HDS or Elzetta?

[BaldGuy45]

I am trying to make a decision on these brands for a tough, reliable, every day light. I currently have on order a HDS 170 Exectutive, but have been waiting over 6 weeks with the prospect of waiting at least 3 to 4 more. I have been looking at the Elzetta brand and they seem to have very good reviews.
Looks as if the Elzetta would trump the HDS in output, ease of access to the lamp module, ability to upgrade, etc. But from what I have read, the HDS are about bulletproof. The HDS would probably be more pocket friendly, and from what I understand is infinitely programable. I dont think the Elzetta will fit with some rechargables, but that is not a big concern for me. Price is about the same for both.

I would like to hear opinions on what you folks think.

 

[eh4]

I don't have either, I'm waiting on an HDS as well.
They seem like very different lights to me, if you have read up and are sold on the benefits of the HDS then I'd just stick it out if I was you.
The Elzetta is either available for delivery or it's available as soon as you get the Restock email notification. I've ordered from Malkoff twice and each time delivery was two days later...
They are way different lights, I wouldn't use an Elzetta as an every day carry light, but it looks like a fantastic trouble light or weapon light.

 

[eg1977]

I think Going Gear has the HDS Executive 170 in stock.

 

[HotWire]

I have 3 HDS lights and 2 Elzetta lights. They are quite different. Elzetta is larger & uses 2 batteries, HDS lights are smaller and use one battery. Both brands are superb flashlights. If I had to choose one, I'd take the HDS rotary.

 

[eh4]

sure enough eg1977, it looks like there are 17670 tubes for HDS there as well. wow.

 

[Erzengel]

The HDS will always be bright enough for an EDC light. The UI gives You the ability to access two modes directly without checking the position of the tailswitch and You still have a third and fourth mode available. Therefore You won't blind yourself while reading papers etc. from a close distance and You can instantly switch to bright output for looking further away.
The Elzetta seems to be a very reliable heavy duty light. But for EDC i think it is too large and heavy.

 

[Vortus]

Depends on what you want it for. EDC, the HDS is a better choice, and never really a bad choice. As they are tough and as adjustable as you want them to be. Elzettas, to me still an easy EDC size, is more of a service light for heavy duty work, or as a weapon light. They do have a Hi/Lo option as well as access to all of the Malkoff modules so you can upgrade as you see fit. I'm not sure there is a more overbuilt light than the Elzetta.

 

[BaldGuy45]

HDS is NOT in stock at Going Gear. They never seem to update their inventory. If you add the item to cart it states they are on backorder. Trust me, I check this on a regular basis.

I may go ahead and pick up a Elzetta. I dont really need it but the overbuilt quality of this light appeals to me. I have several weapons I could mount it on (I already have one of their mounts on a Mossberg 590A1) if I dont want to use it for a carry light.

I am still going to wait on the HDS. Never can have too many lights, can you?

 

[Vortus]

run4jc did an excellent review of them, ill let the him speak for the light, pretty much says it all and is a great photographer to boot.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...view-RUN-TIMES-ADDED&highlight=Elzetta+Review

 

[mauiblue]

I am trying to make a decision on these brands for a tough, reliable, every day light. I currently have on order a HDS 170 Exectutive, but have been waiting over 6 weeks with the prospect of waiting at least 3 to 4 more. <snip>

Damn, 6 weeks of waiting and most likely another month of waiting? You guys really make me feel like I am missing something for all that patience and dedication waiting for the HDS torch. I just might bit the bullet and get me one since HDS customers are waiting months on end to get one their products must be good. I must resist...:scowl:

 

[eg1977]

HDS is NOT in stock at Going Gear. They never seem to update their inventory. If you add the item to cart it states they are on backorder. Trust me, I check this on a regular basis.

I may go ahead and pick up a Elzetta. I dont really need it but the overbuilt quality of this light appeals to me. I have several weapons I could mount it on (I already have one of their mounts on a Mossberg 590A1) if I dont want to use it for a carry light.

I am still going to wait on the HDS. Never can have too many lights, can you?

Keep an eye on CPFMarketplace for HDS lights, I picked up an Executive 120 for $70. Elite Tactical Components has the Elzetta lights on sale.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Damn, 6 weeks of waiting and most likely another month of waiting? You guys really make me feel like I am missing something for all that patience and dedication waiting for the HDS torch. I just might bit the bullet and get me one since HDS customers are waiting months on end to get one their products must be good. I must resist...:scowl:

I believe BatterySpace Battery Station has them in stock. I cannot confirm this as I have a custom rotary on order from Henry.


Edit: Thanks eg1977!

Edit2: Battery Station is backordered too, as of a lower post on 2-6-12. Thanks for correcting me!

 

[eg1977]

I believe BatterySpace has them in stock. I cannot confirm this as I have a custom rotary on order from Henry.

Do you mean Battery Station?

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Do you mean Battery Station?

Yes.

 

[rawb]

Battery Station is backordered on HDS lights as well. Found that out the hard way after placing an order with them.

 

[BaldGuy45]

I was told that HDS recently changed vendors for their machining operations and was promised that it would be ready before the SHOT show. Not sure if it was ready on time, but it was not up to HDS specs, so they had to find another to do machine work.
Wife ordered me a Elzetta yesterday for Valentines day. She doesnt quite understand my addiction, so I told her its like her shoes and handbags. 5 Minutes later.....she placed an order for me. Who knew it would be that easy?

 

[eg1977]

Wife ordered me a Elzetta yesterday for Valentines day. She doesnt quite understand my addiction, so I told her its like her shoes and handbags. 5 Minutes later.....she placed an order for me. Who knew it would be that easy?

No joke about the addiction. I don't need an Elzetta, but I want one anyway.

 

[BaldGuy45]

I dont need half the lights I have eg. My safe is full of lights that I just "had to have". I should have stopped with my first one (SF 6P with Malkoff M61 drop in) as it is plenty for what I use them for. But as I sit here typing this, I have a Arc AAA on my keyring, and an ITP A3 clipped in my pocket. And probably won use either of them this week. There is a Nitecore D11 on the kitchen table (for when the cat goes MIA) ,Fenix and Surefire and LED Maglites in the dresser drawer.....and you get the picture. At least its not guns and knives (my other hobbies). I would be truly broke.

 

[xian13]

I dont need half the lights I have eg. My safe is full of lights that I just "had to have". I should have stopped with my first one (SF 6P with Malkoff M61 drop in) as it is plenty for what I use them for. But as I sit here typing this, I have a Arc AAA on my keyring, and an ITP A3 clipped in my pocket. And probably won use either of them this week. There is a Nitecore D11 on the kitchen table (for when the cat goes MIA) ,Fenix and Surefire and LED Maglites in the dresser drawer.....and you get the picture. At least its not guns and knives (my other hobbies). I would be truly broke.

I, too, have quite the collection of knives. And yes, they can be spendy. Is there a website where I can learn more about these Elzetta's?

Edit: Found it- Google is my friend.

 

[slumber]

I was told that HDS recently changed vendors for their machining operations and was promised that it would be ready before the SHOT show. Not sure if it was ready on time, but it was not up to HDS specs, so they had to find another to do machine work.
Wife ordered me a Elzetta yesterday for Valentines day. She doesnt quite understand my addiction, so I told her its like her shoes and handbags. 5 Minutes later.....she placed an order for me. Who knew it would be that easy?

Did you receive the Elzetta? What do you think?