HDS Systems #23

[desert.snake]

~ 80-85 without coating

 

[archimedes]

That is ~ 82% (sapphire) vs ~ 92% (depending on type of "glass" ) , not 100% (no window) by the way ....

https://rayotek.com/tech-specs/material-comparisons.htm

Roughly ten percent change in output is not readily obvious by eye, but easily measurable.

EDIT - as someone noted above, if calibration is done for OTF output, then of course runtime is primarily affected instead

 

[Beard Man]

I ordered with Sapphire glass,so Sapphire option only if you need scratch resistant glass?
Should I cancel Sapphire and go with Ultra-clear glass?

 

[PoliceScannerMan]

I ordered with Sapphire glass,so Sapphire option only if you need scratch resistant glass?
Should I cancel Sapphire and go with Ultra-clear glass?

I would stick with sapphire, just to make it that much more tough.

 

[archimedes]

I have both and, for as much as this issue gets periodically discussed, think that it is a pretty trivial distinction all in all.

Personally I prefer sapphire, and moreso if they were to cost the same. Since most of mine were purchased second-hand, there really wasn't any significant difference in price for those.

I have scratched (accidentally of course) the glass on one of my HDS/Ra, and replaced that one with sapphire.

My sapphire lenses have not been visibly damaged despite regular use, in moderate to rough duty.

I feel no need to "upgrade" (or downgrade, for that matter, should you feel the opposite) any of the others, unless and until there is any issue or damage to them :shrug:

 

[TILL-22]

Sapphire crystal will not scratch; it will, however, shatter easier than glass. I only have sapphire crystal on my watches and they're all still scratch-free, getting banged against something various times a week. I haven't broken a sapphire crystal yet, though.

Personally, for a flashlight with the glass as recessed as in an HDS, I'd be fine with glass. With something as exposed as the watch crystal not having sapphire is a deal breaker for me. Now if you throw your HDS in your pocket with keys and bounce around a lot like that you still might want to go with sapphire.

 

[archimedes]

Probably want acrylic for shatter resistance instead of either glass or sapphire, if that's the priority.

 

[lion504]

My Photoshop skills are less than good but...this is an approximation...left to right: 2AA, 18680, 18500(?), 18350/CR123. ... Just so you know, the AA, 18680 and CR123 are real photos, the 18500 is fake news...

That's a nice deep fake. Looks very real. Thanks for mocking that up. Excited for the 18500!

 

[Hogokansatsukan]

The sapphire lenses used the last year or so have the same light transmission properties as the UCL glass. No difference. This is the sapphire that has the tan/gold anti-reflective coating on it.

Each light is calibrated with the lens in it before it leaves HDS.

IIRC, the previous sapphire lenses were about 5% less output, which really just effected runtime as, like I said earlier, they are calibrated with the lens on there.

I have a few HDS with sapphire lenses, and honestly, I don't even remember which ones. Henry doesn't use sapphire on his... unless it is the special metal lights... then sapphire just because... well.... sapphire.

Note: One should remember I clean my flashlight lenses with my tongue and a dirty T-shirt... so there is that.

 

[Johnnyh]

That's a nice deep fake. Looks very real. Thanks for mocking that up. Excited for the 18500!

No problem...also excited...just thinking...I wonder if I should put that on the Facebook page...might stimulate some heightened interest if others see what a great size this will be (approximately).

 

[tech25]

If it’s roughly around that size, it’s exactly what I’m looking for. Just a bit more length than the cr123 but not too much like the 18650.

Great job on the photo shop!

 

[ma tumba]

I too think that the length of the 18500 version is great. what I am concerned about is its weight.

What I am concerned about even more is that the upcoming ultimate AA version is going also to be thicker, per Hogo’s prediction. Which may drag the HDS out of EDC category

 

[Hogokansatsukan]

What I am concerned about even more is that the upcoming ultimate AA version is going also to be thicker, per Hogo’s prediction. Which may drag the HDS out of EDC category

You literally have years before that is even a concern... and things change...
It is almost like worrying about an asteroid hitting the earth. Yep, eventually it will happen, but it probably won't in our lifetime. HDS moves in geological time.

 

[ma tumba]

You literally have years before that is even a concern... and things change...
It is almost like worrying about an asteroid hitting the earth. Yep, eventually it will happen, but it probably won't in our lifetime. HDS moves in geological time.

I think I had waited for my 140lm rotary for a year, and I have had it for at least 5 years since then. So I am used to those time frames.

I would preorder that AA while I am still here so that my grandkids could collect the light

 

[wweiss]

HDS moves in geological time.

That’s good, because geological time is how we all got here.

 

[ironhorse]

So we may not have the angle light or headlight in time for Christmas..........this year.

 

[Stoneking]

So we may not have the angle light or headlight in time for Christmas..........this year.[emoji38]

Sure.... Christmas in 2040!

 

[JPA261]

So just catching up on this HDS thread and 18350 and 18500 compartments! Yes!

Hogo, are you still taking preorders or am I too late?

Edit: NM just found it. Now real question is, raised or flushed. Ugh

 

[Hogokansatsukan]

Sure.... Christmas in 2040! 

Optimist.

 

[physicsmajor]

Can anyone with an 18650 body post the length of the overall light, from front crenelation to the rearmost metal (exclude raised button if present)?

I'm trying to mock up the differences in length between the stock model which I have (3.7"), the previously posted 18500 length (4.4") and the 18650 which I'm unsure of. Thanks!