mdocod
Flashaholic
Hello Armytek and fellow CPF members.
I own some new Armytek lights (couple wizard V2 Pro's, a Viking V3 Pro, and Partner C2), and while they are great, I think there is room for improvement. I'd like to share some rants/complaints, and then present some "concepts" on how I think Armytek lights could be made more appealing to a much wider customer base.
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Complaints:
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So, not everyone has the same vision of what makes a great flashlight. I appreciate that there is demand for simplicity, demand for professionalism, but there is ALSO demand for that "gimmicky" sort of "fun" stuff, like the LONG feature lists, lots of modes, sophisticated UIs etc. With that in mind, I'd like to present a proposed "G2" series of hand-held flashlights and headlamps, based on current technology. A professional series, that's actually a professional product designed for simple operation, and a non-pro series designed for enthusiasts, stat-chasers, mode-mongers, and generally "annoying" people like me who often mistakenly think that the world actually cares. Note that I'm actually advising a reversal of the current philosophy in product classifications. The "Pro" version should in fact be the less sophisticated version with only purpose-built functionality.
So here are my ideas applied to Armytek's 1x18650 series of flashlights and headlamps. The same premise could be extended to other series... (output and runtime are approximate but realistic OTF on a good high capacity 18650).
Viking G2 Pro/Dobermann G2 Pro/Partner C2 G2 Pro:
Viking G2/Dobermann G2/Partner C2 G2:
Predator G2 Pro:
Predator G2:
Wizard G2 Pro/Prime C2 G2 Pro:
Wizard G2/Prime C2 G2:
I own some new Armytek lights (couple wizard V2 Pro's, a Viking V3 Pro, and Partner C2), and while they are great, I think there is room for improvement. I'd like to share some rants/complaints, and then present some "concepts" on how I think Armytek lights could be made more appealing to a much wider customer base.
----------
Complaints:
- Strobe modes, beacon modes, disco modes, and hot running inefficient maximum modes are not professional. I don't believe they have any business being included on "pro" series flashlights.
- Manuals and specifications pages contain lots of misprints, or untested lumen/runtime figures.
- Lack of discipline in conservative design decisions has resulted in trying to "compete" on terms set by a market filled with over-achieving mediocrity and big-stat and feature/mode list chasing silliness.
- Optimistic output claims, lack of conservatism in output ratings gives impression of unprofessionalism.
- UI on latest gen handheld "tactical" lights has some "abnormalities" I would not expect in what I would expect to be a relatively "mature" product. (several generations old).
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So, not everyone has the same vision of what makes a great flashlight. I appreciate that there is demand for simplicity, demand for professionalism, but there is ALSO demand for that "gimmicky" sort of "fun" stuff, like the LONG feature lists, lots of modes, sophisticated UIs etc. With that in mind, I'd like to present a proposed "G2" series of hand-held flashlights and headlamps, based on current technology. A professional series, that's actually a professional product designed for simple operation, and a non-pro series designed for enthusiasts, stat-chasers, mode-mongers, and generally "annoying" people like me who often mistakenly think that the world actually cares. Note that I'm actually advising a reversal of the current philosophy in product classifications. The "Pro" version should in fact be the less sophisticated version with only purpose-built functionality.
So here are my ideas applied to Armytek's 1x18650 series of flashlights and headlamps. The same premise could be extended to other series... (output and runtime are approximate but realistic OTF on a good high capacity 18650).
Viking G2 Pro/Dobermann G2 Pro/Partner C2 G2 Pro:
- 2 mode via head twist. Tight for High, loosen for low. Forward tailcap clicky for activation.
- ~120 tested, true torch lumen "dusk-till-dawn" low mode. 10+ hour regulated runtime + additional diminishing output.
- ~700 tested, true torch lumen "tactical" high mode for ~80 minute regulated runtime
- Boost/buck circuitry with continuously variable temperature monitoring feedback loop for constant output on high mode up to 42C body temperature regardless of battery state. Output smoothly and slowly adjusts as low as necessary to maintain safe surface temperatures.
- Accidental activation in a closed, insulated space will not over-heat and damage the flashlight or battery or threaten surroundings.
- Dusk-Till-Dawn mode buck-regulated-only to provide constant output, followed by emergency, diminishing output (direct drive on very low battery)
- Automatic switch to low mode on low battery
- 1 X 18650 recommended. 2 X CR123 optional/backup. 2XRCR123/16340/18350 not officially supported.
- ~2.7V over-discharge protection, always on. (helps prevent reverse charge of mismatched CR123, and over-discharge of 18650's)
- Electronic reverse polarity protection
- Flat-top cell support, button top cell support. ~63-71mm cell length support.
- XP-L High Density emitter, available in ~4000K or ~5500K option.
- Potted, shock isolated electronics and battery (spring on both ends), double o-ring sealed, usual Armytek toughness principals.
- Lean, light-weight body design principals carried over from partner V2 and viking V3 lights.
- No Strobe modes
- No beacon modes
- No FireFly modes
- No program-ability
- No mode-groups
- Viking G2 Pro = mini-turbo reflector head tight focus beam: ~$110
- Dobermann G2 Pro = standard reflector head, medium focused beam: ~$95
- Partner C2 G2 Pro = 20 degree TIR optic: ~$85
- Partner C2 G2 Pro high CRI edition: $90
Viking G2/Dobermann G2/Partner C2 G2:
- 12+1 mode via side-switch + head twist + forward clicky tailcap UI system.
- 4 mode groups, each with 3 modes, + battery voltage mode.
- Side-Switch UI with head-loose and tailcap switch ON:
- 1 click always goes to memorized mode of FireFly mode group: ~0.2, ~2, ~15 lumen, for ~6 month, ~1 month, ~5 days.
- 2 click always goes to memorized mode of Main mode group: ~60, ~180, ~360 lumen, for ~1 day, ~10 hour, ~4 hour
- 3 click always goes to memorized mode of Strobe/Beacon/SOS mode group.
- 4 click always goes to voltage indication mode.
- Press and hold cycles through available modes within a group.
- Side-Switch UI with head-tight and tailcap switch ON:
- Head-tight activates the "Zenith mode group."
- 1 click 500 lumen ~120 minutes
- 2 click 700 lumen ~80 minutes
- 3 click 900 lumen ~45 minutes
- Press and hold cycles through modes.
- Mode memory is held for both head-tight and head-loose conditions separately.
- A press of the side-switch with the tail-switch off will "erase" mode-memory. The light will now start up in FF1 with head-loose, or Z3 with head-tight.
- Multi-color battery state and thermal indication beacon in side-switch. Can be disabled/enabled for FF/OFF
- Boost/buck circuitry with temperature monitoring feedback loop for constant output on high and max mode groups up to 45C body temperature regardless of battery state. Output steps down to lower modes, mode-by-mode as necessary to maintain safe operating temp.
- Accidental activation in a closed, insulated space will not over-heat and damage the flashlight or battery or threaten surroundings.
- Automatic switch to MM1 on low battery, followed by automatic step-down to FF3, FF2, and eventually FF1 as battery state diminishes further.
- 1 X 18650 recommended. 2 X CR123 optional/backup. 2XRCR123/16340/18350 not officially supported.
- ~2.7V over-discharge protection, always on. (helps prevent reverse charge of mismatched CR123, and over-discharge of 18650's)
- Electronic reverse polarity protection
- Flat-top cell support, button top cell support. ~63-71mm cell length support.
- XP-L High Density emitter, available in ~4000K or ~5500K options.
- Potted, shock isolated electronics and battery (spring on both ends), double o-ring sealed, usual armytek toughness principals.
- Lean, light-weight body design principals carried over from partner V2 and viking V3 lights.
- Viking G2 = mini-turbo reflector head tight focus beam: $130
- Dobermann G2 = standard reflector head, medium focused beam: ~$115
- Partner C2 G2 = 20 degree TIR optic: ~$95
- Partner C2 G2 Pro high CRI edition: ~$100
Predator G2 Pro:
- 3 mode via tail-cap switch + head twist. Tight for High, loosen for low/medium.
- Forward tailcap clicky for activation and low/medium mode switch. Quick off-on cycle with head loose switches between low and medium.
- ~20 lumen "task" low mode. ~3 days+
- ~120 lumen "dusk-till-dawn" medium mode. ~12 hours
- ~500 lumen "zenith" high mode. ~2 hours
- Boost/buck circuitry with continuously variable temperature monitoring feedback loop for constant output on high/medium mode up to 42C body temperature regardless of battery state. Output smoothly and slowly adjusts as low as necessary to maintain safe surface temperatures.
- Accidental activation in a closed, insulated space will not over-heat and damage the flashlight or battery or threaten surroundings.
- Task mode buck-regulated-only to provide constant output, followed by emergency, diminishing output (direct drive on very low battery)
- Automatic switch to low "task" mode on low battery
- 1 X 18650 recommended. 2 X CR123 optional/backup. 2XRCR123/16340/18350 not officially supported.
- ~2.7V over-discharge protection, always on. (helps prevent reverse charge of mismatched CR123, and over-discharge of 18650's)
- Electronic reverse polarity protection
- Flat-top cell support, button top cell support. ~63-71mm cell length support.
- XP-L High Intensity (no dome), ~4000K or ~5000K option.
- Potted, shock isolated electronics and battery (spring on both ends), double o-ring sealed, usual Armytek toughness principals.
- Lean, light-weight body design principals carried over from partner V2 and viking V3 lights.
- No Strobe modes
- No beacon modes
- No FireFly modes
- No program-ability
- Mini-Turbo very tight focus beam.
- $110
Predator G2:
- 12+1 mode via side-switch + head twist +forward clicky tailcap UI system.
- 4 mode groups, each with 3 modes, + battery voltage mode.
- Side-Switch UI with head-loose and tailcap switch ON:
- 1 click always goes to memorized mode of FireFly mode group: ~0.2, ~2, ~15 lumen, for ~6 month, ~1 month, ~5 days.
- 2 click always goes to memorized mode of Main mode group: ~60, ~180, ~360 lumen, for ~1 day, ~10 hour, ~4 hour
- 3 click always goes to memorized mode of Strobe/Beacon/SOS mode group.
- 4 click always goes to voltage indication mode.
- Press and hold cycles through available modes within a group.
- Side-Switch UI with head-tight and tailcap switch ON:
- Head-tight activates the "Zenith mode group."
- 1 click 500 lumen ~120 minutes
- 2 click 700 lumen ~80 minutes
- 3 click 900 lumen ~45 minutes
- Press and hold cycles through modes.
- Mode memory is held for both head-tight and head-loose conditions separately.
- A press of the side-switch with the tail-switch off will "erase" mode-memory. The light will now start up in FF1 with head-loose, or Z3 with head-tight.
- Multi-color battery state and thermal indication beacon in side-switch. Can be disabled/enabled for FF/OFF
- Boost/buck circuitry with temperature monitoring feedback loop for constant output on high and max mode groups up to 45C body temperature regardless of battery state. Output steps down to lower modes, mode-by-mode as necessary to maintain safe operating temp.
- Accidental activation in a closed, insulated space will not over-heat and damage the flashlight or battery or threaten surroundings.
- Automatic switch to MM1 on low battery, followed by automatic step-down to FF3, FF2, and eventually FF1 as battery state diminishes further.
- 1 X 18650 recommended. 2 X CR123 optional/backup. 2XRCR123/16340/18350 not officially supported.
- ~2.7V over-discharge protection, always on. (helps prevent reverse charge of mismatched CR123, and over-discharge of 18650's)
- Electronic reverse polarity protection
- Flat-top cell support, button top cell support. ~63-71mm cell length support.
- XP-L High Intensity (no dome), ~4000K or ~5000K option.
- Potted, shock isolated electronics and battery (spring on both ends), double o-ring sealed, usual armytek toughness principals.
- Lean, light-weight body design principals carried over from partner V2 and viking V3 lights.
- Mini-Turbo very tight focus beam.
- $130
Wizard G2 Pro/Prime C2 G2 Pro:
- 7 mode via single mode-group side-switch UI.
- Inserting battery and tightening tail-cap activates mode 1. loosen tailcap to turn off completely, or keep tight as a beacon/locator/nightlight.
- 1 click from mode 1 recalls remembered mode. 1 click from any other mode returns to mode 1.
- Press and hold switch to cycle through modes at any time the tailcap is tight. Release to select a mode.
- 2 clicks for optional shortcut to mode 4.
- 3 clicks for optional shortcut to mode 6.
- Modes 1-7 [lumens (runtime)]: ~0.2 (~6 months), ~2 (~1 month), ~15 (~5 days), ~50 (~30 hours), ~150 (~12 hours), ~300 (~5 hours), ~600 (~2 hours).
- Boost/buck circuitry with temperature monitoring feedback loop for constant output up to 42C body temperature (50C for Wizard) regardless of battery state. Output drops mode by mode as necessary to maintain safe surface temperatures.
- Accidental activation in a closed, insulated space will not over-heat and damage the flashlight or battery or threaten surroundings.
- Multi-color battery state and thermal indication beacon in side-switch. Only active when in mode 4-7.
- Automatic mode step-down on low battery. Mode-by-mode as battery diminishes.
- 1 X 18650 recommended. 2 X CR123 optional/backup. 2XRCR123/16340/18350 not officially supported.
- ~2.7V over-discharge protection, always on. (helps prevent reverse charge of mismatched CR123, and over-discharge of 18650's)
- Electronic reverse polarity protection
- Flat-top cell support, button top cell support. ~63-71mm cell length support.
- XP-L High Density emitter, available in high CRI (+$5) or ~4000K or ~5500K option.
- Potted electronics, double o-ring sealed, usual Armytek toughness principals. (non-recoil ready, but still tough).
- Lean, light-weight body design principals carried over from late generation wizard V2/prime.
- Magnet chamber in tailcap
- No Strobe modes
- No beacon modes
- No mode groups
- Wizard G2 Pro = 70 degree TIR: $95
- Prime C2 G2 Pro = 20 degree TIR: $85
Wizard G2/Prime C2 G2:
- 12 mode via side-switch UI system.
- 4 mode groups, each with 3 modes
- Side-Switch UI
- Press and hold from off to begin cycling from the lowest mode of the firefly group; release to select desired mode. : ~0.2, ~2, ~15 lumen, for ~6 month, ~1 month, ~5 days.
- 1 click from off recalls memorized mode. 1 click from on turns off.
- 2 click goes to memorized mode of Main mode group from off or on, or returns to memorized FF mode from MM: ~60, ~180, ~360 lumen, for ~1 day, ~10 hour, ~4 hour
- 3 click always goes to memorized mode of Zenith mode group: ~500, 700, 900, for ~2 hour, ~80 minutes, ~45 minutes.
- 4 click always goes to memorized mode of BatteryVoltage/Beacon/SOS mode group.
- Press and hold cycles through available modes from within a group. Release to select.
- Mode memory in all modes except group 4.
- Multi-color battery state and thermal indication beacon in side-switch. Can be disabled/enabled for FF/OFF.
- Boost/buck circuitry with temperature monitoring feedback loop for constant output on high and max mode groups up to 45C body temperature (55C for wizard) regardless of battery state. Output steps down to lower modes, mode-by-mode as necessary to maintain safe operating temp.
- Accidental activation in a closed, insulated space will not over-heat and damage the flashlight or battery or threaten surroundings.
- Automatic switch to MM1 on low battery, followed by automatic step-down to FF3, FF2, and eventually FF1 as battery state diminishes.
- 1 X 18650 recommended. 2 X CR123 optional/backup. 2XRCR123/16340/18350 not officially supported.
- ~2.7V over-discharge protection, always on. (helps prevent reverse charge of mismatched CR123, and over-discharge of 18650's)
- Electronic reverse polarity protection
- Flat-top cell support, button top cell support. ~63-71mm cell length support.
- XP-L High Density emitter, available in high CRI (+$5) or ~4000K or ~5500K option.
- Potted electronics, double o-ring sealed, usual Armytek toughness principals. (non-recoil ready, but still tough).
- Lean, light-weight body design principals carried over from late generation wizard V2/prime.
- No Strobe Mode
- Wizard G2 = 70 degree TIR: $105
- Prime C2 G2 = 20 degree TIR: $95