Cheap / good bang-for-buck HID for first time HID owner?

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zipplet

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Dec 11, 2006
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Hi,

I'm aware you probably get 99999 threads like this - we certainly do over in the LED forum... anyway, I'm getting the lumens itch and I'd like to get hold of a nice HID light! I currently only own mostly LED lights and a 2MCP spotlight, no HIDs at all so I am new to them which is the problem - I can't seem to find something that matches my needs.

I trust the opinions here of other CPF'ers so here we go:

What I need:
- good price, if possible under $100, if not then up to $200 (I'll have to save up if so)
- If possible, a reasonable size like that of a large mag - otherwise something around the size of those "x MCP" spotlights
- very bright, better than those "x MCP" spotlights
- either a built in charging system or comes with a charger, it will be my first HID so I don't have lots of charging kit laying around
- charger can be used in the UK (if a change of plug is needed that's fine but it needs to be able to charge from 230V AC)
- replacement lamp/lamp assembly available

Thank you, I know I am asking a lot :)
 
Looks like you have an interesting set of requirements. Around here the most recommended light for the sheer cost is the Vector Power on Board HID light. Its available from sams club but sold on ebay for much less. ($50 or so) but its bigger and bulkier than a maglite. Of course there are custom mags with hid but for a lot more money. I went for something from Amondotech for $149 thats small, weighs around 3 pounds and runs for 70+ minutes on a charge. The light output is blinding for the diminutive size of the light. Its got a NiMH battery that can be charged in or out of the light with a small wall-wart. You'd probably have to get a converter for 220V systems but maybe this thread can help:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156617


As far as being mag-shaped, I've only seen one from Xenonics and thats $1500+ so thats out of the range.

Good luck! You're going to love HID's :)
 
+3 for the AmondoTech N30. Truly a FANTASTIC and VERY USABLE 30 Watt HID! Highly recommended.
 
Thanks for all your responses. It seems the most annoying issue is trying to find something that will work in the UK but the N30 looks promising with it's simple wall wart design - I can source one of those here... hmm... I am tempted!

The boxer looks nice but can I use it in the UK?
 
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Sigh.... The specs and functionality are wonderful I'm sure. But am I the only one that thinks this thing is a little um... "aesthetically challenged"? :barf:
I mean it's green. :eeew: Can't we have a wicked looking black light sabre? I'd buy one in a flash if it looked a bit meaner. I guess that's why there are so many Mag mods...
 
I still want to turn my mag into an HID some day but I dont know what parts I'd need for the job...seems like Welch Allyn is the key here but from there I got no idea. Besides, people gave me compliments on this light. Its unobtrusive and "happy" looking. Guess that doesnt fit all roles. :devil:
 
A bunch of folks have converted Mags using the 10 watt Solarc module resulting in about 500 lumens. You could alternatively get an Underwater Kinetics Light Cannon LC100 for about $150(?) that uses the same module.
 
At the standard light stores, the LC 100 is now around $245 or so (even the discount place I bought mine a couple years ago went from ~$170 to $245).

$150 would be a very good deal.

-Bill
 
I ended up getting an N30 recently, it's my first HID and I've been very impressed. I absolutely love the color output as well -- the 4200K lamp is a nice neutral white, essentially right in between what you get from incandescent (3200K typical for hotwires) and LEDs (5000K for the warmest Cree XR-E bins). I strongly encourage that you get an HID that has a 4200K lamp, it will render things like grass and outdoor scenery much better than the 6000K lamps.

Sigh.... The specs and functionality are wonderful I'm sure. But am I the only one that thinks this thing is a little um... "aesthetically challenged"? :barf:
I mean it's green. :eeew: Can't we have a wicked looking black light sabre? I'd buy one in a flash if it looked a bit meaner. I guess that's why there are so many Mag mods...
Click to expand...
It looks a little unusual, but the form factor is comfortable -- it's lightweight and easy to grip, much better than the cheap incan spotlights I've used before. If the exterior color bothers you that much, you could always consider spray painting the light, or doing something else to customize it, as well.
 
That Amondo grasshopper is awfully tempting, I was about to wax a couple centuries on a couple LED EDC's.. but I am fixated.

3200 lumens, nice..
 
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Same here, I've been working my way up the ladder from lowly mini mag to Fenix LED to ROP, still wanting more! Sounds like the Amondo Tech HID is a good way to start in the HID arena and is in my near future.
 
Same recommendation on the AmondoTech.HID. That Pacific-Tactical Solutions has also a good deal with the CPF discount as stated.

Hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy!
 
Have you thought about this?

93175.gif


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93175

I have one, SUPER bright, SUPER Thrower. $135.00

However, its freaking huge and I'm not sure about the uk power situation.
 
The Harbor Freight weighs over 12 lbs.
The Amondotech N30 weighs about 3 1/2 lbs.
The Amondotech N30 is simply the best bang for the buck in a small HID :D .


Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:
 
Boxer 10W only weights 386 grams (0.85 lbs), Boxer 24W weights 539 grams (1.19 lbs), beat that :crackup:
 
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My only problem with the Boxer is the price, it's not the best bang for the buck. Granted, it's not really a bad price either, but much more than I can afford right now. One day it will be mine...oh yes, one day.
 
Learjet said:
Sigh.... The specs and functionality are wonderful I'm sure. But am I the only one that thinks this thing is a little um... "aesthetically challenged"? :barf:
I mean it's green. :eeew: Can't we have a wicked looking black light sabre? I'd buy one in a flash if it looked a bit meaner. I guess that's why there are so many Mag mods...
Click to expand...

I thought the same thing. I stared at it for about 5 minutes thinking "Could I come up with a way to get rid of the ugly-factor of that light?" My conclusion is it would be too much work and I'll wait until something better comes along in the same price range.
 
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