My dumb question: Why do HID flashlights cost so much?

[PNutts]

I'm preparing to buy an HID flashlight and appreciate the information and opinions on this site. This post is not a complaint, just curiosity.

I'm curious why HID flashlights cost so much? I admit to not knowing anything about them, but it seems none of the pieces are "exotic" and available both individually at a reasonable cost and also in other (larger) less pricy packages. Smaller = $$$, but I'm curious which piece imposes the most penalty. My guess is that it is the battery???

Thank you for any thoughts and opinions.

 

[rizky_p]

i am not sure and i am not an expert either. RA should be able to answer this or any more experienced member at CPF...

but you can build your own HID for under 120USD if you have the host already minus batteries...i think this option is relatively cheap.

 

[Gunner12]

I think it is mostly the bulb and ballast cost, also supply and demand.

:welcome:

 

[BVH]

As said above, bulb and ballast are the price increasers.

 

[JetskiMark]

Welcome to CPF. Which HID are you considering?

Regards,
Mark

 

[Phaserburn]

When there are relatively few people that want a product badly, and only a few that make it, a price premium results.

 

[PNutts]

Welcome to CPF. Which HID are you considering?

Thanks. And thanks to all that responded.

Well, since I can't get a tank light, I considered a used WolfEyes Boxer 10W 123A HID Flashlight on eBay today that went for US$159. To be honest, small is more important than output since even the 10W is outrageously bright by comparison. I am, however, inexplicibly drawn to the 35W tactical models. My favorite so far is the Mac modded shorty MagLight. I'm still sifting through all the information that is already on this forum but struggling with the jargon.

I made the natural progression: Fire; Lots of Fire; 5 D cell MagLight; 3 million CP; 10 million CP; 15 million CP; 30 million HID mail order; ???... I love the LED and have a few of those around, too.

 

[Patriot]

I considered a used WolfEyes Boxer 10W 123A HID Flashlight on eBay today that went for US$159. To be honest, small is more important than output since even the 10W is outrageously bright by comparison. I am, however, inexplicibly drawn to the 35W tactical models. My favorite so far is the Mac modded shorty MagLight.

With regards to output, it just depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

If I'm searching a distant treeline or spotlighting from a vehicle the 600 or so lumens from a Mac's Mini isn't going to cut it for me. I'd use and X990 or K3500.

With regards to size and terminology a Mac's Mini is roughly 1/2 the size of a K3500 while only producing about 1/5 the overall output. In my experience the multi-LED lights are now surpassing the low wattage HIDs in both output and runtime.

An LED light can actually be considered "tactical" while HID usually aren't considered "tactical." HIDs are also often have trouble of producing instantaneous, high levels of output like Halogens and LEDs. Also, turning HIDs on and off rapidly isn't very good for the bulb or ballast.


Here are a few size and weight comparisons:

Here is a video of the Mac's Mini already running and being swept over by a fully warmed K3500.



There is a big difference between the 10-14W HIDs and the 24-35W class. Obviously this little comparison has nothing to do with quality, only size, weight and output.

 

[Mash]

i am not sure and i am not an expert either. RA should be able to answer this or any more experienced member at CPF...

but you can build your own HID for under 120USD if you have the host already minus batteries...i think this option is relatively cheap.

Would a knowledgable guru be kind enough to do a noob DIY guide, from step 0?
It would be great to have all the info, regarding different specs, what they mean, what to look for, bulbs etc in one easily referenced thread.

 

[Patriot]

i am not sure and i am not an expert either. RA should be able to answer this or any more experienced member at CPF...

but you can build your own HID for under 120USD if you have the host already minus batteries...i think this option is relatively cheap.

I think it is possible judging from some of the automotive sites with HID accessories for sale. My only question is why go this way if the point of doing so is to save money? There are decent quality lights out there for much less than $120. Even the excellent N30 is only $30 more.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Spotlight-Flash...ryZ16037QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://www.batteryjunction.com/n30-3161.html