iTP A1 EOS SS w/ RCR123

[joshconsulting]

I'm trying to decide on my next EDC. I like the iTP because it's cheaper then the Quark with a slightly more focused beam, so I think I'll get either the Al or SS version. I really like the newer R2 on the SS version - I want all the lumens I can get. But I'm concerned about heat conduction, as I will be using only RCRs. It will be operated on high for a few minutes at a time at most, and will always be held in hand to dissipate heat generated; does anyone have a SS version that can verify that heat is conducted effectively through the SS without roasting the emitter?

Also, how's the weight on the SS version? It looks nice, and like I said the R2 emitter is a plus, but I don't want a heavy chunk of metal if it seems overly heavy or unbalanced compared to the Al version. With a battery in, the Al will be around 40 grams and the SS around 60; can anyone comment on how the weight difference feels?

I threw together this post at 2 AM running on very little sleep, so it's a little incoherent to say the least. I'm just looking for observations\comments from people who own or have used these lights :)

 

[shortstack]

i actually have this light (SS version), I use the rcr123 it gets warm after a few minutes, not sure if i would want to use it longer then 5 minutes, it'll be fine. Its a great little light :wave:

 

[joshconsulting]

i actually have this light (SS version), I use the rcr123 it gets warm after a few minutes, not sure if i would want to use it longer then 5 minutes, it'll be fine. Its a great little light :wave:

I like posts like this one :)

I ordered 4 RCRs a few days ago but they'll take a week and a half or so to get here so I still have time to decide. What's the advantage of SS over Al, besides looking better?

 

[SureAddicted]

I've tried both versions (SS and alu). The SS got warm within 10-15 seconds using a generic rcr123, not hot just luke warm (on high). The alu got warm after a minute using a AW rcr123.

 

[mvyrmnd]

I have the SS, (had the Al.) and run it on 16340's.

On high, it gets very hot after 5 mins or so. On Medium and Low, it doesn't get hot enough to matter.

I like the weight of the SS compared to the Al. It feels more sturdy, and the thread quality is better.

I've been pocket carrying it for a month now, and love it. On High it's bright enough to walk a unlit track at night. Medium is perfect for everyday use, and Low is a bit bright for getting around the house in the middle of the night, but I don't do that often enough to really care.

All in all, it's one of my top 3 lights.

 

[joshconsulting]

Interesting. I would have expected the SS version to heat up more slowly - the faster it heats up the better, as that means heat is being conducted out.

So the advantages of SS so far ar that it's sturdier, better quality threads, and looks nicer? How is it for surface durability compared to Al? I'm guessing it scratches easier, but that scratches won't compromise surface integrity and induce erosion as there's no protective anodizing shell to worry about.

 

[HeyGuysWatchThis]

I love my Mini123. I can't speak to the RCR question from personal experience, but everything I've read is that the problem with it is heat, not electronics, so just don't run it too long.
To me the biggest deciding factors between these lights is 1.) whether you want Stainless, Aluminum, or Titanium and 2.) whether you want the "disco modes" of the MiNi. 3.) whether you need a pocket clip or not (not an option for the MiNi at this point) 4.) whether you need it to tailstand. I use the tailstand ability of my MiNi way more than I thought I would, and the A1 can, but it's very unstable. On the price point consideration, I don't think that's as big a deal, because if you factor in shipping, they're pretty comparable.
Where each of these points factor into your decision is something only you can answer.