**Infinity CMG vs Arclite - Which one should I buy?**
- Thread starter nonbox
- Start date
vcal
Flashlight Enthusiast
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nonbox:
Infinity CMG vs Arclite - Which one should I buy and why?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Which is ultimately more important to you?
1. Brightness?? >Arclight
2. Battery life???>Infinity
U can't have both attributes with either one ,I don't think..
probablyagoodguess
Infinity CMG vs Arclite - Which one should I buy and why?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Which is ultimately more important to you?
1. Brightness?? >Arclight
2. Battery life???>Infinity
U can't have both attributes with either one ,I don't think..
probablyagoodguess
K Horn
Newly Enlightened
I have an infinity, its a great little light. You can't beat the 41 hour battery life.
The arc however is going be cool because it will fit more comfortably in your pocket. Its even smaller than a solitare.
Actually since you are on this website, you'll never be satisfied unless you have both.
The arc however is going be cool because it will fit more comfortably in your pocket. Its even smaller than a solitare.
Actually since you are on this website, you'll never be satisfied unless you have both.
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2000
- Messages
- 1,311
- City & State/Province
- Somewhere in the vicinity of Phoenix, Arizona, USA
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by K Horn:
Actually since you are on this website, you'll never be satisfied unless you have both.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You know, I hate to admit it, but you're right.
Actually since you are on this website, you'll never be satisfied unless you have both.
You know, I hate to admit it, but you're right.
PHOTON III OF COURSE!!! ok, just trying to stir the pot a little. I already have a nice Infinity...so for me the question is between the Photon III and the Arc. Similar price...both fit nicely on a key chain...of course the answer is both but which one first? Or if only one, which?
Back to the question of Nonbox...assuming can only have one...hmmmmm...Arc...because it fits more comfortably on a key chain and that means you will be more likely to have it with you when you need it...and while the Infinity runs longer, AAA`s are cheap too if you look around a little. My 2 cent.
Back to the question of Nonbox...assuming can only have one...hmmmmm...Arc...because it fits more comfortably on a key chain and that means you will be more likely to have it with you when you need it...and while the Infinity runs longer, AAA`s are cheap too if you look around a little. My 2 cent.
![Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes, Clinically Proven, Fragrance Free, Unscented, Water Based, Hypoallergenic, Multi-Use, Hand Wipes 336 Wipes Total (6X Flip-Top Packs) [Packaging May Vary]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KLBHu9CAL._SL500_.jpg)
Steelwolf
Flashlight Enthusiast
Yes, in terms of brightness, the Arc beats the Infinity. In terms of runtime, it's the other way around. Now why don't the manufacturers get it straight and switch the batteries?
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
I guess I'll have to get the Photon III and the Arclight. I'm going to get the Arclight first. I've always got lots of AAA batteries laying around at work since I use a Palm Pilot and that's what it uses. The 5 hour runtime is plenty since I will be taking it to work with me every day. I only use a light a few minutes at a time. 5 hours total runtime will probably last me a while. I use the Duracell Ultra batteries so they may go a little longer.
Brad - Remember that Duracell Ultras are designed for high drain devices and do not offer any exta capacity. Save money and stick to regular alkalines for most LED flashlights.
What I'd like to see is the ARC Light's brightness in a AA package. I guess that means the ARC's circuit in a CMG.
RonM
What I'd like to see is the ARC Light's brightness in a AA package. I guess that means the ARC's circuit in a CMG.
RonM
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
I think the Arc Flashlight could be considered a high drain device, at least for AAA cells the current drawn is not a little. So the Ultras might give an extended run time.
Bye,
Bye,
Lux Luthor
Flashlight Enthusiast
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RonM:
What I'd like to see is the ARC Light's brightness in a AA package. I guess that means the ARC's circuit in a CMG.
RonM<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I would also like to see this as another option for the Arc light. But what I would like to see the most is a stubby Arc light that runs off of a single DL123 battery. This would make a great combination with Surefires and other high quality flashlights, since you could run your used batteries down, and the light could still be kept pretty compact. Also, the reflector would be bigger and perhaps even more effective, and you could cram multiple LEDs into it.
What I'd like to see is the ARC Light's brightness in a AA package. I guess that means the ARC's circuit in a CMG.
RonM<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I would also like to see this as another option for the Arc light. But what I would like to see the most is a stubby Arc light that runs off of a single DL123 battery. This would make a great combination with Surefires and other high quality flashlights, since you could run your used batteries down, and the light could still be kept pretty compact. Also, the reflector would be bigger and perhaps even more effective, and you could cram multiple LEDs into it.
Just look at this:
Sure hope stingmon doesn't get mad!
Of course the Arc has much less runtime, but hey, I think it's better overall seeing as how it puts out really GOOD light instead of marginally good light with its battery life!
Sure hope stingmon doesn't get mad!
Of course the Arc has much less runtime, but hey, I think it's better overall seeing as how it puts out really GOOD light instead of marginally good light with its battery life!
SchneiderDriver
Newly Enlightened
There is no comparison, the Arc gets the nod. I wear mine around my neck between a T-shirt and my work shirt. It is so light, I usually forget it's there.... Until I need it that is. Then I have usable light ready when I need it. The CMG is heavier, and doesn't light much of anything up compared to the Arc. I have both. I had a CMG a while back, and sent it back. I recently bought another one, and I don't know why. It is very well constructed, it just doesn't perform nearly as well as the Arc. As for battery life, 5 hours is forever when you only use the light for a few minutes a day. 41 hours..... well, the battery in my CMG will never run down as a result of using the light. I guess that would be one place to use a lithium AA, it'd probably be 10 years before I use it a total of 41 hours!
I don't mean to slam on the CMG. It is a decent light, and indestructible. It's just disappointing to shine it side by side with the Arc.
The Arc is overdriven to 4.5 volts or something. It also has a reflector around the LED. I've bought several lights since a friend turned me on to LED's in 9/01, and the Arc is the one that I have with me at all times.
I don't mean to slam on the CMG. It is a decent light, and indestructible. It's just disappointing to shine it side by side with the Arc.
The Arc is overdriven to 4.5 volts or something. It also has a reflector around the LED. I've bought several lights since a friend turned me on to LED's in 9/01, and the Arc is the one that I have with me at all times.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SchneiderDriver:
There is no comparison, the Arc gets the nod. I wear mine around my neck between a T-shirt and my work shirt. It is so light, I usually forget it's there.... Until I need it that is. Then I have usable light ready when I need it. <SNIP>
I don't mean to slam on the CMG. It is a decent light, and indestructible. It's just disappointing to shine it side by side with the Arc.
The Arc is overdriven to 4.5 volts or something. It also has a reflector around the LED. I've bought several lights since a friend turned me on to LED's in 9/01, and the Arc is the one that I have with me at all times.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I wear my Arc-LE around my neck under my shirt also. I really do forget I have it with me, until I need it.
I think the CMG Infinity fills a real niche: that of putting out a useable amount of light, from a small package, for a very long time. So for backpackers, or campers, the CMG may be a better choice.
The White CMG is really dim compared to the white Arc-AAA, but the turquoise CMG, which is much more blue than the turquoise Arc-AAA, and has a much narrower beam, is much brighter than the white CMG, and is the one I would choose if I thought I'd need a small light for a long time. Right now, my turquoise CMG is in the glovebox of my car, with a lithium AA battery in it. I'm not planning to use it while I change a tire, but
but it is simply part of a Minnesota winter survival kit. If I wind up in a ditch during a blizzard, it will likely help the searchers find my car, or my frozen body, since it will shine such a long time. Cheery thought.....
Given the cost of a CMG, it represents a very good value for the money. Comparing it side by side with an Arc-AAA makes it look pretty weak, but at least for the turquoise CMG, the light output is sufficient for many needs, and in some cases may be a better choice than the Arc-AAA. Of course, since I carry my Arc-LE with me at all times, odds are my CMG isn't going to see much use. But it's a very well made light that I think shouldn't be dismissed because it doesn't have the high output of the Arc-AAA. The answer to the question 'which one should I get', if asked of any flashaholic, is easy: get both. In this case, the 2 lights aren't very expensive, so it's an affordable solution.
As many others have said, I'd like to see an Arc-AA, or a high output version of the CMG Infinity. It seems like something CMG should have figured out by now: they are losing a significant numbers of potential sales, by offering only the version which maximizes battery life. But either nobody at CMG reads this forum, or they don't think a CMG Infinity HO (High Output) is worth the R&D and marketing costs.
I disagree.
There is no comparison, the Arc gets the nod. I wear mine around my neck between a T-shirt and my work shirt. It is so light, I usually forget it's there.... Until I need it that is. Then I have usable light ready when I need it. <SNIP>
I don't mean to slam on the CMG. It is a decent light, and indestructible. It's just disappointing to shine it side by side with the Arc.
The Arc is overdriven to 4.5 volts or something. It also has a reflector around the LED. I've bought several lights since a friend turned me on to LED's in 9/01, and the Arc is the one that I have with me at all times.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I wear my Arc-LE around my neck under my shirt also. I really do forget I have it with me, until I need it.
I think the CMG Infinity fills a real niche: that of putting out a useable amount of light, from a small package, for a very long time. So for backpackers, or campers, the CMG may be a better choice.
The White CMG is really dim compared to the white Arc-AAA, but the turquoise CMG, which is much more blue than the turquoise Arc-AAA, and has a much narrower beam, is much brighter than the white CMG, and is the one I would choose if I thought I'd need a small light for a long time. Right now, my turquoise CMG is in the glovebox of my car, with a lithium AA battery in it. I'm not planning to use it while I change a tire, but
but it is simply part of a Minnesota winter survival kit. If I wind up in a ditch during a blizzard, it will likely help the searchers find my car, or my frozen body, since it will shine such a long time. Cheery thought.....
Given the cost of a CMG, it represents a very good value for the money. Comparing it side by side with an Arc-AAA makes it look pretty weak, but at least for the turquoise CMG, the light output is sufficient for many needs, and in some cases may be a better choice than the Arc-AAA. Of course, since I carry my Arc-LE with me at all times, odds are my CMG isn't going to see much use. But it's a very well made light that I think shouldn't be dismissed because it doesn't have the high output of the Arc-AAA. The answer to the question 'which one should I get', if asked of any flashaholic, is easy: get both. In this case, the 2 lights aren't very expensive, so it's an affordable solution.
As many others have said, I'd like to see an Arc-AA, or a high output version of the CMG Infinity. It seems like something CMG should have figured out by now: they are losing a significant numbers of potential sales, by offering only the version which maximizes battery life. But either nobody at CMG reads this forum, or they don't think a CMG Infinity HO (High Output) is worth the R&D and marketing costs.
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SchneiderDriver:
There is no comparison, the Arc gets the nod. ...
I don't mean to slam on the CMG. It is a decent light, and indestructible. It's just disappointing to shine it side by side with the Arc.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Oh sure, but how does it look besides my LW4000?
I know what you're saying, but I still have both. The size is amazing for the Arc, but there is still a mass o' light being put out by the CMG for my $. I use 'em both around the house, and keep 'em both in my pocket at all times. Why? Er... because I can, I guess. I like the brightness of the one, and the longevity of the other -- coupled w/ the fact that the CMG really does supply plenty of light for 90% of my uses. The Arc was just me indulging myself. I'm more the efficiency buff, I guess. We know that the eff. of the LED drops when it's over-driven, but there's also times when the extra light really is handy. There're too many ways to calculate it... ("it" being the reason for buying one or the other, and ranging from size, battery cost, initial cost, lumens, etc.). 8 cents/ hour for light from the Arc -vs- 1 cent / hour from the CMG? 2x the amount of light from the Arc than from the CMG? 1/2 the weight or 1/2 th2 size for the arc? Twice the price? Sheesh. It's enough to drive a man insane. Get 'em both, try 'em out, and then sell whichever one you decide you DON'T want, to me, for a 'slight' discount.
See? Everybody's happy!
There is no comparison, the Arc gets the nod. ...
I don't mean to slam on the CMG. It is a decent light, and indestructible. It's just disappointing to shine it side by side with the Arc.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Oh sure, but how does it look besides my LW4000?
I know what you're saying, but I still have both. The size is amazing for the Arc, but there is still a mass o' light being put out by the CMG for my $. I use 'em both around the house, and keep 'em both in my pocket at all times. Why? Er... because I can, I guess. I like the brightness of the one, and the longevity of the other -- coupled w/ the fact that the CMG really does supply plenty of light for 90% of my uses. The Arc was just me indulging myself. I'm more the efficiency buff, I guess. We know that the eff. of the LED drops when it's over-driven, but there's also times when the extra light really is handy. There're too many ways to calculate it... ("it" being the reason for buying one or the other, and ranging from size, battery cost, initial cost, lumens, etc.). 8 cents/ hour for light from the Arc -vs- 1 cent / hour from the CMG? 2x the amount of light from the Arc than from the CMG? 1/2 the weight or 1/2 th2 size for the arc? Twice the price? Sheesh. It's enough to drive a man insane. Get 'em both, try 'em out, and then sell whichever one you decide you DON'T want, to me, for a 'slight' discount.
DArklite
Enlightened
I have both the Arc AAA and the CMG Infinity (both with the white LED). The Arc stays on the keychain with the car keys and the Infinity stays in the nightstand. I'm happy with both for what they do, and it wasn't expensive buying them.
I really want to buy an Arc AAA in turquoise though. I hear that Infininity now has a turquoise LED model; can anyone out there comment on this?
I really want to buy an Arc AAA in turquoise though. I hear that Infininity now has a turquoise LED model; can anyone out there comment on this?
waumpuscat
Newly Enlightened
I gotta agree with K Horn, you just will not be satisfied until you have both. I love the Infinity. While it may not be the brightest, it is great for dark situations that you don't want to totally blow your night vision. I hunt in a climber, and sometimes need just a little "light" help. I will choose the Infinity everytime, but love knowing the ARC is on the way to my doorstep
.
