To Buy or Not to Buy a McLuxIII-Ti-PD-S

[koala]

To answer your ultimate question, whether the Ti-PD-S is worth your half a grand, well I say it's worth every single penny. For me it's a life long investment. I have other titanium lights, but there just a special feel with the Ti-PD-S.

I'm no fan of Ti lights, but have a look at the raw material prices. Take away labor, and etc required to make the light real is no easy job.

No other lights offers such two stage mechanical reliability. I know that this light will work whenever I pick it up. I know it will continue to work even if I am drown, I know it will stand up beatings better than I could.

The PD is a piece of timeless design. I never get tired of looking at it's sharp and sexy flutes. Hold it in your hands, the feeling is solid.

Don has left the head unpotted. I believe his intention is to facilitate driver or emitter upgrade. So your thinking the light is yesterday? Think again... It's not just about the emitter.

 

[xcel730]

Wow. I really didn't know what to expect when I posted this thread. I want to sincerely thank you all for taking your time to post your feedbacks and thoughts. :twothumbs As you could tell, I'm new to the McGizmo scene, so I have a lot of catch up reading to do. :candle: With several of your feedbacks now I have to decide Ti-PD-S or Lunasol 20 ... both equally beautiful, but I have to read up to see which one suites me more.

AvroArrow, thank you very much for the link to the runtime charts. If I'm getting the Ti-PD-S, I think it'll have to be non-mizer. Although the mizer version gives you a hell of a runtime, but 45 lumens is a tad low for me. I'm not looking for scorching 200+ lumens that blinds me more than help me see, but somewhere around the 100 lumens range for high is good.

1) As for output, check out this great thread by Codeman:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/157532

Oh, the choices I have to make in life :naughty:

As for recommendation, my opinion is similar to what yaesumofo said. I also don't want to mess up someone's potential sale, but if you're going to be spending around $500ish for the first time, you may want to grab a LunaSol20 instead.

js, I think you hit the nail right in the head. I'm not sure if any first time custom flashlight owners had the same mentality, but I could imagine how my evaluations will be skewed if the flashlight cost $50 versus $500. This may sound silly for many of you who owns a handful of McGizmos' flashlights, but there are two sides of me are in constant battle. On one hand, I appreciate the craftsmanship, the time and efforts that one person put into making a product, so that side of me is saying, "this will be the finest and most beautiful flashlight you'll ever buy." Then of course, there's the practical side that's cursing and yelling and me and saying, "you're insane ... $600 for a flashlight?!? you already have more than enough flashlights. Your other flashlights are brighter and more functional than this." I have no problem picking up a $500-$600 flashlight ... but what I fear is, I'll start picking up another one, and then another one, and then another one ...

... forget how much you paid for the light once you've purchased it. Do a mental disconnect there, and try to consider the flashlight just in terms of the flashlight itself, without always registering the fact that you paid $500 or $600 ... Because if you are constantly skewing your thinking in that way, you will mess up your assessment and appreciation of your Ti-PD once you get it. Whereas if you just imagine that someone had lent it to you or given it to you to use for a while, and you just let your experience unfold naturally and organically, then after some time, you will probably get to the point where you will say "Damn, this light is just so fine, I would want one at almost any price.

I think ultimately, I'll pick up either the Ti-PD-S or LS20 ... I'll do some more reading and decide. Although I like the look of LS20, I'm leaning more towards the Ti-PD-S simply because it's a classic, and it appears that there's a unianomous vote that this is the best light. I've been reading mixed responses with the LS20, some love it, some say it's not for them. :shrug:

I've been eyeing on the BST for the past week and it's clear that McGizmo's light sell out pretty quickly (especially the LS20 and PD-S). I'll pick one up within the next couple of weeks after I juggle my finances a bit. I'm sure if it doesn't suite my needs, I could turn it around and not lose any money. Heck, it's so beautiful I'm willing to take some lost just to handle one. I definitely would have jumped on this flashlight if I didn't buy my lady an engagement ring this month (the price of that little thing is absurd), and if I didn't buy the AlTin Draco. I think in the long term, buying the Ti-PD-S or LS20 will save me money since I don't have to continue to search for my ultimate EDC light ... at least that's what I'm trying to tell myself

Finally ... it's funny how fast your taste change once you start looking into the custom lights. Some of the lights I had, I loved when I first bought it ... now it may have to go to CPFM.

 

[AvroArrow]

I have no problem picking up a $500-$600 flashlight ... but what I fear is, I'll start picking up another one, and then another one, and then another one ...

Tell me about it. I managed to go 3.5 years on CPF without spending more than $150 for a single light nor a single McGizmo light. In the past 6 months I've bought 3 Ti McGizmo lights. Well... not exactly broke since I sold off other less used/unused lights to fund the McGizmos. I thought that the Ti PD-S would be it, that it'd be perfect and I wouldn't need to buy another Ti light after that... so much for that.

Finally ... it's funny how fast your taste change once you start looking into the custom lights. Some of the lights I had, I loved when I first bought it ... now it may have to go to CPFM.

Very true. Once you handle a Ti McGizmo of any type you'll be hooked... at least that's what happened to me. I think I'm gonna need to start selling more lights to afford Don's next project, whatever that may be. Good luck in your quest.

 

[xcel730]

A few years ago, I started getting into flashlights. I bought a Inova T2 for about $50. I told my friends about it and they thought I was crazy for spending so much on a flashlight. Then I started purchasing some of the more popular lights at CPF. After I got my Novatac 120P, I thought that was my ultimate EDC ... love the beam pattern, tint, and programmable features. It's not the brightest, but I rarely even use 120 lumens anyway. One thing led to another, I found out about the customs sub forums and my eyes lit up especially the McGizmos and the Draco.

 

[the_Namja]

I know the feeling all to well

I started the same way the beginning of this year with a Novatac 120P (that I read so much about). After I ran into the "Custom" sub-forums, I now have three of Don's creations! It is very much addicting... like this little fellow ---->

A few years ago, I started getting into flashlights. I bought a Inova T2 for about $50. I told my friends about it and they thought I was crazy for spending so much on a flashlight. Then I started purchasing some of the more popular lights at CPF. After I got my Novatac 120P, I thought that was my ultimate EDC ... love the beam pattern, tint, and programmable features. It's not the brightest, but I rarely even use 120 lumens anyway. One thing led to another, I found out about the customs sub forums and my eyes lit up especially the McGizmos and the Draco.

 

[Frenchyled]

Buy one or two McGizmo flashlights, and you'll need to buy some other after that

Sorry, I don't have pictures of my Lunalsol 20, maybe soon

Buy, buy buy...

 

[js]

With all due respect to those who own mutliple McGizmo lights, I don't think it's inevitable that a person who picks up one will perforce pick up another, and another, and so on. It depends on the person. I've heard the same sort of thing said about Sebenza's, but I own only just the one, and am so pleased and happy with it that I don't feel any need to buy any other knife whatsoever, sebenza, custom, or otherwise. Part of the reason for that is the incredible quality and craftsmanship and design of the sebenza. I read about another knife, and I'm like, nah, mine is better--for me, anyway. My sebenza has actually saved me money.

Because, I know people who have like 8 or 10 $50 to $80 knives, and that totals up to more money than a $300 or $400 sebenza. Same goes for lights. If you are so satisfied with the few lights that you do have that you don't have a lust for more, then you save money.

But, that's just me, and obviously, your mileage may vary.

Still, $500 or $600 is undoubtedly a scary amount of money to drop on a flashlight for most people. But like others have said, you can always flip it if you decide it isn't for you. And, you can always settle ("settle"!!! what a thought!!!) for just the one and only McGizmo light, in compensation for the high initial expense.

 

[Oddjob]

I had a Ti-PD-S mizer but sold it only because I just preferred my aluminum one. It's a great light overall. The low on my Al PD-S mizer is about 3-5 lumens and the high seems to be around 50. To be honest when comparing it side by side with my Novatac in real use (not white wall) the McLux high is not that noticebly lower than my Novatac on 85 lumens. Beyond the numbers it has a great feel and the simplicity of the PD is awesome. I do EDC my Al PD-S. It's not $500 but it did still cost me $235.

 

[greenLED]

With all due respect to those who own mutliple McGizmo lights, I don't think it's inevitable that a person who picks up one will perforce pick up another, and another, and so on.

True dat! The PD-S is one of those lights that, for me, kinda "ruins the hobby" in the sense that I don't see the point of needing or wanting other lights to fill the functions that the PD-S serves.

 

[yaesumofo]

IN terms of upgrading the Lunasol???
I think Don has some very special tools which he uses to build these.
Personally I don't think that don designed these lights with the end user modder in mind. He built them to be what they are and do what they do. The need to open them up because of curosity may not have a good pay off.
Just the idea of modding the Lunasol 27 sounds crazy to me. OPening the head may ruin the light. without the tools and techniques which don has devoloped durring the build up of the Lunasol programs are special and unique. He has also made a choice to NOT share them with us.
IMHO OPening a Lunasol is a Bad idea. If the Lunasol isn't the light you want it to be I have a feeling that there will be little an end user will be able to do to successfully make it the light you want it to be.
They are what they are.
Yaesumofo

I have many McG lights and many other high-end Ti lights (fortunately)
but my Ti PD-S is my favourite light of all time.

It will take something monumental to change this and nearly did
in the SPY007.

However, as beautiful as the SPY007 is, I'd probably reach for the Ti-PD-S
first for EDC.

Its bombproof, completely water-proof and I love the fact that it has
a retaining bezel-ring for the window (which makes it very easy
to change out the window, reflector and center the led if the user
so desires).

The LunaSols are very ingenious for their 2 different beams and fantastic
lights in their own right but I prefer the Ti-PD-S because I prefer
the fact that there is a bezel-retaining ring and also because electronically
its less complex and probably easier to upgrade.

I also find that the low and high provide for me personally everything that
I need in a beam pattern anyway.

 

[BigHonu]

To the OP,

If you can afford it, I don't see why not. It is a great tool that fills it's design goal well and looks great to boot.

If you just can't get comfortable with the price, I'd say try an aluminum version first. If you like that enough, then you can see about getting the Ti version later on.

To answer your questions:

3) Yes. Use it all the time from EDC to fishing and camping. It has bee dropped, dunked, and kicked more times than I care to remember. Still looks and performs great.

4) Yes. I'd still buy one with the other offerings out there because it fills the role I need it to very well.

 

[easilyled]

IN terms of upgrading the Lunasol???
I think Don has some very special tools which he uses to build these.
Personally I don't think that don designed these lights with the end user modder in mind. He built them to be what they are and do what they do. The need to open them up because of curosity may not have a good pay off.
Just the idea of modding the Lunasol 27 sounds crazy to me. OPening the head may ruin the light. without the tools and techniques which don has devoloped durring the build up of the Lunasol programs are special and unique. He has also made a choice to NOT share them with us.
IMHO OPening a Lunasol is a Bad idea. If the Lunasol isn't the light you want it to be I have a feeling that there will be little an end user will be able to do to successfully make it the light you want it to be.
They are what they are.
Yaesumofo

That's precisely my point Yaesumofo.

I wouldn't dare open up the LunaSols, nor would I ask anybody else to,
because they're not meant to be tampered with by anybody other than
Don, and whether he would have the time or inclination to upgrade
any of the LunaSols on an individual basis is unknown to me.

However if a V-bin or W-Bin Seoul comes out, I wouldn't be scared
to ask somebody with skills to upgrade my Ti PD-S because it was
designed with ease of upgrade in mind.

For me this is an advantage.

 

[:)>]

Of all of Don's lights, the Ti PD-S is the one that I most love. The following is a list of why, for me, it is one of the finest EDC lights made to date; it has been on top since it's creation and it remains there to this day:

• Small size works well for EDC carry
• High output (85-100 Lumen?)/low output (7-9 Lumen?) combination is perfect, in my opinion, for EDC carry. The mizer is better for backpacking where batteries or electrical outlets for recharging are not available for recharging.
• Runtimes are at the top of the heap; I've not done a runtime test on high or low, but I have seen it reported that it is over an hour (near an hour and half on high) and better than 50 hours on low!
• Most useful beam for any light of it's size. The 20 mm reflector does a fantasic job of producing a great throwing beam with a near perfect transition from hot-spot to spill. I had mine out last night while walking our bloodhound and I compared the throw to my E1B Backup... it was pretty darn close:naughty: but there was no comparison with between the E1B and the Ti PD-S for spill or beam quality.
• Highly water resistant.
• Constructed beautifully with titanium which allows the light to look very refined while being exceptionally tough!
• Reportedly very tough... While I carry mine nealy all the time that I am out with jeans or shorts (I use the Ti Nautilus for dress pants), I have only dropped it on a couple of occasions. I have, however, read numerous accounts of it's toughness.
• Very upgradeable!!! As newer LED's come out or even drivers, this light will stand the test of time. This was probably one of the biggest factors for me when I decided to buy a $500 + light.
• Minimal risk in purchasing - These lights hold their value... I mean um... they appreciate it seems.

I agree with JS that you must forget what you spent for it to appreciate it fully; for me, this is because it is not 3 times better than an Novatac 120P and some could argue that it as tools, they are equals. But you aren't on this forum just because you needed a flashlight as a tool... if you are like me or many others that I have found here, you appreciate them on many other levels.

The Ti PD-S is at the pinnacle of modern flashlights and it offers a joy of ownership that for me, has not been matched by any other flashlight that I have owned to date.

So if I haven't answered the OP's questions, here are my answers:

1. The mizer's high at 300 ma has been said to be similar to the Lux III version's high at 525 ma. My guess is that it is closer to 60 than to 45 using my Novatac's as a reference... the Ti PD-S mizer just seemed to be brighter.
2. Weight??? I don't know but it is a little heavier than I like... but so am I:green:
3. EDC? Absolutely.
4. Yes. I panicked when I lost mine in November last year because I was concerned that I might not get one again.

I hope that you like yours!

 

[charlesn]

A few quick thoughts:

1) If pants-pocket carry isn't a deal breaker issue for you, I'd go for a LunaSol 27, which you can pick up on B/S/T for the same $500. It's a flat-out gorgeous light, with an unquestionably more versatile low and an arguably better high vs. the Ti-PD-S. The only downside is that the 27 head is somewhat large for the average pocket--I think it's safe to say that you wouldn't be happy with pocket carry on a daily basis. In terms of price, you benefit from the fact that this is the first Ti light that McG produced in two large initial waves, and this volume of lights has helped to keep a lid on prices for now.

2) That said, you can't go wrong with the Ti-PD-S but I'd try posting a WTB and see if there's isn't a seller willing to part with one at original cost. I've found through my own WTB posts that there are CPFers who don't feel the need to earn a profit on a desirable light--if they're "done" with a light, they're happy to simply get the money they paid and sell the light to another CPFer who really wants it. Personally, i prefer the "classic" look of the Ti-PD-S to the updated LunaSol 20. The new bezel and flute design are not "improvements," IMHO.

3) If you opt for a LunaSol 20, I'd wait to see if you can catch the next wave and, if you miss it, I'd post a WTB for one immediately. Inevitably, there will be buyers for whom the light isn't quite right, and one of them will probably sell you his light for the actual price paid.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[xcel730]

I know I've already said it once, but I want say it again ... thank you very much for taking your time to provide me with such detailed responses. I've already made up my mind and I WILL BE LOOKING FOR A MCGIZMO!!! I'm looking at either the Ti-PD-S or Lunasol20, leaning more towards the Ti-PD-S. So if you want to sell one or know someone who wants to sell one, just send me a PM (I've already posted a WTB in the BST).

Goatee, I didn't know Ti-PD-S was easy to upgrade. That's perfect. I'm sure it'll be difficult for someone like me who has no engineering background or skills to do. I'll just have to look for someone to do it for me. But to be honest, I think if it's around 80+ lumens, it'll be more than pefect for me for day-to-day usage.

• Very upgradeable!!! As newer LED's come out or even drivers, this light will stand the test of time. This was probably one of the biggest factors for me when I decided to buy a $500 + light.

Now it's the waiting game ... which is a part of the fun :candle:

 

[AndyTiedye]

If ease of upgrading is important to you, the Aleph system is hard to beat.

 

[starfiretoo]

In the earlier Ti lights many posts were to the fact of smoothing out the threads. You know you bought a shelf queen by how rough it felt to turn. You don't see those posts for the later LS series. The machining of Ti has come a long way.

Owning more than one McGizmo maybe a collector thing but it can be felt as participating in the forward progression in the development of flashlights by an innovative builder. You can not go wrong with any model you choose for this reason.

The Mizer series was introduced as a way to achieve more run time with the same lumen/lux output. This was done at the time the Luxeon III (LumiLED) was at it maturity with excellent tint and the SSC P4 (Seoul) at it's infancy getting it's output and tint together. I believe the 300ma number was chosen due to the excellent runtime with a primary battery compared to the 350ma or 400ma off the runtime chart. The standard output Seoul made up for that with it's powerful output at the time.

I won't get into modifying as nothing smokes a builder to get a non-functioning unit back only to find it butchered on the inside:tsk:

My apologies to Don if i made any wrong assumptions:thinking:

 

[ibcj]

Of all of the McGizmo lights I've owned (15 or so), the one that I miss the most is the Ti PD-S with the bare piston. Went through a period where I wasn't into lights so much and ended up selling almost all of my lights, including my Ti PD-S. :shakehead While I do like the Lunasol concept, there is something about that Ti PD-S that I prefer.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[xcel730]

Well, I just pulled the trigger and purchased a Lunasol 20, so I'm part of the McGizmo club right now. :twothumbs

There seems to be a pretty mixed responses among those who owns both ... some preers the Ti-PD-S while the other prefers the Lunasol 20. Honestly, with what I've read about Ti-PD-S, I'm very tempted to buy one, compare the Ti-PD-S with Lunasol 20 and decide which one is better for me. The one that loses the battle will go back up on BST. Very tempting ....

 

[yaesumofo]

IMHO the TIPD-s is a cool light mizer mode is even cooler.
That said.
The Lunasol concept (both the 20 and the 27) is a step UP from the tip PD.
Why?
Well you have the advantage of a LOW mode which is a wide soft light. This is extreemely useful light good for close up work reading at night lighting equipment and so many other activities.

Then you have the second beam which is tighter and brighter. the Luinasol high beam quality is very good.

These lunasol lights really are everything the TiPD's are and more. Mainly as a result of the added LOW beam Led's. They make a big difference.,

I highly recomend that you do infact buy both and sell the subjective looser. There is no better way to make a choice of flashlight.
Have fuin.
Yaesumofo

Well, I just pulled the trigger and purchased a Lunasol 20, so I'm part of the McGizmo club right now. :twothumbs

There seems to be a pretty mixed responses among those who owns both ... some preers the Ti-PD-S while the other prefers the Lunasol 20. Honestly, with what I've read about Ti-PD-S, I'm very tempted to buy one, compare the Ti-PD-S with Lunasol 20 and decide which one is better for me. The one that loses the battle will go back up on BST. Very tempting ....