HDS Systems EDC # 16

[eh4]

Well said AVService

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

It has been 6 weeks wait for ages according to their website when it obviously wasn't. Now it says there is a significant backlog and it will take a few weeks. If they can get a new order out in a few weeks, all those on back order should be sent very shortly. Either that or he's telling porkie pies about the time wait again.

Henry is a bit of a paradox, he steadfastly refuses to compromise quality even if his reputation for timeliness takes a hit. As I've said before, he could have filled his backlog months ago with sub par parts.

 

[fnj]

Why is that a paradox?

 

[StandardBattery]

Henry is a bit of a paradox, he steadfastly refuses to compromise quality even if his reputation for timeliness takes a hit. As I've said before, he could have filled his backlog months ago with sub par parts.

Henry has never had a reputation for timeliness. He has only had a reputation for building tough reliable lights, but the legend is a little bigger than reality. He will fix them though when they do fail (although not always timely), and many of the last designs did fail out of the box until various processes and designs were fixed. The HDS interface is probably still the best and helps keep these lights enjoyable to use; I find the Zebralight interface though almost as good for urban EDC use and it's simpler in case you need to hand your light to someone (not that I recommend loaning good tools).

I've been very infrequent on the forums, because there are many quality lights today that are good usable reliable tools for EDC and the lumen output and runtime it sufficient for general EDC use and high frequency occupational usage. I just try to check in when I need to find gifts or when I hear about important new LED technology making its way into an emitter. I'm a big fan of ZebraLight these days even with their imperfect QC process. HDS is still nice, but other manufactures offer more lumens and/or runtime for your dollar if you value that more than absolute robustness in a properly assembled HDS light. Of course not every one can wait more than a year for a light with little communication. Henry certainly is certainly not handling issues as well as he did in the past, sure he stopped in to post what he considered some good news... but updating the website 9 months ago with a delivery date of "unknown/indefinite" would have been much more honest like the Henry of many/many years ago. He's still a good talker, but it's been more talk than in the past.

Many people who EDC a light though do like absolute reliability, so hopefully the report of HDS getting their *** together will in fact be true and HDS light will be able to evolve again with the latest technology and at a competitive price for this niche industry. Let's hope a Christmas miracle shines on HDS as it's still a little to early in development of the LED light to have them recycled like old batteries.

 

[gravelrash]

I picked up another HDS last week (my 6th​), an orange executive HI-CRI clicky. It is absolutely stunning. I’ve voiced my opinions in the past about HDS taking orders knowing they can’t fill them. I even likened placing an order with them as nothing more than an unsecured, interest-free loan. I haven’t changed my opinion on that, and I wouldn’t have bought this latest light if I hadn’t been able to pick it up at local retail, but I’m glad I did. It is my first HDS HI-CRI. I hope to add more HDS lights to my collection when they are more widely available at retail.

For those of you who have been willing to pay and wait for your first HDS light, I believe you will not be disappointed. I can’t imagine anything else in my pocket.

 

[Kamerat]

Wow! I ordered an orange high cri executive a week ago, and can't stop smiling. Christmas just got even better!

 

[gianetics]

i just pulled the trigger on an executive 140. henry emailed me wait is 8-10 weeks, well time to start waiting. i was wondering why a lot of sites say that the tactical throws 20% further when the hds site doesn't mention this? if this is true i want to change my order to the tactical. if it is true what is the difference the emitter or reflector? i like the silver bezel and tail standing of the flush switch, but not at the expense of 20% throw.

 

[nbp]

I think that was from when Executive and Tactical used different emitters. To my knowledge that is no longer the case. XP-Gs for everyone!

 

[CarpentryHero]

I wonder if the newer reflectors would give the extra edge needed to throw like my Hds170 tactical with GDP?

 

[gianetics]

I think that was from when Executive and Tactical used different emitters. To my knowledge that is no longer the case. XP-Gs for everyone!

i emailed henry as he said that the 120 and 140 has a more narrow beam with the 140 and 170 having equall throw with the 170 putting out more overall light.

 

[gravelrash]

Yes that orange hi-cri executive is a fantastic light. Does anybody know if they come orange from HDS or are the retailers having them coated?

Wow! I ordered an orange high cri executive a week ago, and can't stop smiling. Christmas just got even better!

 

[broonzbane]

Yes that orange hi-cri executive is a fantastic light. Does anybody know if they come orange from HDS or are the retailers having them coated?

i was at a particular retailer in GA today and picked up the orange cerakote 120 hi cri. asked them this exact question, and they assured me that the cerakoting is done by HDS.

Absolutely--ABSOLUTELY--the best HDS light I own. i also own a legacy tactical 120 clicky and an executive 200 rotary (pre-bug fix).

Added my stainless moddoo clip to it--perfect!

havent posted in a while, but this was worth it!

broonzbane

 

[nbp]

i emailed henry as he said that the 120 and 140 has a more narrow beam with the 140 and 170 having equall throw with the 170 putting out more overall light.

Ok, he must still be using the Osram GDP in the 120 and 140 then and XP-G in everything else. I'll have to do some side by side testing with my GDP 140 and XP-G 200 but but it seems to me the difference in throw is marginal but the increased hotspot and greater useful spill of the 200 makes it a better overall choice for me.

 

[gqlux]

Ok, he must still be using the Osram GDP in the 120 and 140 then and XP-G in everything else. I'll have to do some side by side testing with my GDP 140 and XP-G 200 but but it seems to me the difference in throw is marginal but the increased hotspot and greater useful spill of the 200 makes it a better overall choice for me.

I have to agree here. As much as I love the GDP, the XPG in my Hi Cri and 200 exec is just so pretty and useable!
gqlux

 

[pjandyho]

I had stopped using the legacy 170 tactical clicky with GDP emitter in favor of the 200 rotary because the bigger hotspot and more useable side spill is so easy on the eyes for day to day usage.

 

[AVService]

I had stopped using the legacy 170 tactical clicky with GDP emitter in favor of the 200 rotary because the bigger hotspot and more useable side spill is so easy on the eyes for day to day usage.

I have found that when outside and needing the extra throw my 120 with the GDP just does better than the 200 though the tint is not as good. I think it just depends on the application and needs at the time.

I am very glad I have a few to choose from!

Ed

 

[gravelrash]

Does anyone EDC their cerakoted HDS? Any feedback on how robust the coating is? Any flaking/cracking/chipping/abrasions? I'm a little afraid to EDC it at this point.

 

[archimedes]

Does anyone EDC their cerakoted HDS? Any feedback on how robust the coating is? Any flaking/cracking/chipping/abrasions? I'm a little afraid to EDC it at this point.

Discussion & photos, here ...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...arly-as-durable-as-hard-anodize-unfortunately

 

[kaichu dento]

Does anyone EDC their cerakoted HDS? Any feedback on how robust the coating is? Any flaking/cracking/chipping/abrasions? I'm a little afraid to EDC it at this point.

Take a look at this thread on the subject that I started after having an orange cerakoted Clicky.

 

[archimedes]

Take a look at this thread on the subject that I started after having an orange cerakoted Clicky.

Already quoted you, buddy ...