Help me decide to keep (or not) an impulse buy: Kroma

[cfromc]

OK, I bought a Kroma on impulse and I thought I would just try it and then give it to a friend who hunts, or sell it. I took it out of the package, looked it over a little and tested each level. It is kind of cool so I spent two hours using the search feature to find out what people us it for. I saw a few people mention it is good for navigating around the house without disturbing others and someone mentioned it was good for hunting (red LEDs because animals can't see it and it maintains night vision, and blue to see blood trails). Other than that, it doesn't seem like many people use the Kroma and maybe the A2-RD would be a better fit because I don't normally have the opportunity to go hunting and don't really see the need to follow blood trails in the near future.

So, someone please tell me I need this light, and why. Or, tell me to move on. I really hate having something cool but not having a use for it.

 

[GreySave]

Re: Help me decide to keep (or not) an implulse buy: Kroma

Only you can decide if you really need a Kroma.

Here is the way I look at it. I look at the Kroma as an excellent LOW powered light source. The low and high red and blue of the consumer Kroma are both a nice flood of color (The MilSpec is a bit ringy). While the A2 is also nice, the red LEDs do not have as nice of a beam pattern in my opinion. So, do you have a use for floody red or blue? They are both useful for moving about at night as you described, both indoor and outdoors (within reason), or for close up work at night. I use mine as a nightstand light. It is also useful for moving about the kennels at night without turning on the lights. Yes, the dogs still know I'm there, but the colored light is not as disruptive to their routine as turning on the lights would be.

Likewise, the low white has surprisingly long throw. It is not useful for close up work however. High white has a beam pattern that I just love, and I really do not mind that it is not screaming bright. It still provides decent throw and a useful although not generous amount of spill. It does work reasonably well in rain, snow, and fog due to the fairly tight beam pattern.

I know I am not telling you anything you probably do not already know. Sometimes a review of what then light is good for can help to clear the air. I know it helps me to make a decision at times.

 

[Carpenter]

Re: Help me decide to keep (or not) an implulse buy: Kroma

Kroma or A2?

I'm in the same boat as you that I don't use blue very often when playing uh.. using my Kroma. I guess the question is, would you rather have a bright incan bulb or a bright LED for your main light?

The red beam pattern of the Kroma is much more pleasing to my eyes when I use that. I like the A2 because it is easier to carry in my pocket than a Kroma.

In the CPF spirit... you need both lights.. :devil:

Is there a brick and mortar store in the area where you can look at a red A2 to help you make up your mind?

 

[cfromc]

Re: Help me decide to keep (or not) an implulse buy: Kroma

Thanks for the responses so far. The red and blue LEDs definitely put out a nice smooth beam. I will see if there are local shops that have some A2s but while I think having the option to try lights out beforehand is good for seeing if the light feels good in the hand and the pocket, I think it can be somewhat limiting in determining beam pattern, throw, and usefullness since it is usually bright in the store and the "test period" is normally relatively short. I have no real use for blue LEDs although I'm going to do some research to see what other uses there are besides blood spotting.

 

[TJx]

Re: Help me decide to keep (or not) an implulse buy: Kroma

The "Great Kroma Thread" should help if you haven't come across it yet.

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=125531

For me the Kroma, 6P/G2, and a NovaTac P are must haves.

 

[greenstuffs]

Re: Help me decide to keep (or not) an implulse buy: Kroma

I had the kroma, the light has very nice features that other lights don't have and the beam is very useful. The only drawback is that it uses a luxeon emitter and the light cannot be easily upgraded with a new emitter. However it is a very nice light unless you are lumen hungry. I'd get another kroma if the price is right.