HDS Systems EDC # 18

[Grizzman]

I'm glad Henry finally made the 18650 tube a reality, but I've already got more then enough 18650 lights.

John, how do you plan to carry it?

 

[John N]

Pocket carry, as before. I have a little crummy Kydex dohicky I made that holds the light and a small Leatherman upright in the pocket.

For me, the 18650 tube is a huge relief. I absolutely hated not knowing how much battery I had left, and hated throwing away the cell if I really needed to be sure I had enough battery.

-john

 

[Kid9P]

Thanks for the pic John!

Love how flat the clicky boot looks, awesome!

 

[KDM]

Looks like a smidge under 129mm to me.

-john

Thank you!

 

[gottawearshades]

I know what you mean about throwing out primaries. I now have a food chain for partly-used 123As, lights I use around home. Now for the rotary I EDC I use an IMRs, and top them off to make sure.

The problem would be solved if Henry added a fuel gauge function that would show you the voltage left in the cell. . . .

For me, the 18650 tube is a huge relief. I absolutely hated not knowing how much battery I had left, and hated throwing away the cell if I really needed to be sure I had enough battery.

-john

 

[recDNA]

The 325 with 18650 is the perfect light for someone who needs great runtime rather than impressive output.

In theory I like the fuel gauge idea but I've never seen one that was easy to access and worked properly. The only fuel gauge type flashlights I've seen use an extra colored led to light up when you need to recharge then it is too late. I EDC so many different lights I never seem to use up a battery.

I am curious why you prefer IMR over RCR at less than 1 amp?

 

[jruser]

I want to order a custom, but choices are too many. I def want the 170 18650. Can I get some thoughts on:

1. Tactical vs rotary
2. Raised vs flush
3. Universal vs standard vs decorative clip

 

[recDNA]

With a rotary only the universal clip works but if I were buying a clicky I think the standard clip is fine. It looks nicer than the universal imo.

Remember the rotary has a little hole in the tailcap so if you work or plan to use it in an environment with a lot of little grit around it could get in the hole.

I see no advantage to the raised button and although the small button prevents perfect tail standing (it bulges out a little too far) you can tail stand it at a little angle.

I prefer the rotary because I baby my flashlights and they do not get submerged in dirty water or fine sand. If it is a close choice for you the clip is a lot cheaper on the clicky.

I prefer the tactical model because I like the easy availability of blinky modes for emergencies.

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

I woould not play down the effect that CPF has had on Henry's business. 3260 posts in this thread #18 of the series. Lot's of CPF'ers, and lurkers are buying his lights. I have five myself.

That may be the case, but I'm pretty sure Henry or Hogo has said in that past that "lot's of CPF'ers and lurkers" is a tiny segment of Henry's overall business.

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

I want to order a custom, but choices are too many. I def want the 170 18650. Can I get some thoughts on:

1. Tactical vs rotary
2. Raised vs flush
3. Universal vs standard vs decorative clip

Rotary. Having quick access to the full range of brightness settings is convenient and always ensures you have exactly the amount of light you need for any given task. Plus you still have direct access to three presets (four including the dial). In terms of durability, the Clicky is theoretically more durable than the Rotary, but the Rotary will easily survive anything but extreme abuse.

Raised. I find it's easier to operate the flashlight with a raised tailcap, especially when wearing gloves.

Clip. I currently don't have one on my Rotary, but if I had one, it would be the universal clip attached to the bezel so that it wouldn't interfere with the operation of the dial.

 

[ForrestChump]

fuel gauge

@ HDS -





About 15-16 years ago Stanley had a light that had red / yellow / green fuel gauge. I literally almost wet my pants when I saw it on the shelf. It was magical....

What would be rad would be something similar to the old Macbooks, a little button that lit up 4 LEDS depending on whats left in the tank. This could be implemented HDS style with a click input, then 1-5 blinks indicating what is left in the cell.

We can't have everything now can we? I still get a kick out of "sneaking" up on dudes in the flashlight aisle and showing them candle mode, I have never got anything short of a jaw drop out of that. Then they point in awe ....."Zombie Green!"

The conversation always ends the same...."what was the name of that light agian?" H-D-S SYSTEMS.... Google em up.

 

[ForrestChump]

I see no advantage to the raised button and although the small button prevents perfect tail standing (it bulges out a little too far) you can tail stand it at a little angle.

I noticed a very immediate ease of use with a raised tail button.

Do you have a flush tailcap? I was under the impression this was mostly "remedied" - it is in the literature still that it's not an advertised feature so IDK....?

I have no issue with tailstand, those that do usually depress the switch while screwing it together for a flush button. Mine is flat..

 

[slumber]

The fuel gauge on the Zebralights is pretty easy to use. Four clicks from off and you get one, two, three or four blinks with one being nearly empty and four being nearly full.

 

[recDNA]

I noticed a very immediate ease of use with a raised tail button.

Do you have a flush tailcap? I was under the impression this was mostly "remedied" - it is in the literature still that it's not an advertised feature so IDK....?

I have no issue with tailstand, those that do usually depress the switch while screwing it together for a flush button. Mine is flat..

Taking the tailcap off an EDC Rotary isn't easy enough to do that! Anyway mine was flush and I cannot imagine having a problem depressing it since it bulges a little but I suppose if pumped up with adrenaline you want a protruding cap you can't possibly miss.

 

[John N]

Remember the rotary has a little hole in the tailcap so if you work or plan to use it in an environment with a lot of little grit around it could get in the hole.

Interestingly, my 18650 tube doesn't have the hole. There is a little plastic plug.

-john

 

[recDNA]

Is it a rotary?

 

[John N]

Yup.

 

[Kid9P]

John, the Ultimate 85, is that an 18650 or 17670 tube on that classic HDS?

 

[jruser]

Do these use PWM for lower outputs? Their sit is really vague.

 

[recDNA]

They should all have a plug.