Anyone here have this problem?

[StorminMatt]

I have a Coast HP4 2xAAA penlight that I have used for well over a year as an EDC light. Overall, it's okay. At around 65-70 lumens, it seems bright enough. And it seems to run a decently long time. But I've been wanting a better EDC for quite some time, especially since I want something that is better suited for dark mountain trails. The SC52w seemed like the PERFECT light to get. So I got one. But now I've got a problem. I look at that HP4 and notice how beat up it looks from carrying it around in my pocket with keys and such. And I just don't want the SC52w to get similarly beat up. I figure the HP4 is already thrashed, and carry it around despite it's inferior performance. Anyone have this kind of problem with EDC lights?

 

[gravelmonkey]

Yup, until I drop it or scratch it for the first time!

That said, my ZL H51c has worn quite well, I'm actually surprised it's not more scratched/chipped from the (ab)use it's got.

 

[Poppy]

<snip> And I just don't want the SC52w to get similarly beat up. I figure the HP4 is already thrashed, and carry it around despite it's inferior performance. Anyone have this kind of problem with EDC lights?

Nope.

My dad's philosophy has been, "if it isn't being used,... it is being wasted." I learned that from him, and adopted that philosophy.

 

[subwoofer]

Anyone have this kind of problem with EDC lights?

Yes and no. I'll explain more...

Yup, until I drop it or scratch it for the first time!

That said, my ZL H51c has worn quite well, I'm actually surprised it's not more scratched/chipped from the (ab)use it's got.

There is certainly that factor - the first mark. I sometimes feel every new product should come pre-scratched so it already has its first imperfection. Once you get past the first mark it gets easier to not worry so much.

Nope.

My dad's philosophy has been, "if it isn't being used,... it is being wasted." I learned that from him, and adopted that philosophy.

That is true, and the older I get the more I think my 'treasured' drawer/shelf queens need to get some real use, however, this is no excuse for abusing or not taking care of the things you use. My tools, lights and anything else I use are looked after. I have lights, watches, cameras, computers and other items that have been used every day and used well, but still look new. All it takes is a bit of care and consideration for what you are using. There is no excuse for carelessness.

 

[Poppy]

That is true, and the older I get the more I think my 'treasured' drawer/shelf queens need to get some real use, however, this is no excuse for abusing or not taking care of the things you use. My tools, lights and anything else I use are looked after. I have lights, watches, cameras, computers and other items that have been used every day and used well, but still look new. All it takes is a bit of care and consideration for what you are using. There is no excuse for carelessness.

Sub,
For the most part I am with you :thumbsup:

IMO, if you buy a tool to be a tool, then it is a tool, and should be used as such. I agree, that there is no need, or reason to be purposefully destructful, and that they should be given an appropriate amount of care. For example, I wipe down my wrenches if there is any sign of grease on them before I put them away, and I don't use pliers as a hammer, but I don't know how many of them could pass as new. On the other hand, I do have a collection of Franklin Mint Star Trek Insignia Badges still hanging on the wall near my desk. They are not tools, they just make me happy :twothumbs

 

[davyro]

Everyone of my lights are users,i own some high end lights but i bought them for a reason & that reason was to use them,they all have something different about them so i choose which light is best suited for the situation & use it regardless of what it cost,if i need to use it,it gets used.

 

[weez82]

I like the look of gear as it gets used. I still try and take care of my stuff but I dont care if I bang it up. It adds character :)

 

[Jakeyb]

I have to keep brand new lights nice for at least 3or 4 months before I start to not care. Plus I have so many lights I find myself just grabbing an old one if I fear the job I'm doing could damage it.Lol

 

[StarHalo]

This is correct:

 

[GordoJones88]

It's a tool. Tools are supposed to be used. The more beat up they look, likely the more useful the tool is.

 

[FourBin Labs]

I have to keep brand new lights nice for at least 3or 4 months before I start to not care. Plus I have so many lights I find myself just grabbing an old one if I fear the job I'm doing could damage it.Lol

X2 on this. Every time I get a new light (or anything really), I usually am very good to it for the first month or two, then start using the item/tool more and more. The first nice flashlight I bought in the last 10 years, got some really extreme battle scars all at once after only having it a week, now it's my dirty job or loaner light.

Maybe some other people here can relate to this one. If I find something I really like (I did this with my Klarus ST11), I buy two. One to use and one to sit in the box. It made putting one of them to use a lot easier, and now I might give the light that is still in the box away as a Christmas gift this year since I probably don't really need two.

 

[dc38]

If you don't use it, you WILL end up losing it. and you will regret that you did not use it more, and that it had gone to waste. Also keep in mind that every dent and ding you put on your light builds its character, and it comes to show that the light deserves to be carried. Good lights are like good companions; they'll take whatever you dish out, and still be there for you when you need them.

 

[subwoofer]

This is correct:

But what does the screen look like?

Is it also good to put your prescription glasses into your pocket with your keys and scratch up the lenses?

 

[jimboutilier]

There's nothing wrong with wanting to keep your stuff in good condition, but you can't let that get in the way of using it.

I use and EDC a number of items all the time. They typically remain in excellent condition for years. Not because they are not used but because I take care in how I carry, use, and maintain them.

In the case of flashlights, I tend to carry them in their own pocket or only with another soft item. If they have a pocket clip they can be carried at the top of a pocket with a hard item in the bottom of the pocket. A pocket or belt pouch can also help protect your light. Wipe em down periodically to keep dirt and grit off them. Lube em periodically to keep their seals in good condition. And use them whenever you need em.

You'll likely accumulate some wear or dings or scratches over time but that's just character unless it interferes with how they work or can be carried. LED technology changes so fast, you'll likely want to replace it with something else long before it wears out.

 

[burntoshine]

I don't really have this problem. There are two categories of things I carry; things that I don't mind being scratched and things that I would rather not be scratched. However, I don't care all that much about scratches and I am very much a fan of the worn/used look, but I do take steps to minimize unnecessary wear and tear. And I absolutely do not like scratched flashlight lenses. No, sir!

I am methodical about how I carry things. I usually keep my keys and leatherman micra in my left pocket with my leatherman freestyle clipped to that pocket. Those things can go crazy and have a scratch party. I keep my wallet in my right pocket with my Spydie clipped to that pocket. All my cargo shorts have an extra pocket on the right side where I keep my HDS and nothing else. Or I will put my HDS in a fabric bag If I need to carry something else in there. I usually keep my MiNi CR2 in my right cargo pocket with nothing else and my SC52w clipped on one side of that pocket. I have a hemp bag that holds a pen, a mini sharpie, a mini bic lighter, some small zip ties and one of those orange waterproof matchstick containers with 2 extra batteries for my HDS. That bag goes in my left cargo pocket which is where I usually keep my phone. My wife stitched a line up the middle of the bag so the matchstick container stays on one side and everything else stays on the other, and so the bag doesn't bulge out very much. Things change a bit with jeans, but you get the idea.

I am always conscious of how I carry things and how I pack things. Fabric bags go a long way to keep things cushioned and protected from scratches. And I'll also put the fabric bag in a sandwhich size or snack size zip lock bag to help keep whatever it is dry, if needed.

My wife has taken old clothes and made small custom size cases for some of my stuff. She made one for my Titaner Ti-fob and my MiNi CR2. She even stitched elastic loops on them so you can wrap it around to keep the flap closed tight.

Try to get creative with how you carry things. There's always a way to minimize wear.

 

[weaver]

I usually cover my nice flashlights with tight-fitting rubber inner tubing.