Anyone Still Using Proton Pro?

[this_is_nascar]

Thanks. Sad to say, but the ReX never met my expectations. I'll actually go on record and say the ReX may have been the biggest most disappointing light of 2008. It never lived up to expectation for me, charging is a crap-shot at best, still no accessories and whatever you do, don't let it sit on a shelf for any length of time and attempt to charge it.

Anyway, that's a same about the Pro. Well, it's a pretty great light as is, so it's not like the lack of improvements lessen the light in anyway.

 

[Flying Turtle]

It is too bad we're not yet getting a redesign for the Proton. Not that it needs much changing. Still one of the best for me.

Sorry to hear you're still soured on the ReX, t_i_n. I do sort of remember reading of the troubles you experienced, so I can't hardly blame you. I got one for Christmas and really like it, so far. No charging problems, yet, but I've only charged about five times.

 

[regulator]

The thing that kept me from buying a Pro is that it starts out at max level only with white. I was hoping they would offer the Pro without the red LED (and use the full reflector) and allow it to ramp up from low. I think the low setting is so low anyways that it would still preserve night vision IMO.I still think the Pro has a lot going for it and it is unique.

 

[Alan B]

I really like the side switch on the Proton Pro - even though I typically EDC an LD01 and an Olight Ti, the Pro is often the first thing in my hand because it's so easy to turn on. It rides on my tool keychain along with an Atwrench and a minibuck. Only drawback has been that it's too easy to bump the switch with my keys - I usually discover that the light's turned on when it burns my leg. I've been trying to design some sort of protective cover for the switch using a piece of tubing .. if I figure this out, I'll post pics.

You can put it in signalling mode to stop that. Not terribly convenient, but pretty well prevents keys from locking it on.

 

[AlexSchira]

I sent in two bad ReXs and got two perfectly good fast-charging ones...I'd buy more, trusting they finally got it all handled, but those accessories are really starting to be needed as I learned to appreciate the light.

As for the Pro, it's still my more casual EDC that backs up my E2L. The red option and interface along with the size and package just make it an extremely user-friendly light. Self-contained, it is what it is, but it's a light that goes far as a gift and delivers what it promises. Content enough with it to do without an upgraded model, but I'm curious what they do with it.

 

[lunardelite]

Still loving mine and EDCing it everyday and actually bought a second one to put in a school bag.

Does anyone know where I can buy a replacement clip. Mine got snagged on something and now it doesn't lay flush with the body.

Thanks for any help.

 

[heckboy]

The clip will actually pull off. You grab the clip up near the attachment to the light and pull straight out. It's tight fit.

You might call LRI about it as well. I have found that they've got excellent warranty service, even when I had boogered the light and it was no fault of theirs.

Later,
HB

Still loving mine and EDCing it everyday and actually bought a second one to put in a school bag.

Does anyone know where I can buy a replacement clip. Mine got snagged on something and now it doesn't lay flush with the body.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Perfectionist]

I cant believe LRI are not upgrading the Proton !! :mecry:

Why would it be so difficult to replace the older LED's with the newer/better ones ?? :thinking:

 

[BigHonu]

Don't use mine as much as before, but it is my favorite light when I need to pack light. Best performance per ounce.

 

[Gene]

Hello Ray ol' friend! I don't hang on CPF as much as I used to because none of this "new" stuff seems to do anything for me.

I still have my Pro and it's one that will stay with me. I'm in the minority and have always loved side switches. It also has one of the simplest UI's and it's quality built. It doesn't have one of the all-time great beam patterns but it's good enough.

I rarely use the red but I'm glad it's there. Yeah, IMHO, the Proton Pro is a classic.

 

[this_is_nascar]

Howdy Gene. I know what you mean. I only get out here once every few months myself anymore. I also like the side switch and absolutely love the clip. I'm not cerned with the current LED they use. It does what I need it to do. I'm more interested in seeing a UI (one of the best out there) have the configuability to start off in a low-white mode and let it ramp up from there. That's my biggest complaint about the UI. The other minor thing I 'd like to see is a spring in the tailcap instead of that bent-up piece of wire. Nice heaing from you again my friend.

 

[Dan FO]

I cant believe LRI are not upgrading the Proton !! :mecry:

Why would it be so difficult to replace the older LED's with the newer/better ones ?? :thinking:

I would like to qualify something. The Proton Pro that I just got at SHOT from LRI has a (Cree) 4 bond wires as a matter interest. There is no way of telling exactly which one it is but it is a newer Cree with 4 bond wires. I can't tell if it has been upgraded or not.

 

[scott]

I'm more interested in seeing a UI (one of the best out there) have the configuability to start off in a low-white mode and let it ramp up from there.

I've been one of those who've been wanting white instead of red for the little led. Being able to ramp up the big led would work well enough for me to purchase one.

 

[nightshade]

The Pro isn't hard to mod once you can get past the liberal use of red locktite
Changing the Cree should be easy. There is a thread from one of the pro modders on CPF that shows the process. I changed the 3mm red on one of my Pro's to white. I didn't upgrade the Cree, max output isn't my main use of the lights. There isn't much for heatsinking there, but I bet a Q5 would be more than just a marginal improvement in max output.

 

[Perfectionist]

I'm more interested in seeing a UI (one of the best out there) have the configuability to start off in a low-white mode and let it ramp up from there. That's my biggest complaint about the UI.

Absolutely !! Surely the UI could be tweaked to give the user an option of choosing a ramp up or ramp down !! :thinking:

The other minor thing I 'd like to see is a spring in the tailcap instead of that bent-up piece of wire.

I'd like the belt-clip to have an extension which folds back over the end, so it can also be attached to a baseball cap or clipped on a belt with the head facing up !! :twothumbs

Also, I wish they would redesign or at least cut a groove on the bottom so it can tail-stand even with the keychain in place !! :thumbsup:

 

[Gene]

Hey Ray, thanks for all you've done for me! I didn't know you also liked side switches. I agree that the UI should start out with low instead of high but I'm so glad the UI is SIMPLE.

We're a bunch of people here that want bright, brighter and brightest! Nothing wrong with that but this light does not need a brighter LED. The PP is just fine just the way it is.

The Proton Pro would be a handy companion for all your adventures. Anyway, I'm SICK of all these "modern" or "up to date" UI's that you couldn't possibly use in a emergency!

Most of you would never need more light than this has!

 

[Flashlike]

I recently purchased a Proton Pro. Most of the pros (excuse the pun) and cons have already been expressed in this thread. Overall I like the diminutive size, unique design, and great combination of brightness and run time.

Although it's not bad, I do wish that the beam was "perfect" (free of artifacts). When I get a chance I plan to reshape the clip on mine so it will fit more tightly to the flashlight body. I definitely like the side switch, although as lukas commented it is hard to find in the dark. I like his idea of adding a trit but I think I would dremel two slots--one on each side of the switch and install two of them. Any thoughts on this?

I haven't decided whether I like the tiny red LED. I think it would be better to have a white LED but I'm not brave enough to change it.

All in all a really nifty flashlight IMHO.

 

[cabindriver]

I like the red for ultra-low levels of light. The lack of starting dim on white is why my ReX gets more use.

 

[Perfectionist]

We're a bunch of people here that want bright, brighter and brightest!

Hell Yeah !! :rock:

Nothing wrong with that but this light does not need a brighter LED. The PP is just fine just the way it is.
Most of you would never need more light than this has!

What are you ..... some kind of traitor to the cause ?? :nana:

It's people like you "talking sense" that hold back new/better products !!

The PP DOES need better LED's ..... to remain relevant and competitive in a crowded market ..... aka to stay in business !!

 

[Streak]

I carried the original Proton for some time but kept on finding it turning on in the pouch so I stopped.
I dont knoe if the Pro version is less prone to this.

My EDC now varies between the unit in my avatar and one of the 2 Fenix's that I have.