Best EDC? Ra Clicky vs Custom C2 / sst-50 oveready/nailbender

[DarkoMaledictus]

Just looking for a nice EDC, have a leaderman S3 (120 lumens) but was looking for something with more juice. Just bought a new Jetbeam raptor 3 but need a powerful durable EDC for its portability.


-So, my choices are the very recommended ra clicky with its 170 lumens, indestructibility, 20 feet dive ready and super customizable.

-My second choice is the custom oveready/nailbender SF c2 with its 68650 rechargeable battery, its P60 sst-50 drop in, 550 lumens output and its ipx-8 waterproofing.

What do you guys think is the best buy between these two monsters? On paper the custom sure fire c2 really looks sweet, how do you guys think it compares to the ra clicky?


thanks for any feedback!

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

For the flashtype gurus :

Would I need anything else if I'm going for a C2 custom? Would I need anything else to build it or could I replace something to make it even better?


1-nailbender :
Luminus SST-50 - $65 - 3.6 -6volts only
direct drive 1 - 3
Regulated -- 3 level -- high - med - low
5700K neutral (W57-GJ201-WJ-H4 )

2-UCL Lens for SureFire® Z44 bezels

Ultra Clear Lens (UCL) From flashlightlens.com for use in SureFire® Z44® bezels with LED drop-ins. …
OUT OF STOCK
$7.00

3-Replacement O-Rings - Mil Spec - for SureFire®

Replacement O-Rings - Mil Spec Replacement Mil Spec O-Rings to keep your flashlight waterproof and clean. C…

4-

Z41 SureFire® Tailcap - Black
Tail Switch: 4. McClicky - Black HARDpress

5-C2 - Bored HA SureFire® Body B-C2-IIIG

6-M2 - Factory HA SureFire® Bezel - Black M2-IIIB

7-

Stainless Steel Bezel Rings for SureFire® (six styles)
Bezel Ring: 7. Crenelated Steel - Black
Bezel Tool: 2. Vice + 3/8 Socket

 

[sfca]

I've heard that the UCL lens break easier then the Pyrex lens.

Also, you won't be needing the M2 head - the C2 head would be fine.
The M2 head also doesn't transfer heat from P60 (SST's will heat up fast) as well as a C2 head.

And the crenelated bezel isn't necessary.
You'll get a bit more lumens with no crenelations, and one of them flat stainless steel bezels will still hurt.
It is recommended not to keep the OEM retainer ring as that becomes loose/falls off - so yeah always get a bezel ring with the Z44 head.
Can't use aftermarket SS bezels with M2 head either.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

I've heard that the UCL lens break easier then the Pyrex lens.

Also, you won't be needing the M2 head - the C2 head would be fine.
The M2 head also doesn't transfer heat from P60 (SST's will heat up fast) as well as a C2 head.

And the crenelated bezel isn't necessary.
You'll get a bit more lumens with no crenelations, and one of them flat stainless steel bezels will still hurt.
It is recommended not to keep the OEM retainer ring as that becomes loose/falls off - so yeah always get a bezel ring with the Z44 head.
Can't use aftermarket SS bezels with M2 head either.

Thanks for tips! Guess I'll got with the full C2 kit then, probably saved me a few bucks there ! Thanks for the interesting tidbits!

Compared to the RA clicky beam, how different is the custom C2 with sst-50?

 

[bullfrog]

I dont know about you, but EDCing a C2 would be a real pain in the *** for me unless I am carrying it in a bag. Not sure if you can really compare the two - seem to be in two different leagues...

I own a C2 and Ra 170T so have a good handle on the size difference.

Soooo, Ra Clicky hands down for EDC.

 

[Sgt. LED]

It's all about how much brightness you want on high mode.
If you want more power then you need the larger light.

I have both and will carry whichever based on my expected need.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

I dont know about you, but EDCing a C2 would be a real pain in the *** for me unless I am carrying it in a bag. Not sure if you can really compare the two - seem to be in two different leagues...

I own a C2 and Ra 170T so have a good handle on the size difference.

Soooo, Ra Clicky hands down for EDC.

Are there any size comparison for SF? Hmm going to hit youtube for some pics... could be a prob size wise!

 

[J33psr0ck]

I own both the C2 and Ra170. I see them as two different beasts. I carry the Ra in my pocket daily. I carry my C2 on my belt in a kydex sheath as needed. Although I have carried my C2 in a pocket, it's a bit big/heavy for that in my opinion.

 

[bullfrog]

Are there any size comparison for SF? Hmm going to hit youtube for some pics... could be a prob size wise!

There you go :twothumbs

Edit: heres a hand shot for you for scale - I have med/large hands.

 

[nbp]

I have a clicky 140 and a C2 w/NB sst 50. They are COMPLETELY different lights. If you want the best EDC light around, go with the Ra. If you want to light up your backyard or blind badguys, go with the modded C2. Both phenomenal lights, but apples to oranges.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

There you go :twothumbs

Edit: heres a hand shot for you for scale - I have med/large hands.

Thanks for this, very usefull! Thanks again for your time in doing this!

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

Noticed there is an upgrade option for the z41 cap called :

OVEREADY Zero Resistance Z41 Upgrade


Is it worth it to get this or is this already included when we get the McClicky option with the c2 body? Also would I just need to order the regular cap with the c2 custom body and order this with the McClicky?

This also has a McClicky optional addon.

Sorry for all the questions, just want to get it right the first time.

 

[Sgt. LED]

Get the McClicky option or the zero resistance but not both. The clicky is a click on and off action while the zero resistance mod keeps the switch a twist on and off. I like a clicky personally but either works in this case, just not both.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

Get the McClicky option or the zero resistance but not both. The clicky is a click on and off action while the zero resistance mod keeps the switch a twist on and off. I like a clicky personally but either works in this case, just not both.

I see, so the Mcclicky comes already with a brass cap then. The site wasn't very clear if the brass McClicky was part of the zero resistance mod. Thanks!

 

[stallion2]

it kinda sounds like you should get both. just figure out which you want most now and then buy the other one at a later date. personally, i have a slight preference for the tactical size lights as an EDC but my C2 is a little larger than what i would want to carry. for awhile i was alternating my LX2 and Quark 123^2 turbo (mostly the LX2) as an EDC. none of the single-cell 'EDC' lights i bought could really fulfill my expectation of them...then i received my Clicky 170 EDC last week. i no longer decide which i'm going to carry that particular day...its always the Ra and that's all there is to it.

you might also consider a 1.5A XP-G for your C2. i have Thrunite's 3-mode in my C2 w/ a sharper reflector and its easily my favorite P60. i use it more than my M61. my personal feelings on the SST's is that they do better in larger lights. i have two of NB's SST-50s and one of his SST-90s...all three have been used in a P60 setup and it seems to me that they are being held back. the XP-G is a winner...NB and Anto both make great XP-G dropins from what i hear so you may try there instead of Thrunite.

 

[kaichu dento]

If you were to poll the whole of CPF I think you would find the Ra Clicky to be the single most universally recommended light here and although I don't carry mine everyday in the months with no night, I'll definitely have it on me when night comes back again.

 

[js-lots]

I own a number of nailbender products and have been completely satisfied. I find his quality and workmanship has always been top notch. The sst 50 regulated as a drop in produces a ton of light for its size. It all depends what your looking for. With either choices you should be happy.

 

[DarkoMaledictus]

Thank guys for all the feedback! Just ordered Oveready sf c2 custom body and waiting for a reply from nailbender about the ssf-50 options i want so I can sent him the money. Will probably get a ra clicky along the road, but for the time being my leatherman s3 can get the job done at 120 lumens as a keychain/EDC! Can't wait to see what sf c2 custom can do !

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[simplec6]

Hey guys, where could I find a DIY thread or a guide how to make this upgraded C2?

 

[COAST]

I'd go for the Ra