I never seen a Arc LS but heard its pretty bright for a single LED and its compared to like 10-15 LED's. But how's it compared to a dual 123A's Surefire? I also heard that Surefire's is not duable if you drop it the you can easily break the buld and the bulb is not cheap.
Arc LS or a Surefire?
- Thread starter Turbo6
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Silviron
Flashlight Enthusiast
It is kind of hard verbally comparing the two- and if you are making a purchase decision, it would be helpful to know your primary use for the light. The Surefire is better for some things and the ARC LS is better for others.
If all you want is to compare the beams at a fixed distance, there are beam shots of a wide variety of incandescent and LED lights here:
http://az123.com/darksbane/beamshots_&_lux.htm
If all you want is to compare the beams at a fixed distance, there are beam shots of a wide variety of incandescent and LED lights here:
http://az123.com/darksbane/beamshots_&_lux.htm
Darell
Flashaholic
I wouldn't say that the bulbs break easily, or that Surefires are not durable. BUT, incandescent bulbs in general definitely break easier than do LEDs. Any LED will be more durable than an incandescent bulb. But then there is the exterior of the ligth to consider... how beat up will it look after a few years of EDC?
Well, I've got a few E series Surefires, and I've had a few Arc LSs. From what I can tell, they're finishes are equally durable. I have yet to need to replace a bulb in a Surefire, but I also know that the time is coming, and I have spares at the ready. If I knew I'd be dropping the light regularly, I'd narrow my choices to LEDs.
And as for the light quality, it is very difficult to compare a great incandescent and a great LED light. The Surefire will throw the light MUCH further, but the LS is far more useful for near-field tasks. If you're searching for an object in an open field, the SF would be best. If you're looking for something in the bedroom, I'd grab the LS. For things like working in enclosed areas (under the dashboard of the car, under the sink, etc) an LED light is superior, in my opinion. But for now, incandescents still have the edge for distance illumination.
Oh, and I almost forgot the official CPF response: Get both!
Well, I've got a few E series Surefires, and I've had a few Arc LSs. From what I can tell, they're finishes are equally durable. I have yet to need to replace a bulb in a Surefire, but I also know that the time is coming, and I have spares at the ready. If I knew I'd be dropping the light regularly, I'd narrow my choices to LEDs.
And as for the light quality, it is very difficult to compare a great incandescent and a great LED light. The Surefire will throw the light MUCH further, but the LS is far more useful for near-field tasks. If you're searching for an object in an open field, the SF would be best. If you're looking for something in the bedroom, I'd grab the LS. For things like working in enclosed areas (under the dashboard of the car, under the sink, etc) an LED light is superior, in my opinion. But for now, incandescents still have the edge for distance illumination.
Oh, and I almost forgot the official CPF response: Get both!
Darell
Flashaholic
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