Questions

[sunspot]

Rothrandir. You are correct in getting a LS. It's the best. I mentioned the mod because many new members might get scared and run away when they see the prices for the good stuff. Heck, the price on the premies scare me.

 

[doubleganger]

Welcome to CPF.
You didn't mention about how much you are willing to spend and how big/heavy a light you're willing to carry. Do you want something to carry in your pocket all the time (probably), something a little bigger that will still fit a pocket but would be more comfortable hung on a belt? Which is more important, runtime or brightness or a balance of both? Small size or cheap batteries? There are so many options available and everybody has an opinion, so take your time and look around.

 

[Rothrandir]

i've found a good balance...

...i build my own

 

[Jbirk]

Hello,

I have three flahlights all based on standard technology; my current best is the 2 AA Mini MagLite, but I am looking for something better and brighter; I prefer an LED light.
Every flashlight advocate at Candle Power Forums seems to own an ARC Flashlight, and I am assuming this is because the ARC flashlight is the best.

I have a few questions in regards to the ARC flashlight.

Questions:

Is the ARC flashlight brigher than the 2 AA Mini MagLite?

Is the battery life better than the 2 AA Mini MagLite?

Do you think the ARC flashlight it the one I want?

If the ARC is the right light for me, how do I get a perfectly manufatuered ARC light that is bright, white, and defect free?

Finally, if I do want an ARC, what model do I want?

If the ARC is not the light you recommend, what should I buy?

Thank you for your help in advance; I really appreciate it. I cannot think think of anywhere else to go to find people who are flashlight experts.

Please help me find something better than my current light.

-Justin

 

[sunspot]

Arc-AAA vs Mini-Mag AA. No, to your first three questions. You will need a Luxeon Star based flashlight. The good news is Arc makes them. Look for the Arc-LS.
Anyway you look at it, runtimes are based on current draw and battery type. The brighter the light, the more it will suck the life out of your batteries. The smaller the battery, the less life it has. There is no free lunch in this world. TANSTAAFL.
A good option may be to buy an Opalec and convert your Gag-lite. It's nice and bright with a good run time.

 

[Rothrandir]

well, there are 2 different arcs...ls and aaa.

first off, whether or not you are asking...you do want a aaa. just get one.

good, now that we have that cleared up

...
the arc ls (i am assuming this is the model you were refering to) is indeed brighter than the mini.
i don't own any un-modded mini's right now, so i don't know the battery life. the ls, however, is semi-regulated, meaning that it will stay at constant brightness for a while, then eventually loose brightness gradually.
if you want the brigthest and blemish-freeist, then you will want to get a premium. premiums depend mainly of availability, so if you se one (lsh or lsl, i will get to that in a minute) it would be a good idea to pounce.
ok, now about lsl and lsh. lsl means that is uses a low-dome emmitter, this will yeild better results for close up work, and will feature a rounder beam than the lsh (ls high-dome) will. the lsh will reach a bit farther, but will appear to have a slight "star" shaped pattern, some like this, others don't, some just don't care.

personally, i would get an lsl premium, but if a lsh premium were available sooner, i suppose i would get that. (i prefer the rounder beam).
lsh's might also have a tendancy to be slightly whiter than the lsl's, but at the premium level, all will be pretty white and pretty bright.

if you're looking for the best to start out with, i suggest you get the ls. (you can always get other flashlights afterwards

)

***edit*** i see sunspot budged in line...oh well. he also brings up the conversions for the mini, these are good also (i recommend either dat2zips or intretechs (or both) drop-ins being as you are looking for brightness, the opelec will give you a long run-time, but you said bright. (bright is good

)