Hi all, I just received an updated Photon Proton. I have been on the list for quite a while to receive a replacement, and it looks like I got one of the first of the new batch to come out. Here are my observations on the new Proton. I won't go into detail about all the operations of the light since 99% of it is the same as the original design. I will concentrate on the differences between the old and new designs.
First a little history of my experiences with the Photon. I actually have 2 units and they both failed after a couple week's operation due to the positive battery contact failure. This failure mode has been well documented in previous posts and it looks like it happened to quite a few of the original Protons. One of my Protons was replaced by the dealer I purchased it from and the other one was purchased directly from Photon. It failed mid-October when I was on vacation. I called customer service and they said a replacement unit would be sent out in the first week of November. This date came and went, then I got the email stating a redesign was taking place and new units would not be avaiable until January. In middle of January I called and customer service said by end of the month. Anyway, I finally received my replacement on February 26.
I like the concept of the Proton with variable levels on 2 different color (white and red) LEDs. However, I was frustrated with the poor battery contact design especially at the price of this light and Photon's reputation for rugged products.
The new Proton does have redesigned battery contacts. They are still leaf spring type (I was hoping for a coil spring). The tail cap spring is longer. Sorry, I didn't have time to do pictures. I have been trying different batteries and so far everything has worked, I am going to continue to put in different cells to see if it is really fixed.
Customer service also told me the HAIII finish was being upgraded. I noticed on my original Protons the finish started wearing after a few days of use, I thought this was unusual compared to my other HAIII lights. The new proton finish maybe looks a little smoother but only time will tell if it wears better.
The changes seem rather minor for a 4+ month delay to ship the replacement product. Then I started looking closer at the body. The new Proton is just about 2mm longer than the original. There are a couple more threads (lack of tail cap threads- another complaint on the original) on the new unit and longer battery contact springs. It looks like Photon put in the time and effort for re-tooling the body.
The light output and beam shape/throw is the same as the original. Unfortunately, the green cat-pee fringe is still present. The red LED on my new unit has a slightly wider beam than my still-working old unit, I think this is just due to normal LED variations.
All the functions white/red dimming, strobes, and special modes seem to be the same between the old and new units. Back to testing......
First a little history of my experiences with the Photon. I actually have 2 units and they both failed after a couple week's operation due to the positive battery contact failure. This failure mode has been well documented in previous posts and it looks like it happened to quite a few of the original Protons. One of my Protons was replaced by the dealer I purchased it from and the other one was purchased directly from Photon. It failed mid-October when I was on vacation. I called customer service and they said a replacement unit would be sent out in the first week of November. This date came and went, then I got the email stating a redesign was taking place and new units would not be avaiable until January. In middle of January I called and customer service said by end of the month. Anyway, I finally received my replacement on February 26.
I like the concept of the Proton with variable levels on 2 different color (white and red) LEDs. However, I was frustrated with the poor battery contact design especially at the price of this light and Photon's reputation for rugged products.
The new Proton does have redesigned battery contacts. They are still leaf spring type (I was hoping for a coil spring). The tail cap spring is longer. Sorry, I didn't have time to do pictures. I have been trying different batteries and so far everything has worked, I am going to continue to put in different cells to see if it is really fixed.
Customer service also told me the HAIII finish was being upgraded. I noticed on my original Protons the finish started wearing after a few days of use, I thought this was unusual compared to my other HAIII lights. The new proton finish maybe looks a little smoother but only time will tell if it wears better.
The changes seem rather minor for a 4+ month delay to ship the replacement product. Then I started looking closer at the body. The new Proton is just about 2mm longer than the original. There are a couple more threads (lack of tail cap threads- another complaint on the original) on the new unit and longer battery contact springs. It looks like Photon put in the time and effort for re-tooling the body.
The light output and beam shape/throw is the same as the original. Unfortunately, the green cat-pee fringe is still present. The red LED on my new unit has a slightly wider beam than my still-working old unit, I think this is just due to normal LED variations.
All the functions white/red dimming, strobes, and special modes seem to be the same between the old and new units. Back to testing......
