Questions before I buy a Peak Led

[Greta]

Originally posted by WTH on 6-7-07, HERE.

My apologies if any of these questions are answered somewhere in the forums. If they are, I couldn't find the answer. Here are my questions:

1) Fenix, Arc, Surefire use lumens to measure brightness, I'm having trouble comparing the candlepower rating given by Peak. For instance, the Carribbean at 1050 CP. Any idea how many lumens, approximately?

2) How durable and well-made are these lights? I have a Surefire G2, Fenix P2D and Arc-P. The Surefire and Arc seem pretty much indestructible while the Fenix is very well engineered but seems like it couldn't take quite the same abuse as the SF and Arc. Thoughts on where the Peak falls in the comparison?

3) What about the metal case? Why would I choose brass vs. stainless vs. type III HA? Are any of them more rugged? Less prone to scratching? I like the idea of brass but I'm thinking it will tarnish quickly if I carry it around all the time.

4) How do I know how many batteries these take? Caribbean looks like one and Rainier looks like two but on the website it only shows battery type.

5) Are all models regulated? Any comments on the electronics versus other manufacturers?

6) Anything else I should consider in my purchasing decision?

ANY answers would be appreciated. Thanks!

WTH

 

[Greta]

Copied Replies:

parnass06-07-2007 10:21 PM
Re: Questions before I buy a Peak Led

The Peak Caribbean uses one CR123A battery.

I have one in aluminum and another in stainless steel. The stainless steel version is more rugged, though significantly heavier in weight. The aluminum version is knurled which makes it easier to grip versus the smooth, more slippery stainless steel.

Theatre Booth Guy06-08-2007 06:26 AMRe: Questions before I buy a Peak Led

1) Call and ask them.
2) Quite durable and very well made - a little extra lube helps with the new lights from them though. I've dropped my stainless Pacific head down on concrete and it left a small scratch.
3) Brass and stainless are heavier than aluminum. The brass looks great. Stainless seems like a great choice where ultimate durability is desired. The HA III aluminum is lighter but does ding easier with drops on concrete. Each has it's strong and weak points. I have and like all three choices (the brass is really growing on me though)
4) Call them to ask about battery tubes for any particular model - they have lots of choices!!
5) I'm not sure but, I think semi-regulated is the answer. Lithium batteries and/or more cells make for a brighter light. The output does fade slowly with batteries being used up. The positive of this is that the light will fade out over time instead of be fully bright and then shut off.
6) They seem obsessed with quality and long life of their products. I've called in my orders and ended up having great conversations with either Robyn or Curt and learning a lot in the process!

Enjoy

WTH06-08-2007 09:38 AMRe: Questions before I buy a Peak Led

Thank you VERY much for the useful responses. I'll call Peak today since it sounds like they are very helpful over the phone.

nerdgineer06-08-2007 03:50 PMRe: Questions before I buy a Peak Led

Are you not familiar with the Flashlightreviews site? It gives standardized brightness and total output (2 totally different things) for many models of lights including many recent Peaks, Fenixes, et al. It also provides runtime curves which are a critical measure of light design sophistication and efficiency.

Unfortunately, Quickbeam, who created the site, has retired from this activity so we're on our own for many more recent (mostly from DealExtreme and Kaidomain) lights. Some very good reviews of the latter are at lightreviews and from CPFer Chevrofreak (check his sig line).

WTH06-08-2007 03:58 PMRe: Questions before I buy a Peak Led

Quote:
Originally Posted by nerdgineer (Post 2031493)
Are you not familiar with the Flashlightreviews site?

I've spent WAY too many hours on flashlightreviews.com. That site is part of the reason I am so flashlight addicted. As you said, the guy who runs that site no longer reviews new lights, and unfortunately all the Peak reviews are before they adopted the new LED and I'm assuming the beamshots and brightness numbers are different. Maybe the brightness is the same, just longer run times? If I call Peak, I'm sure they will be able to tell me.