Need help...P1 or Jet1

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havand

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Ok, I want a light to keep on my keyring. A jet1 AA is not too big. I'd prefer the CR123 body, but at over $70, just can't justify it. So, i'd be running a RCR123 in the P1 or a 14500 in the Jet1. Supposedly the Jet1 is upper 70's lms with that battery and the P1 is ~50-60? with a RCR123. I can't decide. Price is near the same since I have to buy a charger and light anyway. Anyone have any useful suggestions? I'd be open to other light suggestions in a similar price category.......*throws several single shot pistols out onto the ground and runs* Let the duel, I mean debate begin!
 
I liked my P1 enough that I bought another one. Its a bright, well-made, simple light thats about $45 shipped from the fenix store. I think that any RCR123 is too big for keychain, but whatever floats your boat. :grin2:

Personal favorite for the keychain is the Arc AAA, at about the same price as the P1. Smaller, not as bright, but with a 4-5 hour runtime with flat-ish output on a lithium battery.

peace
 
I have both. My Jet1 recently pooped out on me so I'm sending it back to Jetbeam for them to look at it. P1's still going strong. Considering my current situation of one pooping out earlier than the other, and that the P1 is smaller while running on Li-Ions, I'd recommend the P1. I do find the Jet1 much more attractive looking, but in the end, a really attractive light that's not functioning properly is just a nice looking paperweight (and a light one at that). The P1 is currently on my fiance's keychain and it doesn't bother her. I carried it shortly (half a day) on my keychain and I don't think it's "too" big...bigger than my KeyMate, but not too big.
 
IMHO - No Contest here, the P1 is clearly the winner in price, and don't kid yourself, my P1 on a protected R123 is somewhere around 70 lumens...BTW It's on my keychain replacing an ARC AAA-P that I thought would never be replaced by a more powerful light, as I thought I'd never see such a bright light in such a small package and at a reasonable price !
 
jsr, how did the two compare in output on the batteries i mentioned. I only ask because you've owned both.
 
I have both and run both on RCR123. The Jet-1 will fit few protected RCR's, I ended up using an un protected in it, but I think you wanted to use a 14500 anyway, so I'll assume the Jet will be the same on 14500.
My particular Jet-1 is both brighter and whoter than my P1. Noticeably so in both areas. My P1 is bright, just not as bright, and has a distinct purple tint. YMMV.
I carry the Jet in my briefcase (laptop bag) every day because of that, and it's beam is nice and wide. It impresses all who see it. I think the P1 is better designed from an ergonomic standpoint because it is more rounded for pocket carry and smooth to the hands. The short knurled head is easier to use one handed, where the Jet head is smooth and harder one handed - such that I put a rubber grip band on it (still looking for that grip tabe at Home Depot).
The P1 looks better to me (personal choice) but only a little better.

Other's P1 tint seems to be better than mine, I may have not been lucky in the Luxeon lottery with my P1, but I sure was on my Jet-1.
 
I have a thread in the Reviews forum comparing the Jet1 and P1. To summarize brightness:

Jet1's brighter than P1 on primaries
P1 on R123A is about equal to Jet1 on primary
Jet1 on 14500 is brighter than P1 on R123A

Don't take this as saying the P1 is dim. On the contrary, it makes a great amount of light. Just that the Jet1 is brighter, but at the sacrifice of less runtime. Once I get my Jet1 replaced, I might sell it.
 
I read it :) Just thought some people might have some insight. I'd really like the jetbeam, but if i'm not going to buy the cr123 tube, the p1 is a bit smaller. I still want to build my own...I just don't have a lathe.
 
The Jet1's about 2mm longer...not really noticable when they're not next to one another. I still really prefer the looks of the Jet1, but as blind said, that's personal preference. The size of both are easily pocketable, and IMO keychainable (not a word)...both disappear in anything I put it in (pocket, fiance's purse, etc.).
 
Anyone even know where to get a jet1? I looked on the jetbeam website and a few other places and cant even find one for sale.
 
You'll have to get on the second order list for the JetBeam:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=108505

I agree with most of the above comparisons... I have both lights. The Jet is very bright and has a great white tint. Of two P1s I bought, one has a good white tint, the other was a little too much on the pink/purple side. My biggest complaint about the Jet is that its finish is very slick and hard to hold on to... it feels like its coated with Teflon! The P1 is a little smaller and easier to hold on to.

The P1 is readily available, you'll wait a while for the Jetbeam. BTW, I have the 123 and AA tubes for the Jet... it's kind of cool to configure the light to your mood. Between the two, I'd go for the P1 as a key ring light.
 
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I just got my P1 in today and I am blown away by it. What a fantastic light. I'm really anxious to get a Jetbeam now to see how it stacks up against the P1.
 
Yeah...i'm probably getting both. Maybe a huntlight too. This is almost as expensive as computers, photography, stereoes, cars....*sigh*
 
I also just received my p1 a few days ago and it is in my pocket all the time now. I didn't think i would ever edc a light as i don't like to carry stuff in my pockets but this light is barely noticeable. I love the rechargeable 123 option and for the $ it was easy to pull the trigger. The shipping took all of 3 days from Georgia to Calif. - I'll give them credit (the fenix store) they have their act together....
 
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