Which is better..JIL or AmiLite Neo T3?

[Truezach]

Ok here is a tough one for me and I really havent seen beamshots of the JIL (up) regulated compared to a Neo T3, but in terms of performance who wins......the AmiLite Neo T3 or the Jil (Up) Regulated? I am thinking about buying one or the other.

[Radio]

Just a quick opinion to get this thread rolling, I own both and my Amilite definitely has a brighter hotspot and has more usable spill than my Jil 1.3up but you sacrifice size, a lot of size, Jil is a keychain light, I would not put my Amilite on a keychain, too big. My answer is buy them both and keep the one you like, I kept both.

[Blindasabat]

I have both an Amilite and a Jil DD UP and the Jil DD on Lithium primary is less than half as bright as the Neo, but fits in a pocket better. I recently put an RCR2 3.6V (4.2V fresh out of charger) Li-Ion rechargeable in the Jil and it ran up to 5 minutes at a time at a much brighter level approaching the Neo on primary Lithium. Both operate about the same and I find that for one hand operation, both need a rubber band or o-ring around the bezel to provide grip to easily turn them on-off. I have a FluPic on the way to add a lot of usefulness to the Jil DD (two brightness levels, safer RCR2 use, strobe...) that the Neo can't really match. Goldserve said he doesn't like the idea of pitching the excellent electrics in the Neo to replace them, and I agree that the Neo's efficiency is it's strength and how it gets it's brightness. I think only the HDS EDC60 and 85 are brighter on one CR123, but for shorter time at max.
How the beams compare: The Amilite has a tighter, brighter hot spot for more throw, the Jil has a wider, less bright hot spot (about 2x as wide) better for use up close and indoors.

Advantages of each:

* Jil DD: Smaller, easier two-stage upgrade keeping stock brightest level. Smoother body with no edges to cut into your pocket. Good indoor light.

* Amilite Neo T3: longer run time, brighter, efficient circuit. Doesn't need lanyard to hold on to it and operate one handed. Good outdoor light.

I like them both and use them both , but carry the Jil EDC and keep the Neo at home or take it on trips away from home.

Hope this helps.

[Truezach]

Thanks for the awesome input guys. I think I am going to get the Neo tonight and possibly down the road get the JIL. As of now I have two EDC lights. ARC-P and E1L. I sometimes change out the ARC-P for a L0P, but rarely due to it being in my pocket all day. The E1L usually sits in my coat. Most likely will interchange it with the E1L for EDC. Do you know if LightHound keeps the Neo's in stock so I can get it faster than ordering it from overseas? Thanks Guys

[Blindasabat]

I ordered my Amilite from Lighthound like a day after they started carrying them. It was only a few days shipping. I think cheaper shipping than directly from Amilite too.

[nirad]

According to the website, LightHound has the Neo in stock . He also has lightning fast shipping and superb customer service. I am sure you could get one from him a lot sooner and cheaper shippping than going the overseas route.

[Truezach]

Ohh no....the Son of Raw has caught my eye now......what to do!!!

[Truezach]

Whats the difference between the Son of Raw and Son of Raw w/ smoothy?

[FlashInThePan]

For what it's worth...

I own the Jil 1.3 and I love it. I don't have the Amilite to compare it to, but I do have a Peak Caribbean; its high brightness and narrow hotspot make it similar to the Amilite. The Jil's beam quality amazes me even to this day. I don't know how else to describe it other than "perfectly useful." It doesn't throw as far, but the broad beam and easy transition from hotspot to spill make it an *excellent* indoor light. In fact, when using the Jill you'll stop noticing that you're using a flashlight and just start noticing what you were looking for in the room. A great light!

- FITP

[onthebeam]

I have the JIL 1.3 UP, which is the regulated version. Also have the Amilite and Caribbean. All great lights. The Amilite is the brighest but also a bit wider at the head than the Caribbean, which is wider and longer than the JIL. The JIL is by far the smallest of the bunch, and disappears in the pocket. I agree, it's a great, pleasing beam that's useful indoors for just about anything. No slouch outside either.

I love them all and have EDCed each. The Caribbean is getting more use now since Peak came out with the momentary clicky. They all have marvelous, very white and bright beams.

[colubrid]

Whats the difference between the Son of Raw and Son of Raw w/ smoothy?

The smoothy does not have trit insert slots.

I have the Raw NS and the Jil DD Up. The Jil outperfoms the Raw NS on brightness by a mile.

[Sgtbjs]

I've got both the Amilite and the Jil 1.3W up, but I can't answer your question of which is better. The Amilite has a brighter hotspot, but the diameter of sidespill is smaller than that of the Jil. On the other hand the jil is tiny, but has incredible output for its size. both of them are high quality and I'm sure you'd be happy with either of them.