Gatsby
Enlightened
it is subtlely different!
I finally ended up getting a Novatac 85P after much thought about an EDC and giving up on a AA form factor that works as well for me as this design/UI does. I had an Arc4+ and an HDS B42 so the UI is familiar and, well, sort of gave me that "ahhh" feeling when I took it out of the box. Like an old friend it fits well in my hand and I knew how to use it out of the box --- or so I thought!
Other than being a fair amount brighter than my Arc or HDS lights - there certainly are some subtle differences - some improvements and some not as key it seems. I don't see an appreciable difference in the fit and finish from my HDS, maybe the HAIII is a tad less thick, maybe not. Everything else feels as solid. I like the stainless bezel ring since that is the only injury I ever inflicted on my HDS. The beam is as pure and useful as the HDS, maybe even a tad better due to the P4 and LOP reflector, but these lights have always had about the most useful beam pattern around for me at least. The UI is much the same but the small tweaks, like the programming, seem to be in the right direction (and it sure is easier than 250 clicks!
). Oddly, I like the clip design since I rarely used the clip on either the Arc4 or the HDS, the Novatac is cleaner without the holes. That is a matter of taste obviously.
About the only thing I don't like as well is the milled sections on the sides for the name and serial number. I preferred the complete knurling on the HDS or the smooth Arc4.
As for looks, well, the Arc4 was a better looking light to my eye - a beautiful light if there is such a thing - and the Novatac is as utilitarian ugly as the HDS lights - but it works a good deal better than my Arc4+!
All told it remains a remarkably utilitarian design and very well thought out. I look forward to seeing what Henry can add to the equation with the new Ra clickie - but for now, even though it is fatter than it needs to be... the Novatac appears to have taken over the EDC slot. In the quest for something newer and better, sometimes the best solution was one we already had (and in my case foolishly sold - should have had Milky just mod my B42!)...
I finally ended up getting a Novatac 85P after much thought about an EDC and giving up on a AA form factor that works as well for me as this design/UI does. I had an Arc4+ and an HDS B42 so the UI is familiar and, well, sort of gave me that "ahhh" feeling when I took it out of the box. Like an old friend it fits well in my hand and I knew how to use it out of the box --- or so I thought!
Other than being a fair amount brighter than my Arc or HDS lights - there certainly are some subtle differences - some improvements and some not as key it seems. I don't see an appreciable difference in the fit and finish from my HDS, maybe the HAIII is a tad less thick, maybe not. Everything else feels as solid. I like the stainless bezel ring since that is the only injury I ever inflicted on my HDS. The beam is as pure and useful as the HDS, maybe even a tad better due to the P4 and LOP reflector, but these lights have always had about the most useful beam pattern around for me at least. The UI is much the same but the small tweaks, like the programming, seem to be in the right direction (and it sure is easier than 250 clicks!
). Oddly, I like the clip design since I rarely used the clip on either the Arc4 or the HDS, the Novatac is cleaner without the holes. That is a matter of taste obviously. About the only thing I don't like as well is the milled sections on the sides for the name and serial number. I preferred the complete knurling on the HDS or the smooth Arc4.
As for looks, well, the Arc4 was a better looking light to my eye - a beautiful light if there is such a thing - and the Novatac is as utilitarian ugly as the HDS lights - but it works a good deal better than my Arc4+!
All told it remains a remarkably utilitarian design and very well thought out. I look forward to seeing what Henry can add to the equation with the new Ra clickie - but for now, even though it is fatter than it needs to be... the Novatac appears to have taken over the EDC slot. In the quest for something newer and better, sometimes the best solution was one we already had (and in my case foolishly sold - should have had Milky just mod my B42!)...
