens retention ring, which won't resist a hard hit on the bezel, and can result in a bent bezel and cracked lens. The most common upgrade for these is a simple swap to a titanium or stainless steel extended bezel ring, which greatly improves their durability.
Like others are saying, for a user I would (did) upgrade the LED, so there is no reason to pay any extra for the GT model, unless you like the bling of the laser etched letters on the body.
About these lights in general, the only "weak link" was the thin aluminum lens retention ring, which won't resist a hard hit on the bezel, and can result in a bent bezel and cracked lens. The most common upgrade for these is a simple swap to a titanium or stainless steel extended bezel ring, which greatly improves their durability.
Like others are saying, for a user I would (did) upgrade the LED, so there is no reason to pay any extra for the GT model, unless you like the bling of the laser etched letters on the body.
Absolutely right. I gave my point above because not many people bother about extreme runtimes and on the other hand most are bothered about max output. I am fine with 60 lumen max but not many are.
I would add to my previous post by saying that these older HDS lights have pretty decent throw for their power levels. The older LED had a smaller die size, which translates into better throw for the small reflector size.
My U60 GT will throw a solid 60 yards with enough light left at that distance for me to identify a small animal like a squirrel from a skunk.
It's pretty good for a little light with only 60 lumens max. Henry did a nice job with these.
My U60 GT will throw a solid 60 yards with enough light left at that distance for me to identify a small animal like a squirrel from a skunk.
It's pretty good for a little light with only 60 lumens max. Henry did a nice job with these.
Thanks for all yopuir input. Now I will just have to get the financial advisor (wife) to sign off.
I knew that they were older lights and not in production but looking at the pictures of them from the seller they are in BNIB condition.
Also as I am down under in New Zealand they are probably the only ones in the country.
Thanks
Hedley
I knew that they were older lights and not in production but looking at the pictures of them from the seller they are in BNIB condition.
Also as I am down under in New Zealand they are probably the only ones in the country.
Thanks
Hedley
precisionworks
Flashaholic
Henry is a great guy to work with & he still maintains a good inventory of "legacy" parts. Nice lights, built like a tank. Change the bezel to stainless or titanium & you'll love it.
http://www.hdssystems.com/?id=LegacyProducts
http://www.hdssystems.com/?id=LegacyProducts
wrencher
Newly Enlightened
These lights the EDC series are before the Legacy lights and parts are not enter changeable. The bezels from the Novatac lights are the same.
precisionworks
Flashaholic
Legacy is neither a model nor a series of lights. Legacy products refer to lights that Henry made in the past. The EDC BASIC 42 XR, BASIC 42 XR GT & ULTIMATE 60 XR are all Legacy products for which many parts are still available. Click on the link in post #10 to see the entire family of Legacy products.
mossyoak
Flashlight Enthusiast
It was my understanding that the "legacy" lights were the Ra and HDS that look like the current models but don't have Acme threads. It was to differentiate so people didn't buy acme threaded stuff for v-sharp lights.
wrencher
Newly Enlightened
EDC parts only fit those lights. When he sold his business to Novatac all the spair parts went with the sale. I have had a EDC U60 in for repair and he didn't have any parts for the repair. So I was offered a credit toward a new light. Witch is why I will always be a HDS customer.
precisionworks
Flashaholic
According to Henry (as shown on his website) the Legacy products include all these:
The list in in chronological order & the Ra/EDC Twisty & Ra/EDC Clicky are the newest lights that are no longer in production.
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wrencher
Newly Enlightened
As someone who has owned a EDC Basic and EDC Ultimate lights I can assure you the parts do not enter change. I also own the Ra Clicky and Twisty and they have a different body. The same body as the current lights but different thread. Yes the the discontuned lights are all legacy lights.
mossyoak
Flashlight Enthusiast
The basic, and ultimate lights will most definately interchange. the only difference is how they are programmed.
the Twisty and Clicky lights are completely different.
wrencher
Newly Enlightened
My bad I ment EDC parts will not interchange with later lights.
