Quality or quantity, what do you recommend?

[morrisman1]

I have the urge to power up, at the moment ive got a fenix t1, its a great torch beautifully made and IMO looks better than fenix's current line up put together.

Two options I was thinking about:

1: Quality - The fenix TK-40, well made, waterproof 630 lumens.

2: Quantity - Unbranded chinese HID 4400mAh Lithium rechargable, 3600 lumens. http://www.otd.co.nz/products-page/electronics/3600-lumen-personal-torch-search-light/ edit: Just found a 50w HID torch, 50w HID torch which could be an option too, its the same price as the TK-40

The second is NZ$100 more expensive but its 6 times as bright but without a doubt will not be of the same quality as the fenix TK-40. Does anyone have experience with these HID torches? I would rather suffice 3000 lumens and have something good than a zero lumen broken torch but if the HID torch is going to see the distance then Id rather that due to bang for buck. I take care of my equipment, it wont be drowned or thrown around so durability in tough conditions should be a big factor but general reliability is.

 

[Monocrom]

Always go for quality.

It saves money in the long run since you're not going to be stuck with cheap, non-working lights that crapped out on you. And now you have to pay more to replace them.

 

[morrisman1]

Always go for quality.

It saves money in the long run since you're not going to be stuck with cheap, non-working lights that crapped out on you. And now you have to pay more to replace them.

deep down i think i agree with you, although it would be nice to have that grunt. I cant afford an HID which is of equivalent quality to the Fenix.

 

[carrot]

Quality for working torches, ones you rely on.

Whatever suits you (quality or quantity) for ones you want to play around with.

 

[FlashKat]

Sometimes you just have to go with quantity to satisfy that craving. Just carry a quality light as a back-up.

 

[KBobAries]

Quality. First and foremost.

Buying junk does little more than waste raw materials and perpetuate the cycle of being offered poorly designed and manufactured products by companies wanting a quick profit for something that will be in a landfill within the year.

Dan

ps. End of sermon, I yield the pulpit. :grin2:

 

[skyfire]

my desires have actually settled down some after getting quality lights such as HDS and surefire. Ive sold off most of my quality china made lights, but still keep a few of my favorites as beaters, plus they are still very good and useful lights.

getting quality really does save you money in the long run. just got to ask yourself if youll be satisfied with anything besides the best.

 

[Vortus]

I kinda lean toward both. When new, didn't really even know what I wanted. So got some middle level lights. And went from there. The cheaper lights are always nice to give to others to use to protect the ones I really like.

 

[jellydonut]

..both?lovecpf

Okay, okay. Back to helpful, recommending mode. In every venue, not just flashlights, I go for what is highly recommended and has a good track record. Anything else always leads to disappointment. Buying lights like those no-brands you mentioned is like playing the lottery. Frankly I never play the lottery for $150. ;)

Here's a recent experience by an established CPF member with a less expensive HID: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=296393

 

[On Edge]

Very new here, and to flashlights/torches in general, but in every other area in which I am experienced, quality seems to always be the answer …

Just MHO.

 

[jamesmtl514]

Quality first and foremost.
As others have said. You're only wasting money going the cheap route.

 

[nick-nack]

Quality always comes first. Best get a light you are confident with.
Then pick up the cool 3600 lumen blinder!

 

[Ny0ng1]

like someone said here, I can't afford to buy cheap..... :broke:

in the end i know i would still end up with both and spend more :green:

and the cheaper one tend to be worthless when i need to recoup some $$$ in a pinch
the better quality one hold the value much better when you need to sell it for whatever reason

 

[NonSenCe]

buy the best you can afford. (really afford ..not stretching the budget so that you struggle)

always think if you can save more money for few weeks and buy the better one later.

buy the best bang for buck if you must.
buy the cheap if you dont need it be that reliable (for fun only, not work)

like others said.. if you end up buying the cheap one and it ends up to be crap or not what you needed after all.. you will eventually buy the better one.
(that does give you quantity anyways.. one good and other backup)

the last ditch backup or user light has to be the best quality you can afford to buy, afford to loose and replace with ease. ULBAR =use,loose,break,afford and replace.

research. research. compare and study. think. only you know what is best option for your particular use. when in doubt. ask from others like guys in cpf. :)

i for one know a HID is just for fun in my use. i keep turning my lights on and off all the time. (hids fail quickly with that) i know i need more than one output (not all things need full blast..and increased runtime of lower mode is good).

if you need a "cheaper" thrower type of light.. maybe look at mg rx-1 (sst led version) i have the previous mce led version and am happy with its quality so far. (its good enough to be a backup atleast for the more expensive one if i ever buy one. and no i dont need it for work etc.. only for fun. :) )

 

[hcb]

I agree with NonSenCe. For equipment you want to use and rely on, go for quality. You don't have to overdo it, but skip the lowest tier. Dealing with bad QC and sub-par build quality gets old real fast when the light (or whatever) goes out in the middle of nowhere just when you need it the most. For playing around and modifying, cheap can be good, though.

My 2c.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome to CPF, Helen of Crelant. :wave:

Of course we all like a quality light. I tend to operate on the best buy for the buck plan most of the time. While you usually get what you pay for, having the best of anything is not something I require. And, being flashaholic, of course I'll also buy the odd little cheap lights purely for fun.

Geoff

 

[kramer5150]

The Fenix T1 is a GREAT light. I have always liked the typeIII natural finish on that light. Its a solid 200L OTF, I would have no problems using that light over anything in current production.

Personally I like to sample a broad range of quality and price levels. Cheap DX junk for beater, loaners and DIY tinkering, higher end stuff for myself. I have found some of my cheaper lights to be just as durable and reliable as my more $$$ high quality ones.

Personally I would not consider any collection complete without a broad range of quality and price levels.

 

[Dr Jekell]

Hello from another New Zealand member.

I too have the problem of too many shiny things & :broke:

My suggestion is to buy quality first, get several lights you are happy with, the ones you are not happy with should be able to be sold for a price close to what you paid.

Once you have a stable of quality lights that work for you, then start looking at some of the cheaper lights, but having experienced the quality lights & knowing what to look for will hopefully allow you to pass over the "overpriced" cheep lights.

Also try not to get distracted by knifes, bags, Multitools, & other EDC gadgets.

 

[Monocrom]

Flashlight collecting itself is actually significantly cheaper than other hobbies involving collecting. So even when you go for quality, technically you are still saving money.

 

[Jash]

Ask yourself this question: Am I prepared to just throw away $250 with possibly nothing in return except a big lump of plastic I can't use?