ASP Taclite vs.Scorpion
- Thread starter Aladdin
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brightnorm
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Hi Aladdin,
Whether the Asp is worth that money depends entirely on your needs and preferences. There are other excellent, cheaper lights out there like the Streamlight Scorpion and the Legend LX, but it really comes down to what you want.
You can use the "SEARCH" facility to look up any light, or member. I suggest you click SEARCH-BUCKY-"SUREFIRE 6P/6Z/M2/D2 vs THE STREAMLIGHT SCORPION". He gives a very nice overview of a number of 2X123A lights though he doesen't mention the Asp Taclite.
Below is my brief commentary on the Asp. I don't believe that many CPF memnbers are familiar with it, which is a pity. There is at least one other member who carries the Asp, and he is a very sophisticated user with an extensive tactical background. I hope that you hear from him as well. Please bear in mind that personal preference plays a major role in light selection. As you become a more knowledgeable flashaholic you'll not only become a better judge of lights; you will find yourself able to evaluate your own needs and preferences better than ever before.
Best of luck
Brightnorm
The ASP TACLITE is unique, having an adjustable, "lockable" internal focusing mechanism, quite ingenious and easy to set. Once set it stays in that focus unless you change it. Because you can achieve an unusually tight focus (which I prefer), the light is remarkably bright; significantly brighter than any other 2 x 123A light that I have owned or tried, including the Surefire 6P and all the other 2 battery Surefires, the Tacm 3, the Galls H.A.L.O. Light (avoid this one!), the Streamlight Scorpion, the Brinkmann LX Legend, etc. Even though the focus is tighter, the light "splash" from the extreme brightness (at least when the battery is fresh) compensates for the narrowed beam diameter. Of course you can adjust the beam to a larger diameter if you choose.
I do not like the usual style of adjustable focus lights like the Scorpion, because they can go out of focus through rough or careless handling, or be previously set to a focus which is inappropriate for a sudden current situation. Beam quality of the Taclite, even if not quite of "Surefire quality" is still excellent, remarkably so for a small unfaceted reflector. The light is water resistant enough to survive strong rain or momentary dunking. It is very solidly constructed of aircraft aluminum with a user friendly foamed vinyl grip. It is easily "locked out" by a ½ counterclockwise turn of the bezel, and has a very smooth "clickie" tail cap switch.
This light is my preferred EDC incandescent. My preference for this light is in no way a repudiation of other first rate lights out there, especially the Surefires, which are probably the finest high-tech lights in the world. Their beam quality, and that of other faceted reflector lights like the LX Legend and the Streamlight Scorpion are unsurpassed. However, my preference in a 2x123A at this point happens to be for a tightly focused, long throw light. In that respect, the Asp Taclite is currently without peer.
Whether the Asp is worth that money depends entirely on your needs and preferences. There are other excellent, cheaper lights out there like the Streamlight Scorpion and the Legend LX, but it really comes down to what you want.
You can use the "SEARCH" facility to look up any light, or member. I suggest you click SEARCH-BUCKY-"SUREFIRE 6P/6Z/M2/D2 vs THE STREAMLIGHT SCORPION". He gives a very nice overview of a number of 2X123A lights though he doesen't mention the Asp Taclite.
Below is my brief commentary on the Asp. I don't believe that many CPF memnbers are familiar with it, which is a pity. There is at least one other member who carries the Asp, and he is a very sophisticated user with an extensive tactical background. I hope that you hear from him as well. Please bear in mind that personal preference plays a major role in light selection. As you become a more knowledgeable flashaholic you'll not only become a better judge of lights; you will find yourself able to evaluate your own needs and preferences better than ever before.
Best of luck
Brightnorm
The ASP TACLITE is unique, having an adjustable, "lockable" internal focusing mechanism, quite ingenious and easy to set. Once set it stays in that focus unless you change it. Because you can achieve an unusually tight focus (which I prefer), the light is remarkably bright; significantly brighter than any other 2 x 123A light that I have owned or tried, including the Surefire 6P and all the other 2 battery Surefires, the Tacm 3, the Galls H.A.L.O. Light (avoid this one!), the Streamlight Scorpion, the Brinkmann LX Legend, etc. Even though the focus is tighter, the light "splash" from the extreme brightness (at least when the battery is fresh) compensates for the narrowed beam diameter. Of course you can adjust the beam to a larger diameter if you choose.
I do not like the usual style of adjustable focus lights like the Scorpion, because they can go out of focus through rough or careless handling, or be previously set to a focus which is inappropriate for a sudden current situation. Beam quality of the Taclite, even if not quite of "Surefire quality" is still excellent, remarkably so for a small unfaceted reflector. The light is water resistant enough to survive strong rain or momentary dunking. It is very solidly constructed of aircraft aluminum with a user friendly foamed vinyl grip. It is easily "locked out" by a ½ counterclockwise turn of the bezel, and has a very smooth "clickie" tail cap switch.
This light is my preferred EDC incandescent. My preference for this light is in no way a repudiation of other first rate lights out there, especially the Surefires, which are probably the finest high-tech lights in the world. Their beam quality, and that of other faceted reflector lights like the LX Legend and the Streamlight Scorpion are unsurpassed. However, my preference in a 2x123A at this point happens to be for a tightly focused, long throw light. In that respect, the Asp Taclite is currently without peer.
Gman
Enlightened
I have two Scorpions and one Asp Taclite.
I prefer the Scorpion, but thats a personal preference. Fwiw, I think the Scorpion puts out a nicer beam, it's external focusable and has a smaller OD. Cheaper too, I've seen them for $26 w/o batteries on the Internet.
Even when focused down, my Asp's beam in not as good as my Scorpion's. The Asp is nicely constructed however and a fine tool.
Then again, the Scorpions bulbs don't last very long. But their cheap enough and it carries a spare, something most other lithium torches do not.
I have no practical experience with bulb life in the Asp, but I'm sure the member mentioned above will weigh in on this as he prefers it.
In fact, I could be convinced to part with my ASP (maybe
, it's little used and in excellent condition.
I prefer the Scorpion, but thats a personal preference. Fwiw, I think the Scorpion puts out a nicer beam, it's external focusable and has a smaller OD. Cheaper too, I've seen them for $26 w/o batteries on the Internet.
Even when focused down, my Asp's beam in not as good as my Scorpion's. The Asp is nicely constructed however and a fine tool.
Then again, the Scorpions bulbs don't last very long. But their cheap enough and it carries a spare, something most other lithium torches do not.
I have no practical experience with bulb life in the Asp, but I'm sure the member mentioned above will weigh in on this as he prefers it.
In fact, I could be convinced to part with my ASP (maybe
, it's little used and in excellent condition.brightnorm
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2001
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Once again, it all comes down to what you want in a light.
I have given away my 2 Scorpions and kept my two Taclites, not because the Scorpions are inferior lights, but for reasons mentioned in my first post plus the fact that even at tightest focus their beams are significantly more diffused than any of the 2 Lithium Surefires with the exception of the E2.
Some folks like this, and if you're willing to settle for somewhat less brightness (because of that wide beam) then definitely buy one. Also, they're so reasonably priced that you can't really go wrong.
I don't mind paying more for a light if it suits my needs.
By the way, are you familiar with the Princeton Tec Surge? This is a very cheap but superb light, brighter than any of the lights mentioned in this thread, and also, (because there's no free lunch, even in Flashaholic land), somewhat bigger and heavier, though remarkably small for its level of performance. It takes 8 AA'S.
WEIGHT with batteries: 11.6oz
SIZE: L 6.6" W 1 3/4"x 1 15/16 (It's oval) x2" (bezel)
ON/OFF: Convenient switch on body, both momentary and locking
WATERPROOF: Yes
BEAM: Close to Surefire Quality
BURN TIME: About 3 hours with good, fresh batteries
BRIGHTNESS: !!!
PRICE: CHEAP! (the amount escapes me)
It's a little big for EDC, but with a good holster (try a large cell phone holster, or a holster from Brinks) you'll hardly notice it. It is a very popular light here and you'll find much commentary.
By the way, although I haven't used my Taclites very frequently, they have seen a fair amount of use, and after two years I'm still on the original bulbs. Of course I don't use them as constant-on common walking or trekking lights; the Surge and others are far more apprropriate for that. (unless you take very short walks).
Good luck with your quest Aladdin; everyone here has their favorite lights, and their opinions which are often backed up by experience. It can be a little overwhelming
to a newbie but pretty soon you'll be advising others
Best regards,
Brightnorm
I have given away my 2 Scorpions and kept my two Taclites, not because the Scorpions are inferior lights, but for reasons mentioned in my first post plus the fact that even at tightest focus their beams are significantly more diffused than any of the 2 Lithium Surefires with the exception of the E2.
Some folks like this, and if you're willing to settle for somewhat less brightness (because of that wide beam) then definitely buy one. Also, they're so reasonably priced that you can't really go wrong.
I don't mind paying more for a light if it suits my needs.
By the way, are you familiar with the Princeton Tec Surge? This is a very cheap but superb light, brighter than any of the lights mentioned in this thread, and also, (because there's no free lunch, even in Flashaholic land), somewhat bigger and heavier, though remarkably small for its level of performance. It takes 8 AA'S.
WEIGHT with batteries: 11.6oz
SIZE: L 6.6" W 1 3/4"x 1 15/16 (It's oval) x2" (bezel)
ON/OFF: Convenient switch on body, both momentary and locking
WATERPROOF: Yes
BEAM: Close to Surefire Quality
BURN TIME: About 3 hours with good, fresh batteries
BRIGHTNESS: !!!
PRICE: CHEAP! (the amount escapes me)
It's a little big for EDC, but with a good holster (try a large cell phone holster, or a holster from Brinks) you'll hardly notice it. It is a very popular light here and you'll find much commentary.
By the way, although I haven't used my Taclites very frequently, they have seen a fair amount of use, and after two years I'm still on the original bulbs. Of course I don't use them as constant-on common walking or trekking lights; the Surge and others are far more apprropriate for that. (unless you take very short walks).
Good luck with your quest Aladdin; everyone here has their favorite lights, and their opinions which are often backed up by experience. It can be a little overwhelming
to a newbie but pretty soon you'll be advising others
Best regards,
Brightnorm
Gman
Enlightened
Brightnorm,
Thanx for the input on ASP bulb life. I see what you mean now, the Scorpion is still diffused even when focused while the ASP is very tight. My ASP shows a strange hotspot, you can see the filament, is your's like that?
I have a PT Surge, a great torch indeed and I recommend it also. (Not very impressed with the swicth however, but I can live with it.)
Thanx for the input on ASP bulb life. I see what you mean now, the Scorpion is still diffused even when focused while the ASP is very tight. My ASP shows a strange hotspot, you can see the filament, is your's like that?
I have a PT Surge, a great torch indeed and I recommend it also. (Not very impressed with the swicth however, but I can live with it.)
brightnorm
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2001
- Messages
- 7,161
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gman:
Brightnorm,
Thanx for the input on ASP bulb life. I see what you mean now, the Scorpion is still diffused even when focused while the ASP is very tight. My ASP shows a strange hotspot, you can see the filament, is your's like that?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yes, there is a slight filament image, but it's subtle and not bothersome. I've found that there is some variation from one bulb to another, and as a true flashaholic I buy several bulbs and use the "best" ones. Also. I take plenty of time when I focus the beam.
Regards,
Brightnorm
Brightnorm,
Thanx for the input on ASP bulb life. I see what you mean now, the Scorpion is still diffused even when focused while the ASP is very tight. My ASP shows a strange hotspot, you can see the filament, is your's like that?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yes, there is a slight filament image, but it's subtle and not bothersome. I've found that there is some variation from one bulb to another, and as a true flashaholic I buy several bulbs and use the "best" ones. Also. I take plenty of time when I focus the beam.
Regards,
Brightnorm
brightnorm
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2001
- Messages
- 7,161
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Aladdin:
Thanks for the answers!
I think the ASP will be the winner!
The only thing to do is to find the cheapest place.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Try this
web page
Go to ASP and make sure you select one with a "backswitch", not a baton connector. You can get them for $48.50. I suggest getting at least one extra bulb. I don't know if this is the cheapest place, but under $50.00 for a light of this caliber is excellent.
Good luck
Brightnorm
Thanks for the answers!
I think the ASP will be the winner!
The only thing to do is to find the cheapest place.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Try this
web page
Go to ASP and make sure you select one with a "backswitch", not a baton connector. You can get them for $48.50. I suggest getting at least one extra bulb. I don't know if this is the cheapest place, but under $50.00 for a light of this caliber is excellent.
Good luck
Brightnorm
