FEELER: Dark Sucks, Carbon Fiber bodied Alpha

[archer6817j]

If there's an option on CF colors, I would personally prefer something with at least some true black in it

Not sure what you mean by "true black." AFAIK carbon is carbon and that only comes in one color Sometimes they add colored fiberglass to the weave (which I'm guessing is what you are referring to?) and sometimes kevlar is blended with carbon.

The tube in the photo is 100% CF. Some of it appears grey because the fibers are woven perpendicular and that reflects the light differently. A blend could be cool though!...but it's not an option from the supplier I'm using.

[maddog]

100% Awsome !!!!

[archer6817j]

awww what! Double post and I didn't even double click.

[notrefined]

I thought it *was* a blend, with some light gray color in there...since it's not, perfect!

...still want chrome, though

[archer6817j]

Looking into both hard chrome and chromium nitride (harder) using a vapor deposition process, not dipping. Hold on to your wallets

[smarkum]

I really like it Jason. Great work. I'm in , depending on price. . . . don't know enough about the finish types, but I'm eagerly awaiting the pics!
This one going to have trits? or trit option?

[archer6817j]

I'm working on a tritium tailcap

Trits on the head is negotiable as well. More is better right?

[compasillo]

I'll be IN when you design a AAA light... with trits, indeed

[cw_mi]

Jason,
Carbon Fiber, Trits, and DLC... it's just got to be awesome !!

[archer6817j]

I'll be IN when you design a AAA light... with trits, indeed

Would you settle for an AA?

[smarkum]

Would you settle for an AA?

I sure would !!! Much more useable size for me. Can you do a carbon AA light just like the one above? With trits? You be a superstar!

[compasillo]

Would you settle for an AA?

Yes I would... Size?
But still interested in AAA ;-)

[KVoimakas]

Would you settle for an AA?

AA or double AA?

[archer6817j]

The AA size is still totally theoretical. I don't have a design and I haven't made any prototypes yet Basically I wanted something that would work with Eneloops, lithiums, and alkalines.

But to stay on topic...any more interest in the carbon body?

[bigchelis]

The AA size is still totally theoretical. I don't have a design and I haven't made any prototypes yet Basically I wanted something that would work with Eneloops, lithiums, and alkalines.

But to stay on topic...any more interest in the carbon body?

Jason,
I just gave Peter some Wayne from Sandwichshoppe here on this site $ the drivers designed for AA cells. These are really tiny drivers and they will generate 1.4A to the LED via just 1V~3V input. He is putting this together as we speak, so hopefully the driver delivers and it would be an awesome driver if it actually does do it.

It would be 2A~2.5A via 2 NiMH AA cells, so thats full power for sure. That would be awesome!

bigC

[nfetterly]

Kick it to the top....., want to get this light made....

[supersuby]

I'm working on a tritium tailcap

Trits on the head is negotiable as well. More is better right?

I love the design with the carbon fiber. If you can do the trits on the head and tail count me in

[compasillo]

Trits, trits... what an adiction!

[nfetterly]

Bump to top, any ypdate

[Darvis]

Bump. I'd take the bait on this carbon fiber one for sure... get 'er done!

To be frankly honest, what does it for me is the daprture from the normally ribbed look of your other designs.. I much prefer the flat body on this.

[Chauncey Gardiner]

There was a time when I was content with my income......then I found CPF. Now contentment is a little harder to maintain.
Beautiful light. AA would be great.

~ Chance

[archer6817j]

Hey all,

So I'm having a bit of trouble with the tube supplier I wanted to use, so it looks like I have to find another option. I'd like to make this happen though, so I'll keep working on it. Speaking of tritum...suggestions for where you want them located and how many you'd want?

[twl]

IMO, this is the light that you need to make.
I think this is the one that will really put you on the map for custom makers.

If you don't make the run, I would ask right now for the chance to buy the prototype that is pictured.
Assuming that it works, or that you can make it work, of course.
I don't care about bare aluminum or coatings or trits or whatever. I just think that exactly what you have shown in the picture is totally awesome and I want it.

And if you want to do some other cool versions, I'd suggest a 18500 and 18350 version for the folks who like the short lights.
But I think this basic theme is going to make you some money, and the head design is outstanding.

If you are making the run, I like any of the silver colored finish options, so that it basically looks like the picture.
Trit options are fine too, but I don't know if I'd order any trits or not. And I actually think the GITD ring around the LED is pretty cool too.

Regarding options, my recommendation is to keep the base price as low as you can, and add options at extra cost for those who want them. An attractive base price for the plain light is key to getting more sales. Many of the other custom light brands are too expensive for most people to reach. And with nice options at added cost, the people who want the fanciest versions at higher cost can get them, so nobody is left out.

I personally think that the XML should now be the emitter of choice because of the reasons you stated on your new thread about output rating.
You'll get more out of the XML and it's more consistent in output, and it's more lumens and it has longer throw. And I think it would sell better too, simply because it's got the newest hi-power emitter, which people like to have.
That being said, I wouldn't pass up one of the super-performing MCE emitters that you have, either.
But the XML is newer and more efficient and better throw, so I think you'd be better off to move to this newest LED. However, I do believe that in a personal light, the flood beam is more useful, as long as there is some reasonable throw along with it, which either of these emitters seems to have anyway, with their big power output.

My general comments are that this is a timeless look with an interesting/attractive blend of the classic vintage combined with the hi-tech look.
I like it very much, and it won't go out of style.

So anyway, I think you need to make this light.
You can find carbon fiber tubes.
All your lights are nice, but this one really hits the home run. You simply MUST make this light.

[archer6817j]

Hey thanks for all the comments so far! This is moving along, but slowly. I think I have a supplier lined up but the tubes will be made to order and I'll going to have to fork over some money for a custom mandrel. I should know more in a week or so!

[egrep]

Jason, please put me down for one of these lights. Definitely.

[TXflash]

Any update on the CF version?

[archer6817j]

Any update on the CF version?

Yep, still trying to find a supplier. I've struck out with 3 companies. I'm working on the 4th right now. Let me know if anyone has a lead. And yes...I've tried googling for suppliers

[127.0.0.1]

make some out of bamboo, you will be able to sell them all for much riches

use the bamboo tube size used in the seatstays http://www.calfeedesign.com/products/bamboo/

[Policecar]

This resembles your I.C.E concept which I like so much. Any chance that could be made for regular production? It would be simpler than dealing with CF.

Anyone have interest in one of these? This will be a carbon sleeve epoxy bonded over an aluminum body. This will be a tad lighter than the standard Alpha. Please give feedback on whether you want the aluminum to be "raw" or nickel plated like my other lights. I recommend the nickel plate for long term durability.

The light (as pictured) will be in the neighborhood of $300.00 This covers the cost of the additional machining on the head and the cost to have custom carbon tubes manufactured to my specifications. The light in the photo is just a mock up. This is not a final price since I still need to get the exact cost from the tube manufacturer.

Thanks!

Jason