Arc4 Testing

[Gransee]

Ok, lets try this again..

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This thread is for the testers to post their results on the Arc4 Production Candidates. You may also ask them questions about their tests.

Please understand that the design goals for the Arc4 are now "set in stone". What we are tweaking at this point is any bug fixes, flaws, etc.

The testers were selected several months back from the CPF. We looked for testers that were in good standing with the CPF community and know their flashlights. There were quite a few eligible CPF'ers. However, I had to pick just 4. They are:

Cris Mamaril ("CM")
Darell ****ey ("Darell")
John Bjelajac ("Carpe Diem")
Raymond DeVoe ("This_is_Nascar")

And the primary testers here at Arc:

Peter Gransee ("Gransee")
Henry Schneiker


For those just joining us, the Arc4 is the next evolution of the Arc Luxeon Star based Every Day Carry (EDC) flashlight.

Peter

 

[CM]

I got the first unit so I guess I'm going first.

Pictures say it better than words.

Some obligatory white wall beam shots (sorry guys /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Arc4 against my brightest LSH

Arc4 vs KL1 700mA

A comparison of the reflectors used in the Arc 4 vs the Surefire L4. Note the L4 uses a stochastic reflector which I believe cuts down efficiency but the Arc 4 uses a smooth surface reflector which is ideal for an LED. The Luxeon does not need a randomizer to manage the photons to get the smooth beam as the shots above show. Stochastic reflectors work best with incandescent bulbs that need to have the beam randomized to remove the artifacts inherent in filament emitters.

Comparison of the LSH-P, Arc4 and L4

Here's some of my comments:

What I found interesting was that I used the dimmer light setting more often than the high setting. The triple click to go to the dimmest setting was an extremely useful feature that gave you another selection beyond primary and secondary. It's dim enough that for those that want to preserve their night vision, the lowest setting will allow them to see without having to resort to a red colored light.

User interface was very easy and intuitive. You could use this light without reading the manual and access the most basic feature. Changing the settings (10 click and press) took some time getting used to but after Peter explained to me how to do it, it was cake. You can basically click as many times as you want beyond 10 clicks without counting and as long as you hold the last press, you're in the menu.

My overall impression of this light is that it's a must have tool, and will replace my LSH and overdriven KL1 to perform the same duties in one light. If I had an L1, it would also replace that. I guess my KL1 modding endeavors will end as soon as this light hits the streets /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Some may balk at the price tag but you do get what you pay for. My initial thought was that it was a bit high but after sampling the latest beta unit and getting the opportunity to put the light through its paces, it is a good value for the price. This is not a toy, folks, it is a serious tool, just like a firearm is a serious tool. Fit and finish is excellent and I expect the production units to conform to Arc's very high standards. I anxiously await the release of the production units.


I'm not yet done testing as I only used this light for a few hours cumulative time. I will make additional posts if I have anything to add or to answer any questions you guys may have about this light.


WOOO Hooooo!

CM

 

[Darell]

Excellent Chris. I'm checking in here just to mark it as a favorite, whilst I await MY sample... [fingers tapping]

 

[mut]

I was excited before, but after the beam shots and the picture of the ARC4 I'm even more excited.
Thanks for the pics and comments CM.
Can't wait to read and see more.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/popcorn.gif

 

[Geode]

CM,

Thanks for the comparative pictures and your comments. I do agree about the value/price point comments that you made. The Arc4 will probably cost me less than the lights that it replaces. Could be some sell-off after the Arc4 joins my flashlight portfolio.

 

[Deleted member 737]

CM:

I have a couple concerns / questions:

1) Waterproofness? If possible, please, do a dunk test on this guy. With all that computer inside I want to make sure I can bring the Arc4 out into the weather.

2) Lack of knurling around the Arc4. Does this in anyway hamper the grip? Does it feel slippery?

3) Tint. The pics look pretty good. How do you feel the LED quality looks in real time?

Brian

 

[Kiessling]

CM, could you post a pic that shows the hotspot with the surrounding corona, please?
Down to which brightness setting is the corona actually usefull, and when do you have to rely on the hotspot only?
bernhard

 

[tylerdurden]

Can you post a picture of just the Arc4 by itself with the markings visible? In the picture with the LSH and L4, is that a logo or a warning icon on the Arc4?

thanks.

 

[jrunner192]

I believe that logo you see is the brand new spiffy ARC logo that Peter has been waiting to put on the Arc4.

 

[Deleted member 737]

CM:

Two more quick ones:

1) Have you dropped it yet? I'm wondering how well it takes an impact...

2) How does the new Tailswitch compare to the Kroll?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[cue003]

CM, I must say that is a great quick synopsis you provided there. I was wondering if the sample unit you came with had a clip attached or did it come without one? I would like your take on the usefulness of the clip and does it help/hurt the Arc4 as far as picking it up or holding it in your hand.

Thanks for the beamshots. Was setting was the Arc4 on when you took those shots? Was that boost mode?

I await more information.

BTW, Peter, like the logo on the light. Way cool.

I may be having second thoughts about this light now that we have gotten good pics of it and comparision shots for size/beams etc. Can't wait for the release of this and any other unit Arc has up their sleeve.

 

[bhds]

Couple of questions Chris,

1. What does the switch feel like when "clicking" It physically looks the same as my A2. Is it a momentary push or is there an actual click?

2. What is that logo/symbol above the "#0041" serial number

3. Do you take paypal? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif


Thanks,
bhds

 

[this_is_nascar]

Great pictures CM. I received my production candidate today and have been playing with it for less than an hour. I'll limit this to my very early/initial comments, then it's back to functional testing. I'll probably use broken-sentences to save on time, so I hope my English teacher is not reading.

Initial reaction is how nicely crafted the Arc4 is. In the hand, the light feels "solid and rugid", built to take a beating. While the pocketclip seems very functional, well mounted and has just the proper amount of tension, it makes the light look considerably larger than what it is. Unfortuneatly, without the clip, I seriously risk having the Arc4 slip out of my hand. Switch activation and feel is very smooth and predictable. Hotspot is just a very little larger than LSHP, but corona (side-spill) is noticably larger. A very nice smooth transition from hotspot to corona. You ready for this ??? I like the beam, both in tint, quality and output.

Gotta go. That's all for now.

 

[BlindedByTheLite]

haha
folks, he was happy with the beam from the first one!
*takes note*

 

[CM]

BMStrong:

1) This light is waterproof. All prototypes sent (or will be sent) were dunked in a crockpot at 50C, whilst being stirred and agitated to perform a temp cal.

2) The lack of knurling does not hinder my ability to grip the light without slippage. The switch feels much lighter than the first prototype we tested and that one seemed to pop out of my hands. The switch is just right at 3lb "push" pressure to activate. I don't think anyone needs to even worry about accidental activation but you already know there's an electronic lockout that can be activated to prevent it.

3) Tint is excellent. I know that the huge batch of Q3's that Peter has has demonstrated much consistency and predictability over those of higher flux R2's. The beamshot does not really do it justice. All the latest protos have the same white tint. I know I would want one from this batch of LED's. I have also seen 3W Lux's and this compares to a WO--very white. Not to worry about tint in anyway as Peter will cull out any nonperformers.

4) I have not dropped it yet but I'm pretty confident it will hold up even better than the previous Arc's and all the Surefires. The circuit is not going to move as it is epoxied/potted in place. No worries about cracked inductors anymore. Oh, forget about modding this one.

5) Kroll? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif If you want to make comparisons, the Kroll SUCKS the big one compared to the new switch. As I said, everything about this light is serious. There are no toy elements used.

Kiessling,

I tried to capture the corona but since it was daytime when I took it, it was somewhat of a challenge. I can say the corona is a bit larger than the NX05, sidespill is excellent. If you've seen a KL4 with a 1W in it, it is simiilar in quality. Even at the dimmest setting, the corona is very useful for navigating in a place void of any light. Sidespill fans will not be disappointed.

tylerdurden,

The marking you see is Arc's new logo. On the other side is the marking you see on Peter's initial post above, with 4+ and the serial number below it. The markings are visible but not so much to be distracting or loud.

cue003

The unit came with a clip attached. I found the clip too big and removed it immediately. I think the clip is a very personal thing. Some people will find it essential, some will not like it. The clip doesn't appear to get in the way of holding it, however, I prefer a most compact package sans clip for pocket carry. I would reattach the clip if my method of carry required it. Also, I'm sure there will be modders out there who could probably do custom clips. That's the only mod I can think of for this light /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The setting used for the beam was the highest setting (the boost mode has been redefined). Per my comments above, I found the lower settings very useful and use it more than the high beam. I set the secondary brightness somewhere in the middle between highest and lowest. Now that I got a taste of the low beam feature, it get's used quite a bit. What's nice is that you can tailor the level of the primary and secondary beam settings. The third setting (dimmest) is great for navigating in your house at night when you gotta go potty /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

CM

 

[Turt]

Just to clarify... by highest setting do you mean boost mode? Not sure exactly what you meant by the boost mode being redefined... Thanks.

 

[Saaby]

Wait a second..where's the knurling on the head? Why doesn't it have knurling on the head?

 

[darkgear.com]

[ QUOTE ]
this_is_nascar said:
You ready for this ??? I like the beam, both in tint, quality and output.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is saying a heckavalot coming from TIN.

Is anyone going to be attaching a clip like the berkeley mini clip and carrying it that way? I'd like to know how it hangs from a belt loop.

How tough is the rubber on the switch? My 1 year old (teething) has bit through a couple of my kroll switches. How will making a hole in the rubber of the switch affect waterproofness of the entire light.

Question for Peter probably, Is there new packaging? or are we buying this light in a zip lock also?

Best (envious) regards,
Randy

 

[CM]

Turt,

The boost mode is now the highest setting. There is now no distinction of the highest setting from the lower setting. It is the maximum output the light will make.

Saaby,

I think later versions will have the knurling. I kinda like it without the knurling. I will probably own various versions of the light so I'm not worried.


darkgear,

Hey Mikey, he likes it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif ......The rubber boot looks similar to the one used on the Surefires. I haven't bitten through mine yet so I don't know how tough it is /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif My guess is that the boot is required to maintain the waterproofness of the light.

 

[carmel]

CM,

I don't understand your comment about the boost mode now being the "highest" setting, with no distinction of the highest setting from the lower setting. Please explain so that even I can understand. (Do you mean that the Arc4 primary setting can be set to the boost mode, so there really is no boost from the primary setting in that case???)

Thanks!

carmel