Just bought a SureFire M2...need an LED to accomony it...

[rigormootis]

Hi All.

I already have an Arc LE, a few CMG infinities, and some Photon IIs...what I am looking for is an LED light to use-up my Lithium 123 batts. after they become too weak for the M2.

I am currently torn between the Inova X5 and the forthcoming Arc LS (123 cell).

What are your suggestions? I am leaning towards the Arc LS since the LEDs seem to be better protected...

 

[Size15's]

I'm thinking one (or many) of the SureFire Digitals will fit the bill cos I have more almost used 123As then you can imagine!

Al

 

[JoeyL]

I think both will work, but the inova gets very dim as the cells die, and because the current is limited by the weaker cell, you might have one good 123 and one weaker one and they together produce a weak beam. So to make the best of used cells, you would have to match them with a voltmeter or something.

The LS 123, when it works well, is a gem. It stays fairly bright until the cell gets to about 1.5 volts.
For a 123, below 2.5 volts is probably exhausted by any regular incandescent standard. So, it seems to be a good way to empty out those used cells. I've emptied out about 6 of them this way.

Despite to high cost of the LS, the money saved on using up the old 123's seems to make up for it. Or am I just rationalizing...

 

[brightnorm]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JoeyL:

...The LS 123, when it works well, is a gem. It stays fairly bright until the cell gets to about 1.5 volts...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


JoeyL,

Are you referring to the battery contact problem? Also, are you in any way disappointed with the LS (when it's working properly)?

I get the feeling that Flashaholic's response after receiving the LS is a little less enthusiastic than their anticipation.

Any comments?

Best regards,
Brightnorm

 

[Sean]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rigormootis:
I am currently torn between the Inova X5 and the forthcoming Arc LS (123 cell).

What are your suggestions? I am leaning towards the Arc LS since the LEDs seem to be better protected...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You shouldn't have a problem with the LEDs getting damaged since they are recessed in the head. The LS has a lens but it not replaceable, so if you scratch it bad enough you are no better off than with the X5.

If price is a factor and you don't feel like waiting, get the X5 now (for less than $40 delivered) and then re-consider getting the LS when the brighter high dome Luxeons come out (later this year).

 

[Bushman]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sean:
You shouldn't have a problem with the LEDs getting damaged since they are recessed in the head. The LS has a lens but it not replaceable, so if you scratch it bad enough you are no better off than with the X5.

If price is a factor and you don't feel like waiting, get the X5 now (for less than $40 delivered) and then re-consider getting the LS when the brighter high dome Luxeons come out (later this year).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I agree wholeheartedly with this and this is the route that i have chosen to take myself

 

[JoeyL]

Brightnorm,

Yes I was referring to the battery contact problem. No I'm otherwise not unhappy with it at all. I am really amazed with how it works and how small it is. For indoor stuff, it is just about my best light.

I did not replace the gasket yet. Instead, I just soldered a blob of solder on the nipples of the 123 batteries which works fine.

You remember that Star Trek episode where Spock thinks he killed the captain in a vulcan mating ritual and the guy who won the female in the end confronts spock? Spock tells him "you will find that wanting her is better than having her?" I suppose that's true for a lot of things including lights but I'm still pretty happy with this one.

Regards,

 

[WaltH]

JoeyL,
I was not overly enthusiastic about the LS's operation at first either. But once I installed the new retainer sent by Peter I've had flawless operation and the LS is now one of my favorite lights.
I returned from a trip to the mountains of NC yesterday and had some great, dark nights in the woods. I found myself using the LS more than my E2 (only lights with me at the time). I was able to illuminate the woods 50 feet in front of me in a 20 foot diameter and make out great detail. Was actually disappointed with the E2 in that situation.

My point is, maybe you should try to remove the solder you installed and put the new retainer in. Also, schedule a trip to the outskirts of town and check out the LS in a non light polluted environment. Really quite amazing.