New RA Clicky - Observations

[eric_wolf]

I posted on-line that last week that I forgot my novatac 120P in a hotel room while on a business trip. Well - that was my excuse to pick up a RA Clicky 170 Executive. I ordered the RA and it was here in less than a week. Super fast Service from Henry!

They light feels great in my hand. I have heard others say this. In fact last week in a thread when I was asking about the RA vs the SR3, multiple people commented on how good the light "felt". I have to agree. This light feels better in my hand that my Novatac 120P or my Arc 4+.

This light is a serious thrower. It really exceeded my expectations in that regard. This will quickly become my go-to light.

I will comment that when I first took the light out of its packaging I was surprised at the "blemishes" on the light. There was spotty anodizing on the tail-cap and tool abrasions on the bezel. From what I have read on CPF, this is not unusual for the RA products.


So - beyond the cosmetic issues, this is one heck of a light!

 

[pipspeak]

Did you get the narrow beam version? I'm considering the RA 170 tactical. Loved the size and UI of my former 120P but that SSC beam was pretty useless outside -- just didn't have any useful throw

 

[batmanacw]

I posted on-line that last week that I forgot my novatac 120P in a hotel room while on a business trip. Well - that was my excuse to pick up a RA Clicky 170 Executive. I ordered the RA and it was here in less than a week. Super fast Service from Henry!

They light feels great in my hand. I have heard others say this. In fact last week in a thread when I was asking about the RA vs the SR3, multiple people commented on how good the light "felt". I have to agree. This light feels better in my hand that my Novatac 120P or my Arc 4+.

This light is a serious thrower. It really exceeded my expectations in that regard. This will quickly become my go-to light.

I will comment that when I first took the light out of its packaging I was surprised at the "blemishes" on the light. There was spotty anodizing on the tail-cap and tool abrasions on the bezel. From what I have read on CPF, this is not unusual for the RA products.


So - beyond the cosmetic issues, this is one heck of a light!

The scallops are probably cut with an endmill and then hand ground to get rid of the tool marks. This would induce some handling errors with the grinder.

The anodizing was perfect on mine. Some of the best I have ever seen.

You are right on about the feel of the light. It feels substantial. It feels like driving a Mercedes instead of a chevy. Solid and smooth.


I had mine customized as a executive with the tactical 170 head with the tighter focus. This is one hell of a nice light.

The clip is butt ugly, but it works. That is everything for me.

 

[sawlight]

Did you get the narrow beam version? I'm considering the RA 170 tactical. Loved the size and UI of my former 120P but that SSC beam was pretty useless outside -- just didn't have any useful throw

I was in the same boat as you, buy a new RA clicky or find a way to bring my 120P up to date and make it more useful outside. The color rendition left a lot to be desired on the 120P outdoors.
Then I found this thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=244730

It changes EVERYTHING on the 120P! I bought all the parts needed, plus a new lens for under $30, money well spent.

Now if you want to spend the money on a new RA I totally respect that, I just didn't want to spend that kind of money right now.
Sorry for the off topic banter.

 

[pipspeak]

Sadly I sold my 120P long ago One day I'll do a mod. Until then I'll just spend too much money!

 

[eric_wolf]

Did you get the narrow beam version? I'm considering the RA 170 tactical. Loved the size and UI of my former 120P but that SSC beam was pretty useless outside -- just didn't have any useful throw

Yes - I got the narrow beam and from my perspective it throws far but has useful spill.

 

[EEG]

Get narrow beam for sure and add a custom TI clip instead the standard.