Eternalight prices

[Fallingwater]

Back in the day when Dan wrote this, this and this, Eternalights were nice things that had the only problem of costing way, way too much. That was a common problem with LED lights, even 5mm ones, as the technology wasn't yet as widespread as it is today.

Thinking that after some eight years their prices had to have gone way down, I had a look at their site and found... they still cost exactly the same.

How can that be? Ok, they probably improved the LEDs (I hope so, at least), but how do they have the gall to charge $90 for a four-5mm-LED flashlight that's made of plastic, when the technology has moved on to the point where you can get a decent quality, impact-resistant Rebel flashlight for $17? The cheaper, "Derringer" Eternalight looks like something you ought to find as a bonus gift in dishwasher detergent nowadays, but they still want $30 for one.
How are they still in business?

 

[matrixshaman]

When I first found the Eternalights - long ago the ErgoMarine was $89 and last I checked it was $49. I was selling these for even quite a bit less here about 2 years ago. They are not just cheap plastic but rather ABS - which is to say if you hit ABS with a hammer you better be careful as the hammer may bounce back and smack you. They are unique lights that I think no flashaholic should be without at least one - they have hand built control circuitry that is U.S. made IIRC and still have more functions than any other light I can think of (and I like the complex lights). They have 3 switches to make everything easier to use (what other flashlight has 3 switches?) and they are water tight - especially the Ergomarine is good to over 100 feet underwater I think. That model also includes 3 Lithium AA Energizers (or did when I bought them). So while LED brightness and technology of LED's has increased not everyone wants the brightest possible light. 5mm LED's are still very effecient and this light can claim some of the longest runtime on one set of batteries. Out of the 60 plus Eternalights I had not a single one had a problem. I could go on but I think that's enough reasons why they aren't selling at cheap Chinese prices.

 

[Kiessling]

+1

I have an EliteMax as emergency light. For me, that means a lot as I do not like complicated lights and neither AA lights ... but for this one, I do make an exception.

That said ... I'd also like to know if they upgraded their LEDs ... might be time to buy a new one after all those years.

bernie

 

[half-watt]

XrayElite was my very first LED light. Purchased a second one after a 4' drop onto concrete basement floor did in the case of the first one. being the klutz that i am, eventually dropped the second one too - same height, same contact surface, same result (only worse this time - multiple pieces).

my thought is that during a battery change, i over-torqued the screws, thus over stressing points in the case and making the relatively low 4' drop height that much more damaging. of course, the light landing on the edge (upper or lower - i forget) a corner, each time, and not flat, probably had something to do with it also.

changing batts was a pain - four screws every time (guess it is a result of attempts at waterproof case).

lastly max brightness was a bit on the low side.

that's all the "crabs".

loved the fine-tuning of the light output - so many levels! VERY LONG burntimes - very nice.

all of the other modes/features, were essentially not used.


it was a fun light to use.

think i may pick up the lil' brother, the Derringer - much cheaper, smaller than the xrayElite or EliteMax. longer burntimes than Li coin cell powered lights. given the type of light it is, brightness will not be the "selling point", so to speak, for me.

 

[steve_vance]

+1

I have an EliteMax as emergency light. For me, that means a lot as I do not like complicated lights and neither AA lights ... but for this one, I do make an exception.

That said ... I'd also like to know if they upgraded their LEDs ... might be time to buy a new one after all those years.

bernie

They are currently in the process of switching over- from Nichia CS to Nichia DS. They've been using CS for a little while now. I spoke to Todd, the new owner; he sold me 3 Derringers and for a little extra money, upgraded the 3 leds in each of them to DS. Nicest shirt-pocket light I've ever seen. About 8 months ago, I gave a couple of Derringers to two officers in our transit authority's (SEPTA) antiterrorism unit- they rave about them, saying that the Derringers beat ANY small light they've ever used. They use them in the patrol vehicle and for EDC (not for tactical putrposes, of course). And theirs don't even have the CS leds.

I also have an Ergo Marine and an Elite that he's going to upgrade for me- not for free, of course, but his charges for upgrading the Derringers were very reasonable.

 

[half-watt]

They are currently in the process of switching over- from Nichia CS to Nichia DS. They've been using CS for a little while now. I spoke to Todd, the new owner; he sold me 3 Derringers and for a little extra money, upgraded the 3 leds in each of them to DS. Nicest shirt-pocket light I've ever seen. About 8 months ago, I gave a couple of Derringers to two officers in our transit authority's (SEPTA) antiterrorism unit- they rave about them, saying that the Derringers beat ANY small light they've ever used. They use them in the patrol vehicle and for EDC (not for tactical putrposes, of course). And theirs don't even have the CS leds.

I also have an Ergo Marine and an Elite that he's going to upgrade for me- not for free, of course, but his charges for upgrading the Derringers were very reasonable.

steve_vance,

i'd be interested in knowing how i can get a Derringer with DS LEDs. who should i contact?

many thanks.

 

[Fallingwater]

That said ... I'd also like to know if they upgraded their LEDs ... might be time to buy a new one after all those years.

Or you could upgrade them yourself.

I understand they are great lights (I might get one myself if it wasn't for the cost), and I understand that their quality is worth a price premium - but leaving the prices unchanged for eight years is still stretching it a lot, IMO.

 

[matrixshaman]

Or you could upgrade them yourself.

I understand they are great lights (I might get one myself if it wasn't for the cost), and I understand that their quality is worth a price premium - but leaving the prices unchanged for eight years is still stretching it a lot, IMO.

How many of those cheap Chinese lights were being sold 8 years ago? None I'm sure. Gas prices have more than tripled in the last 8 years as have many other prices. Maybe if there was some other lights to compare these too 8 years ago than it would seem different. If you want a low price on one for yourself try putting up a WTB in B/S/T and maybe you'll get lucky.

 

[geepondy]

I have the Elite Xray I purchased some time ago. There were places selling it cheaper then the Eternalight site and I think I got it for $60 or $70 instead of the $100 offering price at the time. It is a very nice handy light that feels comfortable in the hand but I agree, not a particularly good deal these days. Changing the batteries is a real pain. You have to remove the four screws and then carefully lift up a half of the body while trying not to dislodge the rubber seal that completely encompasses the halves. I should think they could come up with a waterproof, more user friendly battery compartment cover. Having said that, if you don't enable the find me feature, as mentioned the batteries will last a very long time.

I wouldn't pay that kind of money for one today but that is a personal decision.

 

[regulator]

A couple of weeks ago I visited the site because I too was curious to see what has been going on over there. I think when the Luxuon came out they kinda fell out of interest as everyone was on the Luxuon bandwagon. The top of the line model even had selectable regulation or non-regulation.

Well - fast forward to now and with the new DS LED (or Nichia's other new one with multiple die in 5mm) it reinvents what this light can do.

I personally woud love a tiny eternalight that used only 2 AAA cells side - by - side and 4 of the 5mm LED's - kinda like a smaller Deringer. With lithium AAA cells available (remeber when they were not even available?) it could have decent output AND runtime. It would be kinda like a super "ReX" light that would still be small and flat for pocket carry. Battery replacement could be quick and simple. I'm all over that.

 

[half-watt]

It would be kinda like a super "ReX" light that would still be small and flat for pocket carry.

+1

my thoughts exactly. you must have been reading my mind.

no wimpy Li coin cells; real "batteries" (...er...cells) with decent stored energy capacity - AAA's will do fine for this application, especially with the many dimming modes available.

 

[steve_vance]

steve_vance,

i'd be interested in knowing how i can get a Derringer with DS LEDs. who should i contact?

many thanks.

go to their website.... techass.com.... on the left side about 2/3 of the way down, there is a phone number. Call them...,. I believe the new owner's name is Todd.... he only has a few Derringers left, so be prepared to pay web price of $29.95 PLUS the mod charge, but I think it'll be worth it (I bought three).

Good luck.

 

[steve_vance]

Or you could upgrade them yourself.

I understand they are great lights (I might get one myself if it wasn't for the cost), and I understand that their quality is worth a price premium - but leaving the prices unchanged for eight years is still stretching it a lot, IMO.

As noted above, there are deals around.

 

[Big_Ed]

I look forward to EternaLights with improved LEDs for increased brightness. I've had 2 for several years now, and love them. They are the lights I use whenever I travel or go camping. Even if they weren't going to improve them, (gasp!) they're winners in my book.

 

[karlthev]

I have about 1/2 dozen of these--most the EliteMax and they are excellent and are my car and hiking emergency lights. A top of the line light in my opinion!


Karl

 

[steve_vance]

A couple of weeks ago I visited the site because I too was curious to see what has been going on over there. I think when the Luxuon came out they kinda fell out of interest as everyone was on the Luxuon bandwagon. The top of the line model even had selectable regulation or non-regulation.

Well - fast forward to now and with the new DS LED (or Nichia's other new one with multiple die in 5mm) it reinvents what this light can do.

I personally woud love a tiny eternalight that used only 2 AAA cells side - by - side and 4 of the 5mm LED's - kinda like a smaller Deringer. With lithium AAA cells available (remeber when they were not even available?) it could have decent output AND runtime. It would be kinda like a super "ReX" light that would still be small and flat for pocket carry. Battery replacement could be quick and simple. I'm all over that.

I don't believe there are any new smaller models planned, so maybe best to hop on the Derringer/DS while they're available. It's only 2.13" wide and 0.8" thick, and it's cheap, even with the DS mod.

 

[jzmtl]

How many of those cheap Chinese lights were being sold 8 years ago? None I'm sure. Gas prices have more than tripled in the last 8 years as have many other prices. Maybe if there was some other lights to compare these too 8 years ago than it would seem different. If you want a low price on one for yourself try putting up a WTB in B/S/T and maybe you'll get lucky.

I don't see how it was sold 8 years ago or gas price going up has anything to do with eternalight being overpriced.

 

[Kiessling]

I can't solder, so no modding for me

Steve ... how can I get a DS-equipped EliteMax? They do not state anything on their site, and I am afraid that when I order with a dealer I will get old stock, which I already own

bernie

 

[83Venture]

I think there could still be a lot of life left in the EternaLight line if the new owner wishes to put the effort into upgrading the LEDs and possible new configurations.

If they upgrade the LEDs in a timley fashion and the prices are reasonable I would still buy them. They are a great design, I always take one with me when I travel or go camping.

 

[Rob187]

Like every product, whether it is good value for money is a decision for each buyer.

I have two eternalights - an Elitemax and an Ergo 3 - and I rate them very highly for design, flexibility and innovation. To me, the prices are okay.

I too would like to see the product range updated to take advantage of the rapidly developing LED field.