McGizmo Haiku - An Ideal EDC - An Essay

[run4jc]

LOL, not from me, from run4jc. I don't have a Sapphire....yet.

Great little light! I did a review of the Sapphire 25 over here - about the only difference now is with the tint. I put the same lousy iPhone pic of the tint up in that thread. May improve on that photo, but the review pretty much covers the same 'goodness' that the Sapphire GS has.

Oh, and I wanted to get opinions from you guys on something. I sorta wanted to do a similar write-up for the Mule too, but I realized the two lights share many of the same features and it would be kind of redundant. Mostly it's just the beam profile that is wildly different. Does it warrant its own mini-essay, or could/should it be added as bonus features to this one??? Let me know.


Thanks again for the kind words and feedback. Keep it coming, if there's anything else that should be added, let me know.

One man's opinion - do a separate review of the mule. One of the true values of this forum is the aggregation of different users reviews and opinions. The only thing I enjoy more than writing my own reviews - is reading someone else's!! You have a knack for this, so please share your thoughts on the mule in a new post. Perhaps you could just link to this review for things like the clip, switch, etc., but the 'business end' could be all new comments. Thanks for doing these!

[fyrstormer]

Is there a comparison shot that shows the difference between the warm GS and cool DS versions of the Sapphire? I've been toying with the idea of picking up a second one, because somehow I just can't subject my only Sapphire to the "rigors" of in-pocket carry with all the other crap I keep in my pockets.

[nbp]

Oh, if only Don could make his lights out of some magical material that would be able to stand up to the abuse of keys and coins. But alas, it is only a dream.

[nbp]

I got a good chance to use my Haiku today at work and it really shone. One of the formulators told me they needed someone from QC to get in a hold tank and inspect it to make sure it was clean before they pumped the next product in there. I was the one to do it.

He asked if I needed to use their light:




Yeah, four 5mm LEDs, that'll do the trick.

I just smiled and said, "I have a light".

I climbed in the tank and clicked on my Haiku to HI, and one of the young guys who was poking his head in went "Whoah!"

I shone the light around and quickly identified the product spots on the walls that needed scrubbing. It's a 5000 gal resin tank, so it's sort of translucent and ambient light shines through. Without a very bright light, it's impossible to see the light colored product on the walls, thus, the reason they had missed some spots.

I told the guys they needed a brighter light. They said the plant manager was going to get one for them but they were still waiting.

I am seriously considering buying a user TK20 or something simple and indestructible off the MP and donating it to them. I can't stand looking at that crap light they have, and they are jeopardizing the quality of our mixes if they can't see well enough to get tanks completely clean.

Anyways, the Haiku performed perfectly. Again.

[RedLed]

Originally Posted by RedLed
Dude,

Your photos are great...



Thanks man, I appreciate it. I have no photography training, and I use a point and shoot digital camera and a lightbox made from a cardboard box and printer paper. So, they never seem very good to me. I do need to put a bigger sheet of paper in the back to get rid of that stupid seam though.

---




Thanks. My company is always willing to share production & Technical info. just send an E-mail.

Also, I printed your review and pui it in my flashlight files and archives.

Well done!

All the best,

NR

[nbp]

I'm not sure what's crazier, that you have a flashlight archive or that my essay made it in there.

Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you liked the review.

Maybe it will inspire some more people to buy Haikus.

[fisk-king]

Great review nbp. Nicely done.

[mr.snakeman]

I can only reiterate what others have already said: a great review of a great light. Thanks for all the work you put into it. I EDC my Haiku XP-G on a daily basis and just wish I could afford another one in a neutral tint.

[fyrstormer]

He asked if I needed to use their light:




Yeah, four 5mm LEDs, that'll do the trick.

I just smiled and said, "I have a light".

I told the guys they needed a brighter light. They said the plant manager was going to get one for them but they were still waiting.

I am seriously considering buying a user TK20 or something simple and indestructible off the MP and donating it to them. I can't stand looking at that crap light they have, and they are jeopardizing the quality of our mixes if they can't see well enough to get tanks completely clean.

Do it, then hand your boss the receipt. Make it something that runs on AAs. Maybe a couple Fenix E21's, or something like that. Two modes is one mode more than they need, really, but it'll come in handy if they don't want to blind themselves looking at something close-up.

[RedLed]

Oh, if only Don could make his lights out of some magical material that would be able to stand up to the abuse of keys and coins. But alas, it is only a dream.

Oh, if only Don could make his lights out of some magical material that would be able to stand up to the abuse of keys and coins. But alas, it is only a dream.

Here is what I do to keep mine nice...

I use 800 grit sand paper for deep scratches, then 1000, 2000, and finish with the 3M White Ultra-Fine Scotch Brite Pads. They look like new, and in about 5-10 minutes. And old used sandpaper can still be used, so I save it.

Sometimes, I just use the white scotch Brite Pad. Often I do it whiles aboard planes traveling, or in the downtime at events, waiting around for them to start.

Really, I just touch them up, I do not try to make or keep them perfect, just real nice like any of my other expensive gear.

In place of the sandpaper, I sometimes use the gray, and maroon 3M Scotch Brite pads, then finish with the white. This works well to keep it nice.

Again, this a touch-up, not a polish, I like the machined feel. I leave the clip alone.

Best,

NR

[RedLed]

nbh,

I have read your post twice, and I think it is your - Haiku Love Letter to the World!!!

It should be archived as it is a nice introduction to the product.

Well done!

Best wishes,

NR

[RedLed]

nbh,

I added a Peter Atwood Titanium Ribbed Bead - it is a perfect match, and it is on a zipper pull size of para-cord 550.

I have beads that match most of my lights, and love them. Chris Reeve makes wonderful TI. beads, as well as Rick Hinderer.

The Hinderer, and Reeve beads are always in stock, the Atwood's are tricky to get. I have a variety of all three makers, and they are on my knives too.

I wonder if Don has thought about beads.

Just an FYI for you!!!

[nbp]

Hi Ned,

Thanks again for the kind words; I don't know if it's really all that special, but thank you.

I just tried to express what I felt and how I percieved the light as an actual user, and why I am happy to pick it up every single day and put it in my pocket as I head to work. Maybe it seemed too mushy at times considering it is simply a flashlight, but I think that a lot of heart was put into making these lights, and so it takes a little heart to really appreciate them.

Good tip on the beads as well. I have a couple 5 Flute Ti Atwood beads (my favorite of all the ones he made) but they are on an adjustable leather cord necklace I made. I never really wear the necklace though, maybe I should pull them off and put them on my EDC McGizmos. I've got paracord of all colors too, so that could be cool.... I'll see what I come up with and post it for ya.

[Craig K]

How much do McGizmo Haikus cost brand new?

[pjandyho]

How much do McGizmo Haikus cost brand new?

Haiku XP-G or High CRI $450
Haiku XM-L $455
Haiku Bead Blasted $475

[pjandyho]

I know Haiku is expensive and offer very limited technological advances, but it truly is a very nice light built to last. It also grows on you. Very seldom do I have lights that grow on me but McGizmo does. If you need a light built to be strong and without the bells and whistles, McGizmo lights are sure nice to have.

[scout24]

I'll respectfully disagree with the limited advancements... Haiku is available with the XM-L emitter, in addition to the XP-G and the high CRI Nichia 119. Ti, Sapphire lens, reflector optimized for the chosen emitter, best clicky switch available, and a pocketclip that others only wish they could make. Three very usable levels, and bright enough for anything that you could realistically ask from an EDC light, or the best color rendition available if that's what you need. If that's not advanced, I'm not sure what is. You can keep the strobe modes, and all the other bells and whistles that pass for advancements, I'll keep my Haikus...

[pjandyho]

I will give my opinion on what advanced means. I like a super low mode in the range of 0.05 to 1 lumen range. Haiku don't do that. I like a light that when using on medium mode allows me to do momentary high output by pushing the tail cap down. Example would be HDS clicky and rotary as well as any Surefire that uses a two stage twisty switch. Haiku doesn't do that. I like a light that gives me an affirmative change in output whenever I clicked it. Haiku don't. Many times I have to struggle through the clicks just to get it to revert back to low from high. I like a light that runs on constant regulation. Haiku don't. I can detect very distracting and annoying PWM signature on low and medium. I also like a light that gives me a higher high for times when I needed the extra boost to see further. Haiku don't because it did not pass my test on some night walks in the jungle. In fact, all my single cell lights appear brighter than the Haiku. Maybe it is because I am using the XM-L version instead of the XP-G? To me, those points I highlighted are what I would call advance technology. I was told that Haiku work on a KISS principle. I don't feel the KISS at work here because like I said above I sometimes struggled to get it to change mode. Don't see that as simple because I never have to do that with all my other lights. I am not slamming the Haiku or Mule. I love them for other reasons but it was never for the technology. I don't regard sapphire lens as technology by the way.

I'll respectfully disagree with the limited advancements... Haiku is available with the XM-L emitter, in addition to the XP-G and the high CRI Nichia 119. Ti, Sapphire lens, reflector optimized for the chosen emitter, best clicky switch available, and a pocketclip that others only wish they could make. Three very usable levels, and bright enough for anything that you could realistically ask from an EDC light, or the best color rendition available if that's what you need. If that's not advanced, I'm not sure what is. You can keep the strobe modes, and all the other bells and whistles that pass for advancements, I'll keep my Haikus...

[scout24]

That, sir, is the beauty of our hobby! Different strokes for different folks. This would be a boring place if everyone agreed! The other lights you mention are solid choices, and work for lots of people. My apologies for sidetracking the thread, nbp, I'll stop now.

[pjandyho]

That, sir, is the beauty of our hobby! Different strokes for different folks. This would be a boring place if everyone agreed! The other lights you mention are solid choices, and work for lots of people. My apologies for sidetracking the thread, nbp, I'll stop now.

Yes you are right. Everyone have their own opinion, likes and dislikes, but we can agreed that we all love McGizmo lights. For me, it would be the aesthetics as well as the ergonomics as what nbp has brought up. Like what you said, the McClicky switch is superb and I love it! They just felt so robust in my hands I can't stop playing with them. In fact, I am contemplating on buying more. Probably a 6V XM-L Haiku or a Makai.

[Craig K]

Haiku XP-G or High CRI $450
Haiku XM-L $455
Haiku Bead Blasted $475

Thanks pjandyho for the price, I really like the bead blasted look.

[Federal LG]

Man, now that that is posted I realize how much text it is! Yikes, no one is gonna read all that. And sorry I'm not a very good photographer either.

I read it all and I like it! I don´t have any McGizmos yet, but this kind of essay always make me want one!

Thanks for posting it.

[pjandyho]

Thanks pjandyho for the price, I really like the bead blasted look.

You are welcome. I wanted the bead blasted too but I am not sure if it will wear as nice as the polished ones so I ended up getting the polished.

[nbp]

I read it all and I like it! I don´t have any McGizmos yet, but this kind of essay always make me want one!

Thanks for posting it.

You're welcome, I'm glad you liked it. Let us know how you like your Gizmo when you do get it.

--------------------


Andy, out of curiosity, what kind of cells are you using?

[run4jc]

You're welcome, I'm glad you liked it. Let us know how you like your Gizmo when you do get it.

--------------------


Andy, out of curiosity, what kind of cells are you using?

That's a really good question - in Don's post HERE he stated the following about the warm XPG Haiku:

"7) I discovered in the process that these warm XPG's in addition to being lower in flux than their cooler counterparts also have a higher Vf. This has resulted in some issues for some of you who use primary CR123 cells and find that it can become difficult to shift out of high level. (more on that in a moment)"

Don't know if perhaps Andy's is a warm version? Incidentally, I own:

Haiku XPG
Haiku XPG Warm
Haiku High CRI
Ti High CRI 6V mule
Makai 6V XML
Haiku 6V XML

I use AW RCRs exclusively (occasionally an IMR) and I've NEVER had a mode switching problem - except just prior to the battery being exhausted. Since I rarely allow my batteries to drain to exhaustion and never use primaries in my 'gizmos, I never have that problem.

Just offering that tidbit.....

Love the thread, NBP!

Oh, and for my $.02, whatever your definition of technology is, McGizmo's technology is state of the art as far as I'm concerned!

[Shooter21]

he should make a special batch out of tungsten carbide so it would be unbreakable.

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

After the original post I was thinking I would just HAVE to get a McGizmo light. This one sounded perty darn good.

Then I read about PWM flicker. I am VERY sensitive to PWM and that is a deal KILLER for me!

[Shooter21]

Damn it i couldn't resist i just ordered my first Mcgizmo, a high cri haiku. i just spent my whole paycheck and im gonna be kicking myself for a long time for that.

[nbp]

Thanks again Dan.

I use primaries and I have noticed occasional miss-shifts with my cool XP-G as well, though not as many as in the warm one I returned. It seemed to get better with some practice, but even so I get them once in awhile. I am considering picking up a couple RCR123s on my next Lighthound order to see if I can completely eliminate them. If Andy is using primaries too, he might try a rechargeable to see if it solves the problem.

Shooter21: Although very very hard, isn't tungsten carbide pretty shatter-prone under strong impacts? That may be a problem. I don't recall exactly.

he should make a special batch out of tungsten carbide so it would be unbreakable.

[nbp]

Damn it i couldn't resist i just ordered my first Mcgizmo, a high cri haiku. i just spent my whole paycheck and im gonna be kicking myself for a long time for that.

Congrats! Welcome to the family!