L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first "high end" EDC?

[Solstice]

L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Hey all. I've looking for an adustable brightness level EDC for a while now. I think its important for such a light to be small (rules out the Streamlight Lux3 2L) so as to always have it with me and I would probably use low 80% of the time. It seems that either of these 2 lights could work but I would like to hear a comparison from anyone who has one or the other...or both /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Both are approximately the same price (around $120) use 1 CR123 and seem pretty simple to use. I know the L1 is longer, but may be easier to go into and use low mode more often. Does the new HDS technology make the L1 obsolete? I barely have the cash to spring for one of these so please don't say buy both /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.

 

[GJW]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Still waiting for my HDS but I did have an Arc 4 (the HDS predecessor) and I'd give it the nod over the L1.

Smaller...
More brightness options...
Easier one-handed operation...
Better, more useful beam (reflector vs optic).

With the HDS you also have the option (at additional cost) of guaranteed tint.

 

[sotto]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Solstice:

I have both an ARC4+ and a new L1 Lumamax. My ARC4+ sits on the shelf, I use the L1 a lot. It's a great two level light, bulletproof, proven reliability, easy to use, great warranty, beautiful high beam, very practical longlasting low beam, a real "workhorse".

 

[Solstice]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Thanks for the 2 opposing views guys. Sotto- why does your Arc4+ sit on the shelf? I know they were plauged with switch problems. Also the interface seems a bit complex for what I'm looking for, but neither of these concerns would pertain to the HDS Basic. However, I know that with the L1, low light is only a slight press away, while with the HDS, it looks like 4 clicks acording to the PDF...I'll probably have to wait till people have Basic's in their hands and can report on the ease of the UI.

 

[Arcoholic]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Go for the HDS product it switches between brightness levels very fast, it is brighter, smaller, smarter, and built like a tank forget all the things you read about Arc and the well discussed short comings.
David

 

[Kevin Tan]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

1 x KL1 LS3 head
1 x KL1 host with 2 stage clickie from the sandwich shop
total 60 + 75 = 135 total including shipping with 1pc 123 batt

 

[ubermensch]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

That tailcap is not a clickie, it is a twisty.

 

[Kevin Tan]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Sorry, its a twisty, twist for low, more twist for high. Or press for low, press harder for high. Now u got me wanting it!!

 

[GJW]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

I'm not at all impressed with the new KL1s.
Mediocre tint made even worse with their silly new optic.
For me, reflector is the only way to go.

Another plus to the HDS is that it can be stood on its tail candle-style.
I have never found this very useful myself but others seem to find it invaluable.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

 

[sotto]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

[ QUOTE ]
Solstice said:
Sotto- why does your Arc4+ sit on the shelf? I know they were plauged with switch problems. Also the interface seems a bit complex for what I'm looking for

[/ QUOTE ]

Solstice:

I love my ARC4+. It functions perfectly, with a beautiful beam, and an excellent switch mechanism. However, from the convenience standpoint, and warranty, it ain't no L1. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[wmirag]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

In my opinion, your EDC light is the one you have when you didn't know you were going to need a light. It needs two properties to satisfy this use:

1. SMALL...
It should be as small as practical so you will HAVE IT WITH YOU.

2. FLEXIBLE...
It should allow you to read a menu in a restaurant without embarrassing your wife (i.e low-low), it should allow you to walk around safely in a dark parking lot or a blacked out subway tunnel (i.e. medium with long run time), and it should allow you to see something far away in a pinch.

I had the Arc4 and it did all those things. Now that the HDS is here and the bugs are out of this Arc4 successor, this really will be the Ultimate EDC light for me and most people who don't carry a light for a living.

 

[freefall8]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

I have this combination that Kevin Tan posted:

"KL1 host with 2 stage twisty from the sandwich shop "

And I have an L1. I sold the L1. The KL1 with the stage switch, has a good low beam, excellent throw, can stand on end, and has a similar functioning switch to the L1

Does my newest Gen Kl1 have the beam artifacts that others spoke of? Sure does. However, for me, it still outperforms the L1.

I am also considering buying an HDS Basic 42. I only worry about the programming on the microchip getting scrambled when I need it.

If I could only buy one light HDS or KL1 combo...it would be the KL1 combo.

 

[Solstice]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Hmm, leave it to you guys to throw another light into the mix. This combo seems interesting but I assume there wouldn't be a warranty comprable to the L1 or even the HDS. I also wish I could see a better picture of the body/tail since the picture in the sandwich shop is teensy.
Freefall8- how long is the unit put together? Also (O.T.) what part of weird NJ you from?

 

[freefall8]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

I live in sunny Bedminster, NJ. I just emailed photos of the KL1 combo, and L1 to the address in your profile. The KL1 light is 4" long.

 

[shannow]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

Go for the HDS. Size and weight are the biggest factors for "EDC"

 

[McShawn]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

I have had my HDS ultimate for 2 weeks now and really like it, so far no complaints. Its an easy size to pocket and really bright on highest power.

 

[Solstice]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

freefall8: thanks for the pics- cool light- a little shorter than the L1 and with candle mode. Looks like you live pretty close to Milky Spit- too bad you couldn't make it to Photon Fest 3, but there's always PF4. I assume you're being sarcastic about the "sunny" thing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

 

[John N]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

I tried using a KL1 + E1e + McGizmo two stage tailcap but found the switch too stiff. I reverted to my L1. If I was buying today I would seriously consider the HDS. I think the L1 has the nod in terms of ease of use, the HDS in terms of flexibility and size.

-john

 

[Solstice]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

John N- that's pretty much my thought process at this point. Unless I happened across an L1 really cheap, I'll most likely go with the HDS once the wait has simmered down.

 

[sithjedi333]

Re: L1 or HDS Basic 42 for first \"high end\" EDC?

John, the McE2S switch can be adjusted if it's too stiff. Mine used to be on the stiff side, but after sanding down the post a little it's awesome. You can also cut down the spring a bit.