Looking for new lights (for me)...

[greenethumb]

...specifically Ra, Muyshondt Aeon, Novacore, NiteCore EZAA, NiteCore D10-Maybe 2 of the first 3 and one of the last 2. My problem is that I can't afford all of them and I would really like to hold a product in my hands before making a decision.

Is there anyplace close to western PA that would have lights like this in stock that can actually be held? I have spent hours on this forum-read ALL the reviews-and etailer sites investigating and reading other peoples opinions to narrow my choices but we all know that the real decisions come down to holding these lights in our hands and carrying in pockets or keychains or clips or lanyards.

Other than the EZAA (since it's not out yet), it seems that aesthetics is an important qualifier once you reach a certain level of quality and it's really a personal thing, so do I really have an option other than ordering and taking my chances? BTW, if it's not already obvious, I'm fairly new at buying quality lights and am asking for any help out there.

 

[Viper715]

Heres the way I do it and it seems to work out. I tend to buy 2 or 3 of the lights that I am considering. I hold them in my hand maybe carry them for a couple of days the one or ones that win are kept (at least for a little while) the losers not that there bad lights but not my cup of tea find there way to co workers or to the market place where I sell to fund another light to try or trade for something I want. I dont think that you would be taking much chances you can usually recoupe the money out of a light or close and if you buy from the right places you can return it to them. Some have a no questions asked return policy. Thats my way but maybe no the best way I just like trying a lot of different things. Oh and welcome to CPF prepare to become an addict and like an adict you will soon be broke and strung out waiting on your next fix. Just check out the EZAA thread you tell an addict that there fix just got delayed and watch out. hehe.

 

[Zeruel]

May I interest you to Nitecore Defender Infinity?
Hell of a power AA, adjustable brightness and one of the nicest clicky I know. With rechargeable 14500, it's on crack, comparable brightness to EX10. ;)

 

[greenethumb]

What I'm asking is if there is a physical, "brick and mortar" store that I can walk into and hold their products. I've seen and held Surefires in Gander Mountain, Home Depot, and Cabela's, but none of them have the other lights listed and I don't know of any that do. I hear of Shot Show reports, but I've never been to one. I have been buying, trying, and returning things that I didn't like since there was an internet, but it's just nicer to do it the old fashioned way sometimes.

 

[Zeruel]

What I'm asking is if there is a physical, "brick and mortar" store that I can walk into and hold their products. I've seen and held Surefires in Gander Mountain, Home Depot, and Cabela's, but none of them have the other lights listed and I don't know of any that do. I hear of Shot Show reports, but I've never been to one. I have been buying, trying, and returning things that I didn't like since there was an internet, but it's just nicer to do it the old fashioned way sometimes.

Ahhh.... B&M. Nope, sorry, wrong country. :D

 

[Gunner12]

Those lights are very, very hard, if not impossible to find in a B&M store because of how little people know and care about them, the price, and small runs compared to the cheap 2D lights.

Your best bet might be to find a really friendly CPFer.

 

[Oddjob]

Unfortunately buy and try is really the only way to see if you like a light or not.

 

[flasherByNight]

don't worry you're already hooked...you'll eventually want all of them anyway :grin2:. Besides, it looks like you're considering all the top choices and you'll most likely be pretty happy with any of them other than some small finnicky things...at which point you'll wannanother one :twothumbs

If it's the UI you're concerned about, I"m sure there are some cheap alternatives you could give a test run

 

[Corbs]

Also, buying and testing lights in bright shops is never a good environment to get an idea of the brightness and beam pattern.

As said above, try to find a local CPFer or flashlight addict.