PT Impact vs PT Attitude

[x-ray]

I'm looking for a small everyday general use flashlight, I've heard good reports about both these lights and was wondering how they compared in terms of brightness and beam quality.

I know the attitude is smaller but would be willing to go with the impact if its performance is a lot better.

I'm open to suggestion if anyone knows of other fairly small flashlights that beat the PT's (already have an Arc AAA)

Thanks

 

[bewshy]

I highly recommend the Attitude. I bought one for me and my girlfriend. Great light. I have the Impact and it was more expensive and its bigger and it was made to throw a farther beam. I dont find it too useful.

ericb

 

[PJD]

X-Ray...It depends on what your preference is on beam type and use. I have both of these lights, and have no complaints with either one of them. The Attitude is a little more than half the size of the Impact and has no additional optics to focus the 3 LED's. It is designed to be a short range flood light flashlight with good useable light out to about 20 feet. The Impact has 1 LED behind a focusing lens that throws a tight, focused beam out to about 50-60 feet. If you're looking for something to carry on a daily basis, I'd go with the Attitude. It pockets very easily and is a very good utility light that you'll hear a lot of good things about on this forum. If you want a light to reach out a bit further to see things at more of a distance, then go with the Impact. Or just do what the rest of us do and GET THEM BOTH

!!! Whatever you do, you won't be disappointed. They're both good lights!

PJD

...there is nothing in the world more frustrating than a lousy beam...

 

[r2]

I don't have either light but I've looked at them in the store. Personally, I wouldn't ever buy a 1 LED light as big as the impact. I have a Dorcy Cool Blue (4AA side-by-side in a short, fat body) which also has the tight beam from a single 5mm LED. I don't find it that useful. If I want something that throws far, I generally want something with more kick to it than 1 Nichia white can put out. Otherwise, I'd rather have something smaller for comparable overall light output. Get an Arc AAA or the upcoming Infinity Ultra (or whatever it's called) to fit that bill.

I've considered the Attitude (which is what I would pick out of the two) but it is reported as not much brighter than an Arc AAA--if I remember right, it's not quite as bright as 2 Arc AAAs. Qualitatively I find that less than twice as bright is basically the same thing--I can't really think of places where 1 LED isn't enough light but 2 is.

The long battery life is nice, though, and the case is kind of cool. Personally, I've just found I don't have much use for anything between and Arc AAA and a LS based light like the Lambda Illuminator, Arc LS, etc. I have recommended the Attitude to friends, though. If price isn't a big deal, I'd probably take a minimag with newbeam conversion instead for that range of brightness.

- Russ

 

[r2]

BTW--I just noticed your post count and registration date. Welcome to CPF!

If you haven't already, check out Craig's site for lots of LED light reviews, including both of the PT lights you mentioned:

LED Museum

- Russ

 

[Spectrum]

Originally posted by PJD:
[QB]X-Ray...If you're looking for something to carry on a daily basis, I'd go with the Attitude. It pockets very easily and is a very good utility light that you'll hear a lot of good things about on this forum. ........They're both good lights!

I have had both lights for about a year, and I second everything that PJD said. It is the Attitude that I grab when I need to look at something in the attic, basement, closet, etc. Lately I have been thinking about the new Lightwave 2100 for that type of household use -- because it has a switch, and uses the more common and economical AA batteries, which are also available in lithium. (Also because it is about the only LED light I don't already have.) After using various LED lights, I think it should be just about ideal, although not as pocketable as the Attitude. I got a LW3000 on Father's day, and it is great for lighting up an outdoor area. For a pocket light, you can't beat the Arc AAA.

 

[x-ray]

Thanks for the advice everyone

The attitude seems to be the winner, but as people are saying good things about both lights I think I'll just do the CPF thing

and buy both...

 

[Spork]

actually I would get the opalec over the attitude unless you need it for scuba diving. the light that leaks out around the bezel of the attitude is annoying and not good for night vision.

 

[BuddTX]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mrchri5:
actually I would get the opalec over the attitude <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I own three Attitude's and two Opalec Newbeams.

I like them both and prefer to use the Opalec because of it's regulated output, constant brightness, and red LED low battery indicator light.

If you are a flasholic, you need both!

BUT, even with the slight light backwash (which is minimized with the black Attitude), the Attitude is still a great light, and actually would be better in some situations.

It is lighter, smaller and CHEAPER than the NEWBEAM. AND, if you don't have a new mag-light to install the Newbeam in, the price of your Newbeam 3 led light jumps up to around 40$.

For non-flashoholics, I recommend the Attitude.

Actually, I have three Attitude's vecro'ed to my retractable dog leash, and for that application, it is the perfect light. Lightweight, flat, long running time, nice light output. I could not do that with 3 Olapec Newbeam Maglight lights! Too big, to round, and too heavy!

I just don't want the attitude to be "slighted" just because it's not the perfect light! It's a direct drive light, but I still think you get maximum brightness for 30-40 hours, and you still get lots of very usable light for the next hundred hours or so.

Actually, I didn't think I needed a battery change in my Attitude, even though the batteries had been in there (and used many times a week) for several months. It was only after I put new batteries in there, did I realize that the other ones were weak (see this thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=000470 )

While weaker, the light was still bright and white and useable.