Seriously. Sitting here at my desk at work trying to avoid all the negative news, and decided that I needed to share this.
We all need some positives in this time when there's so many negative distractions. No commentary on any of said distractions, but most are negative.
Meanwhile, after 11 years and (literally) tens of thousand$, I think I've finally found the perfect light for me.
The HDS Rotary, sapphire lens, Luminus SST20 emitter, stainless silver bezel and tail, raised button. I just love this thing.
Now it will be disqualified by some of you for, among others, two major factors: no clip and it won't tail stand. So there's a solution for that for you - you can purchase it with the flush switch and there are various clip solutions.
But I don't care about tail standing and I don't use clips. Understand - it's perfect for ME - YMMV.
First of all, it's a really nice looking flashlight. Just different enough from all the other lights out there, but still that familiar HDS profile. I LOVE the stainless tail and am really happy I got this one with the silver tail. (I also got an 18680 rotary with flush switch and silver tail...that's another story). So happy that Dan talked Henry into the silver, stainless tail!
The knurling is clean, grippy, but not rough. And it just looks good.
The photos don't do the tint justice. I've posted comparisons of various emitters elsewhere, but logically you can't really get an accurate representation. Differences in cameras, monitors, etc., will probably cause the image to look different than what the tint looks like to your eyes. What I can tell you is that this SS40 has an amazing neutral, high cri, kind of 'golden' tint to it. SO easy on the eyes. Colors look great. It has a great spot that transitions smoothly to a nice spill. Spot things out a ways while enjoying "situational awareness" from the spill. It's just awesome. All tints might be considered to have some compromise, and I own (just with my HDS stable) Nichia NB4, High Noon, NLT, XPG2, and this SS40. I love triples (and own quite a few high quality ones with amazing emitters), but this beam profile....man, Henry nailed it (for my likes).
If you've ever used a Rotary you know how easy and intuitive the interface is. Hand it to anyone and they can immediately use it effectively. Of course, Henry builds in the ability to customize. Click, twist, whatever - the appropriate level of light is right "at hand." And most flashaholics - old timers - still value a true moonlight as much as the ability to burn paper. Love this low. And the high level is plenty bright enough for me.
Finally, how does your light 'feel' in your hand? Is it easy to find the controls? Is it easy to hold? Is it natural and comfortable to activate, aim, control, etc.? THAT subjective measure - the "feel' - is where this HDS is an absolute home run for me. Hand in pocket, light into my hand, easy to position, button easy to find and depress, rotary control right there if I need it or double press hold for max.
I didn't mean for this to turn into a gushing post, and if you look at my signature line you can see that I'm blessed with an embarrassment of choices. Not as many choices as some of you, but more than I can get around to using. And I have the utmost of respect for all the custom makers, and even my older Surefires, and I have 4 other HDS to choose from:
BUT - when I decide which light I want to use on the early morning jog, or carry during the day, or have at bedside at night....well, this is it. I'm 62 years old and will probably never stop looking and experimenting, but the satisfaction of using this light and the knowledge that it'll probably outlast me will keep it at or near the top of the pile for a long time.
That is all. Just wanted to share. Be safe out there! And make sure you are carrying "The Light That Gets You Home."
EDIT - for what it's worth, I've owned well over a dozen HDS lights through the years. Maybe 2 dozen. This is the best one yet.
9/30 update. Sold the NLT 18650 and the High Noon. The other 3 cover me. Now those other 2 are off making 2 other people happy!
We all need some positives in this time when there's so many negative distractions. No commentary on any of said distractions, but most are negative.
Meanwhile, after 11 years and (literally) tens of thousand$, I think I've finally found the perfect light for me.
The HDS Rotary, sapphire lens, Luminus SST20 emitter, stainless silver bezel and tail, raised button. I just love this thing.
Now it will be disqualified by some of you for, among others, two major factors: no clip and it won't tail stand. So there's a solution for that for you - you can purchase it with the flush switch and there are various clip solutions.
But I don't care about tail standing and I don't use clips. Understand - it's perfect for ME - YMMV.
First of all, it's a really nice looking flashlight. Just different enough from all the other lights out there, but still that familiar HDS profile. I LOVE the stainless tail and am really happy I got this one with the silver tail. (I also got an 18680 rotary with flush switch and silver tail...that's another story). So happy that Dan talked Henry into the silver, stainless tail!
The knurling is clean, grippy, but not rough. And it just looks good.
The photos don't do the tint justice. I've posted comparisons of various emitters elsewhere, but logically you can't really get an accurate representation. Differences in cameras, monitors, etc., will probably cause the image to look different than what the tint looks like to your eyes. What I can tell you is that this SS40 has an amazing neutral, high cri, kind of 'golden' tint to it. SO easy on the eyes. Colors look great. It has a great spot that transitions smoothly to a nice spill. Spot things out a ways while enjoying "situational awareness" from the spill. It's just awesome. All tints might be considered to have some compromise, and I own (just with my HDS stable) Nichia NB4, High Noon, NLT, XPG2, and this SS40. I love triples (and own quite a few high quality ones with amazing emitters), but this beam profile....man, Henry nailed it (for my likes).
If you've ever used a Rotary you know how easy and intuitive the interface is. Hand it to anyone and they can immediately use it effectively. Of course, Henry builds in the ability to customize. Click, twist, whatever - the appropriate level of light is right "at hand." And most flashaholics - old timers - still value a true moonlight as much as the ability to burn paper. Love this low. And the high level is plenty bright enough for me.
Finally, how does your light 'feel' in your hand? Is it easy to find the controls? Is it easy to hold? Is it natural and comfortable to activate, aim, control, etc.? THAT subjective measure - the "feel' - is where this HDS is an absolute home run for me. Hand in pocket, light into my hand, easy to position, button easy to find and depress, rotary control right there if I need it or double press hold for max.
I didn't mean for this to turn into a gushing post, and if you look at my signature line you can see that I'm blessed with an embarrassment of choices. Not as many choices as some of you, but more than I can get around to using. And I have the utmost of respect for all the custom makers, and even my older Surefires, and I have 4 other HDS to choose from:
BUT - when I decide which light I want to use on the early morning jog, or carry during the day, or have at bedside at night....well, this is it. I'm 62 years old and will probably never stop looking and experimenting, but the satisfaction of using this light and the knowledge that it'll probably outlast me will keep it at or near the top of the pile for a long time.
That is all. Just wanted to share. Be safe out there! And make sure you are carrying "The Light That Gets You Home."
EDIT - for what it's worth, I've owned well over a dozen HDS lights through the years. Maybe 2 dozen. This is the best one yet.
9/30 update. Sold the NLT 18650 and the High Noon. The other 3 cover me. Now those other 2 are off making 2 other people happy!
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