Flow
Newly Enlightened
Just wondering, why is the Arc LS so expensive?
*waits to be slapped for his stupidity*
*waits to be slapped for his stupidity*
Arc LS pricing
- Thread starter Flow
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this_is_nascar
Flashaholic
Too much of an open-ended questions. "Expensive" is relative and it's up to the consumer to decide if he/she is willing to pay the price for the product. I, along with many others, decided the price was worth the product.
B@rt
Flashaholic
There is a difference between "expensive" and "a lot of money"... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Considering r&d, quality, the use of cutting edge technology and the fact it is not a mass market product, I don't consider the LS expensive.
It is however a substantial amount of money. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif
YMMV
Considering r&d, quality, the use of cutting edge technology and the fact it is not a mass market product, I don't consider the LS expensive.
It is however a substantial amount of money. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif
YMMV
JackBlades
Enlightened
Consider it MAN JEWELRY.
Jewelry can be expensive....ask a woman! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Jewelry can be expensive....ask a woman! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Flow
Newly Enlightened
Ahhh, yes, this is true. I don't exactly see them in blisterpacks hanging in the hardware store, and I sure wouldn't want to have to make one by hand.
Can the lens or LED be changed? Though I don't see why in my right mind I would want to change the LED, it's nice none the less. Intresting it has a few options for the batteries as well.
Can the lens or LED be changed? Though I don't see why in my right mind I would want to change the LED, it's nice none the less. Intresting it has a few options for the batteries as well.
keithhr
Flashlight Enthusiast
I just went over t TAD gear in Oakland Ca. and paid $82.95 for the ARC LSH hard anodized plus tax, check it out very nice. http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/flashlights%20main/arc_light_ls-tc.htm
C
Cosmic Superchunk
Guest
Flow, I think you asked an honest question. To the non-flashaholic, paying $80-$100+ for a flashlight seams outright mad. That can be a good thing or bad thing depending on your point of view. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Typically, devoted fans of Arc lights and serious LED enthusiasts would pay that much money on an Arc LS, however, one must understand that high quality comes at a price (most of the time). One can do the same comparison with a $20+ Arc AAA and a $5 Mag Solitaire. Both are constructed of aluminum and are keychain sized lights that run on 1 AAA battery. One is an LED light, the other an incandescent. Both can be useful to the average user, but the Arc is very far ahead of the Solitaire in design, quality and execution which means it's going to cost more.
Sadly, high-end torches often create "elitists" for which expensive lights become a status symbol rather than the appreciation of the hobby. That said, just think of it in terms of what you can afford and also consider, do you plan to use it as your EDC light or simply add it to your existing collection? If you can afford the high price, then great. If you cannot afford it immediately, then save up or wait until you can get a good deal on the light you want. I personally would like to see a new Arc flashlight that is a bit more in the $40-$50 range, but until then, there are lots of other great lights out there. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Sadly, high-end torches often create "elitists" for which expensive lights become a status symbol rather than the appreciation of the hobby. That said, just think of it in terms of what you can afford and also consider, do you plan to use it as your EDC light or simply add it to your existing collection? If you can afford the high price, then great. If you cannot afford it immediately, then save up or wait until you can get a good deal on the light you want. I personally would like to see a new Arc flashlight that is a bit more in the $40-$50 range, but until then, there are lots of other great lights out there. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Flow
Newly Enlightened
It's not really the price specificly I'm worried about. I just wonder if it would be worth trying one after I put a BadBoy on my mini-mag.
Few years ago I had never heard of a led that would be remotly sane in a flashlight. Now there's Photons in a bin at the tool store and such. If something at some point surpassed the LED, would modding an LS be painfull?
Few years ago I had never heard of a led that would be remotly sane in a flashlight. Now there's Photons in a bin at the tool store and such. If something at some point surpassed the LED, would modding an LS be painfull?
Dave Wright
Enlightened
In the opinion of this flashlight user (who doesn't own an Arc LS), the Arc LS would be a good buy if you like being on the bleeding edge and want a very small 1x123 light. If, on the other hand, you want to run 2xAA instead, and don't have a strong bleeding edge elitist (I mean that in a nice way) drive, get a Badboy 400 for your MiniMag. You will have a great Luxeon Star light with the same output (particularly if you get the Q3L version) as the Arc for about half the price. You'll also get to stick with your good old MiniMag friend...and surprise people every now and then with its output.
On battery selection: Running the 2xAA configuration can save you money over the long haul if you use the light more than a couple hours per month. The Badboy works best with NiMH rechargeables.
Enjoy!
On battery selection: Running the 2xAA configuration can save you money over the long haul if you use the light more than a couple hours per month. The Badboy works best with NiMH rechargeables.
Enjoy!
logicnerd411
Flashlight Enthusiast
I was surprised with the output of my Arc LS grey kit. (For the people that missed it, Peter Gransee of Arc was cleanig out his warehouse with a DIY kit for a possible two Arc LS's for $19.99.) So I just made a deal with someone for an Arc LSH-P!
onelight
Enlightened
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Hey JackBlades the" man jewelry" thing is great i'll have to try that /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yellowlaugh.gif
Flow
Newly Enlightened
Yes, either the Mini will stay or the LS will become a _very_ used flashlight.
Greeeeat. I spend hours digging about seeing why you don't just use a ratshack (term used lovingly) $1 led, what the hell a regulator is and what there for, how to use a resistor + LED for a really cheap set up, what the hell a lux and a lumen is, how our eyes actually process light, the pros + cons of diffrent brand/type of LEDs, and a bunch of other stuff.
Now I get to look up what exactly a '123' is, which will also probably led me into a little world of batteries I never could care about before. I just saw a thread about a 3 LED conversion for the Sol and a 12v battery that fits. 12v in that little thing? wtf?
Anyway, still. Are there any pics of a completly dissassembled LS? I'm wondering if the head comes apart like my mini or if it's solid like a Blaster.
Oh yeah, reflectors and lenses. Gotta read about how and why about these too...
"Hmmmm... what if I just stuck a LED in it?" has turned into quite a major research project. I never thought of "simple" flashlights being so intresting. And so expensive. It really is an addiction. At least it's a more usefull addiction than pot or cocaine though, eh? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Greeeeat. I spend hours digging about seeing why you don't just use a ratshack (term used lovingly) $1 led, what the hell a regulator is and what there for, how to use a resistor + LED for a really cheap set up, what the hell a lux and a lumen is, how our eyes actually process light, the pros + cons of diffrent brand/type of LEDs, and a bunch of other stuff.
Now I get to look up what exactly a '123' is, which will also probably led me into a little world of batteries I never could care about before. I just saw a thread about a 3 LED conversion for the Sol and a 12v battery that fits. 12v in that little thing? wtf?
Anyway, still. Are there any pics of a completly dissassembled LS? I'm wondering if the head comes apart like my mini or if it's solid like a Blaster.
Oh yeah, reflectors and lenses. Gotta read about how and why about these too...
"Hmmmm... what if I just stuck a LED in it?" has turned into quite a major research project. I never thought of "simple" flashlights being so intresting. And so expensive. It really is an addiction. At least it's a more usefull addiction than pot or cocaine though, eh? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The 123 is the model # of a popular camera battery. It is a 3v lithium (I think) cell and not alkaline like your everyday AA's, C's, etc.
The 12v battery they speak of is probably an N size battery. Its a tiny little thing, usually used in remotes for garage doors.
The 12v battery they speak of is probably an N size battery. Its a tiny little thing, usually used in remotes for garage doors.
B@rt
Flashaholic
The 123 is indeed a lithium battery, and the 12 V battery is a GP23a 12 v battery, commonly used in garage doors openers. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Here is a pic (thanks JohnG /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif ) of a disassembled "grey kit" LS.
Hope this helps,
Here is a pic (thanks JohnG /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif ) of a disassembled "grey kit" LS.
Hope this helps,
LEDagent
Flashlight Enthusiast
If i'm not mistaken, i think Peter Gransee didn't want his circuit to be displayed. But that's information i heard before the grey kits were sold.
Sorry in advanced if i'm wrong.
Sorry in advanced if i'm wrong.
B@rt
Flashaholic
LEDagent,
you are right that Peter had asked to withdraw pics of the innards, but since the "grey kit" offering, there have been numerous pictures of the (old) circuit displayed. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
you are right that Peter had asked to withdraw pics of the innards, but since the "grey kit" offering, there have been numerous pictures of the (old) circuit displayed. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
LEDagent
Flashlight Enthusiast
Thanks Bart for clearing that up! When you say "old" i'm assuming you mean that the LS4 circuit makes the one shown above..."old", right? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Anyway, back on topic...YES the Arc LS is definately EXPENSIVE. I'm not going to lie, nor am i going to fiddle with the defenition of "expensive." If i can physically feel my wallet get thinner after a single purchase...it sure is expensive to me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
But...like most of us are saying, you have to take into account the technology, research, and quality of work involved in making the Arc LS. The premium line of Arc LSs are more consistant with there LED tint variations that most of it's competitors. Even Surefire, which cost similar to Arc LSs, can vary widely in there beam qualities. At least with a premium Arc, you can expect the beam color to be somewhere close to white...instead of green, or violet, or whatever.
Another thing i should mention is (i think) that Arc is the only company right now that offers a high-dome LEDs in there production flashlights. I, personally, prefer it over the low-dome LEDs...and it is worth the extra money.
I think 140-160 dollars for a PREMIUM Arc LSH is a reasonable price considering that it's consumer base is not as broad as...lets say Surefire. I'm only guessing on this...but if Surefire was a new company like Arc is, i'm sure the L1 would cost significantly more than 100 dollars. For starters, the L1's basic body design follows the design of it's past products, and its HAIII coating process is, i'm sure, mastered and perfected...i'm sure all that cuts down on R&D costs. Arc, on the other hand, is still in the process of mastering there design and HA coating processes. I rememer, in the past, when all of that was a big obstacle for Peter. But now, i think he's almost to the point of perfection with the Arc LS design.
So if you consider all the work that goes behing it, i'm sure you will understand, at least, why it's so expensive. I'm also not saying that Surefire hasn't put there R&D time into the L1...i'm just saying that Arc, being a new company, doesn't have a template to work off of like Surefire does.
Anyway, back on topic...YES the Arc LS is definately EXPENSIVE. I'm not going to lie, nor am i going to fiddle with the defenition of "expensive." If i can physically feel my wallet get thinner after a single purchase...it sure is expensive to me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
But...like most of us are saying, you have to take into account the technology, research, and quality of work involved in making the Arc LS. The premium line of Arc LSs are more consistant with there LED tint variations that most of it's competitors. Even Surefire, which cost similar to Arc LSs, can vary widely in there beam qualities. At least with a premium Arc, you can expect the beam color to be somewhere close to white...instead of green, or violet, or whatever.
Another thing i should mention is (i think) that Arc is the only company right now that offers a high-dome LEDs in there production flashlights. I, personally, prefer it over the low-dome LEDs...and it is worth the extra money.
I think 140-160 dollars for a PREMIUM Arc LSH is a reasonable price considering that it's consumer base is not as broad as...lets say Surefire. I'm only guessing on this...but if Surefire was a new company like Arc is, i'm sure the L1 would cost significantly more than 100 dollars. For starters, the L1's basic body design follows the design of it's past products, and its HAIII coating process is, i'm sure, mastered and perfected...i'm sure all that cuts down on R&D costs. Arc, on the other hand, is still in the process of mastering there design and HA coating processes. I rememer, in the past, when all of that was a big obstacle for Peter. But now, i think he's almost to the point of perfection with the Arc LS design.
So if you consider all the work that goes behing it, i'm sure you will understand, at least, why it's so expensive. I'm also not saying that Surefire hasn't put there R&D time into the L1...i'm just saying that Arc, being a new company, doesn't have a template to work off of like Surefire does.
Flow
Newly Enlightened
Wow... that light is sexy.
$160 isn't that much if I know it's quality and I can beat the s--- out of it. I just wanted to see is disassembled first.
$160 isn't that much if I know it's quality and I can beat the s--- out of it. I just wanted to see is disassembled first.
Flow
Newly Enlightened
From Meridian
"LED optics protected by new .030" AR coated, scratch resistant LEXAN lens"
Lexan? For a lens? For a flashlight?
Nevermind. Sold. It's obviously built to be run over with a tank. Can almost fold that stuff in 1/2 without it breaking and if I remember correctly, it's what bulletproof "glass" is made of (and the windshield of my car /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif)
Mabey I will just toss the AA Mag and save the mod $ for an Arc. At this point I don't understand why Mag is still in buisness.
Will the body be made out of titanium next or what?
-- edit --
Arc 2xAA Power Pack w/tail switch -- oh hell yes.
I'm *really* loving this now. Can I put lithiums in here too?
"LED optics protected by new .030" AR coated, scratch resistant LEXAN lens"
Lexan? For a lens? For a flashlight?
Nevermind. Sold. It's obviously built to be run over with a tank. Can almost fold that stuff in 1/2 without it breaking and if I remember correctly, it's what bulletproof "glass" is made of (and the windshield of my car /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif)
Mabey I will just toss the AA Mag and save the mod $ for an Arc. At this point I don't understand why Mag is still in buisness.
Will the body be made out of titanium next or what?
-- edit --
Arc 2xAA Power Pack w/tail switch -- oh hell yes.
I'm *really* loving this now. Can I put lithiums in here too?
[ QUOTE ]
Can I put lithiums in here too?
[/ QUOTE ]
yes you can. it'll run a little brighter and longer than with two alkalines. but you will soon change to rechargeables - nimhs can't be beat if you're using that light on a regular basis /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
chris
Can I put lithiums in here too?
[/ QUOTE ]
yes you can. it'll run a little brighter and longer than with two alkalines. but you will soon change to rechargeables - nimhs can't be beat if you're using that light on a regular basis /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
chris
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