That is a possibility. But I was tying to do something with American companies for some obvious reasons I had already explained.
The advantage of Fenix would be a 'one stop shopping" type deal, while the companies I talked with here were not...for example, bodies made by one supplier, emitters obviously are made by a company like Cree, so that's no problem. Having the electronics designed turned out to be a very wide assortment of possibilities from using existing stuff to making something from scratch....which was sort of good news....it seemed easier and less expensive than I ever would have guessed.
The most expensive component to manufacture turned out to be (not surprisingly) the bodies. Partly because of the cost of design, and partly because i had specified a few things that would facilitate the interchangeability of the modular light I had in mind...the way the threading was to be done, the sizing so that different modules would all fit together. Even the kinds of threading....which was something I didn't think of. Not only the size, but the shape (some threads are "pointy" like a wood screw, some have a flat profile like on a propane tank connector, etc.).
While I can see how you feel that way, I respectfully disagree. Maybe it's partly due to some of my preconceptions being met, but I gathered from a lot of the input certain consistencies.
While it's true that there's no "one size fits all" PERFECT for EVERYONE light (or virtually anything for that matter), the vast majority seem to want something pretty much along the same lines.
I would say that something like the Novatec P120 comes close to being an example of a light the majority of people would think of as "ideal" in general terms. I've never had a Novatec, but have heard plenty about them and I'd agree it seems to meet most people's general idea of a practical EDC light. So how to improve on that general concept...it does not seem like a huge challenge, it's just about keeping costs down and a design that can be easily upgraded/updated at a minimal expense. And basically that revolves around the modular concept, which too is not unique, just would be unique if I can accomplish all that at a price point that would make the light accessible to the majority of enthusiasts, not just those who could take a 'flier' on something like the Surefire Titan.
I'll get it done. Or at least I'll get the design done to the degree i can give enough information (specs, illustrations, etc.) to get an idea of what kind of demand the light would generate.....and of course that would also enable me to take any criticism and evaluate whatever enthusiasm and weigh it all in an attempt to "fine tune" the design.
Lots of very informed and imaginative people here to listen to (like yourself for instance).
No, design by committee gets you a horse that looks like a camel (as the old expression goes...or something close to that
). But good input is always an asset. And since I have no desire to mass market such a light....to sell to Walmart and Target and sporting good stores, that will be a double edged sword. It will probably keep the price a bit higher, but it will also make better QC possible and also allow us to not lose our way.
And making a light for enthusiasts is easier than trying to compete for shelf space with Maglite and such....which inevitably leads to either cutting corners (which I would refuse to do and never have....I've been in business for myself since 1973 and have never done it and wont start now), and not trying to produce something that the military and LE will necessarily compare to Surefire (for example) will help to keep costs under control.
While I'd expect the light to last a lifetime and be considered to be thought of as "bomb-proof", I don't think it's necessary for the average CFP enthusiast to need a pocket light that will need to stand up to being mounted on a .50 caliber machine gun and run forever on one cell on the South Pole and in a blazing fire or in the vacuum of space...... (Or whatever specs the govt. would dictate that we don't require and that would add unneeded expense).
My expectations at this point....
...........easily kept 'state of the art' with upgrades made as easy as possible (modular being part of that, and modular also giving greater flexibility to a single 'kit' rather than requiring a whole slew of seperate lights,)
...........basic size (with standard head) easily and comfortably carried in a pocket. Any knurling and or crenalted bezels not aggressive enough to tear clothing...just enough to be effective. Small head bezel not for striking...just at the most to see if light is on if left on with head down.
...........User friendly interface. Tail-stand if possible. Forward clicky or tactical type twisty with instant on push-button (like Inova X series,)
...........USEFULL modes (range of intensity).
...........Top quality fit and finish ....Plus real quality control, each light inspected and tested. I am often shocked at what sometimes gets from the manufacturer to the end user because 10 seconds is too much time (apparently) to check out a $100 or more item. I often hear of (and have seen) semi-cusom made 1911 pistols that wont feed or eject. Absolutely no excuse in my book for that kind of "slipping through the cracks". Same with mass produced and reliable handguns like Glock, Springfield XD, virtually any 1911, even Sigs...rare, but too common still.
...........Electronic circuitry that would be compatible with as many different kinds of cells as possible (for example, alkaline, lithium, rechargeable, Possible to have different kinds of rechargeable? - I don't know).
...........include adapters to enable different size cells to fit in same battery tube (that would seem inexpensive and easy). plus regulation that would detect and be compatible with different power sources (Again, I don't know what is and is not possible).
............ergonomics and materials (HA III anodized? Robar? Stainless? replaceable rubber outer sleeves? Duracoat? Hard Chrome? etc...whatever is most preferred and reasonable to do without adding unreasonable expense)
.............run time and output (of course).
.............programmable? (Certainly at least "last mode memory' or 'fist mode selectable'
............aesthetics.
............waterproof
............best quality lens and reflectors (this I discussed with suppliers already and cannot believe how little difference there is in cost between the cheapest and most expensive refkectors. Lenses are a different story, but quality AR glass is not expensive. Cheap plastic that easily scratches makes no sense on any level. Why does Maglite use plastic????).
............Tritium and/or GITD elements (while tritium tubes sell at high retail premiums in items such as weapon night sights, they are really not expensive relative to the price of a light and should not have much of an impact on a final price...I would think that the usefullness would justify the cost to most buyers).
............full and transferable guarantee and owner-friendly customer service.
............removeable and reversible pocket clip
............facilitates a lanyard
............practical beam pattern that's suitable for pocket size lights.
And from there, who knows? Some of what I listed may not be feasible while keeping the light relatively affordable, but so far i can't see any one feature standing out as being too much of a challenge. I realize I have to be willing to make possible compromises, but that is very different than "cutting corners".
And of course I'd expect to modify my expectations depending on input from CFP people and likely those involved in the actual design and build process.
Peace,
D.
