Ra Clicky Executive vs Novatac 120E

[run4jc]

Hate to start a thread on this my searches didn't give the answer - LA Police Gear is closing out the Novatac for $89 - I was this close to ordering an Ra before I found that deal. Ra seems to be the chosen one between the 2, but for $50 difference for small EDC.....
Thoughts? Construction? Interface? Output? Comfortable to carry? Finish holds up? Is the Ra worth $50 extra?

Thanks in advance!
:thinking:

 

[Dead_Nuts]

I think most people will tell you the Ra is worth the extra $. But if money is seriously tight, the Novatac is a decent light. I own multiples of each, so I know what makes them both nice lights.

The NT is smaller in size -- but I still carry one of my Ra lights daily. The Ra's design does a better job of protecting the lens and they are built like tanks.

OTOH, I don't believe I would be concerned if I was stranded with only the NT in pocket.

Of course the flashaholic answer is: BUY BOTH!!!

 

[matrixshaman]

The Novatac is 120 Lumens max. The Ra EDC is 120 Lumens and is $99. However between the two I'm going to say it's a rough call due to some issues the Ra has had - main one now is not being able to tailstand with the newer style tail switch. I don't know if that is still an issue but it may be something you want to check into before buying. As you know both lights were designed by Henry. Ra has a few new features but the low end one at $99 is not a lot different and uses the same emitter as the Novatac. If Novatac ever gets its s%#* together they will be selling the Novatac Storm for around $60 or a little less. It's been promised for the last year but still is getting bumped into future delivery dates - latest I've seen is 10-15-09. Don't hold your breath though as it has been bumped up at least 10 times IIRC - usually a month or so ahead each time a delivery date approaches. These are their foreign made versions but sound like they will be essentially the same as current models with programming available to customize them.

 

[run4jc]

Thanks - I'm leaning toward the Ra. I just read the owner's manual online. Wow. Do you happen to have any photos of the light next to something like a SF E1B or one of the little Fenix single cell - 123 or AA - lights? I'm interested in a tank of a light to carry at all times. I love my little inexpensive Fenix and the Surefire E1B is terrific, but neither one is exactly what I want for EDC. Gonna give the Fenix to my wife for her purse and the Surefire is running a primary only, so I'd like the EDC to be capable of handling RCRs.

Gotta love the fact that you can customize the Ra lights on their site, too. $89 for the Novatac - heck, you are right - I should buy both!!

 

[EEG]

I have one of each and after the easter egg clicks my NT tail cap has not been right since so I think they have a limited number of reliable clicks in them. I still use it and like it but it only sees short term use so I say Ra Clicky w/ smooth bezel and bezel down TI pocket clip. Rides the pocket like a dream.

 

[run4jc]

The Novatac is 120 Lumens max. The Ra EDC is 120 Lumens and is $99. However between the two I'm going to say it's a rough call due to some issues the Ra has had - main one now is not being able to tailstand with the newer style tail switch. I don't know if that is still an issue but it may be something you want to check into before buying. As you know both lights were designed by Henry. Ra has a few new features but the low end one at $99 is not a lot different and uses the same emitter as the Novatac. If Novatac ever gets its s%#* together they will be selling the Novatac Storm for around $60 or a little less. It's been promised for the last year but still is getting bumped into future delivery dates - latest I've seen is 10-15-09. Don't hold your breath though as it has been bumped up at least 10 times IIRC - usually a month or so ahead each time a delivery date approaches. These are their foreign made versions but sound like they will be essentially the same as current models with programming available to customize them.

The Ra I am looking at is 140 lumen with recessed button and sells for $139....unless I've missed a deal somewhere!

 

[run4jc]

I have one of each and after the easter egg clicks my NT tail cap has not been right since so I think they have a limited number of reliable clicks in them. I still use it and like it but it only sees short term use so I say Ra Clicky w/ smooth bezel and bezel down TI pocket clip. Rides the pocket like a dream.

Thanks - this forum always ultimately points the way.

Carbon Hill, AL? Heck, I've got family in Carbon Hill!! I'm originally from T-Town.....

:twothumbs

 

[Dan FO]

Remember that 140 lumens is only good for 10 seconds then it drops.

 

[EEG]

Thanks - this forum always ultimately points the way.

Carbon Hill, AL? Heck, I've got family in Carbon Hill!! I'm originally from T-Town.....

:twothumbs

The web makes the world a whole lot smaller.

I had a sale on another forum found by a guy in T-Town and turns out we worked a couple miles from each other and met up at lunch and made the sale.

Back on topic- Get the narrower beam by the way

 

[Knife Boy]

I don't own a RA (yet), but my Novatac 120E is one of my favorite lights. Very well built, beautiful beam, ingenius UI, and at that price you can't go wrong. I would grab it at $85 and then order a P style tailcap from lIghthound for it. In my opinion this makes it nearly the ultimate EDC light. As many ahve said I am sure both are great but I can only opine on the NT

 

[run4jc]

I don't own a RA (yet), but my Novatac 120E is one of my favorite lights. Very well built, beautiful beam, ingenius UI, and at that price you can't go wrong. I would grab it at $85 and then order a P style tailcap from lIghthound for it. In my opinion this makes it nearly the ultimate EDC light. As many ahve said I am sure both are great but I can only opine on the NT

I really want to get one of the Ra lights, but as you say, it is hard to turn down the Novatac for $90.....sold. Ra will enter my wish list!

 

[AILL]

Go for the Novatac. I own two 120P and a RA140CGT, I had a RA140CN. Both RA's have/had issues whereas the Novatacs work 100%.
Last weekend I went for some days to Venice/Italy with my wife and I thought long which light I should choose between my 140CGT, the 120P and the LF3XT to accompany us.
Finally I preferred the Novatac.

Andreas
*AILL*

 

[Yucca Patrol]

I really want to get one of the Ra lights, but as you say, it is hard to turn down the Novatac for $90.....sold. Ra will enter my wish list!

If you haven't already bought the Novatac, for $9 more you can get a Ra EDC Executive. It's 120 lumens instead of 140 but that is the main difference. When I bought mine, I couldn't figure out any other significant difference between the higher end Clickys and the EDC. I think it has a few less optional modes and no choice of beam shape, but it comes with perfect settings that I dont wish to change.

Plus, the extra $9 gives you an American made light.

 

[run4jc]

Plus, the extra $9 gives you an American made light.

I agree- but it is not an extra $9 - it is an extra $50. I much prefer to buy the American products - that's why I slowly switching over to Surefire. I'll (embarrassed) admit - this was purely an impulse. LA Police Gear had a clearance on the Novatac - of course, that made me comparison shop and I know the Ra lights are great - so I put the question out there. The Novatac will be here next week - and next month I'll probably order the Ra!

 

[Yucca Patrol]

$99 plus free battery caddy and 4 batteries here:

http://batterystation.com/hdsedcexecutive.htm

 

[bansuri]

Plus, the extra $9 gives you an American made light.

That challenges this information.

 

[leon2245]

$99 plus free battery caddy and 4 batteries here:

http://batterystation.com/hdsedcexecutive.htm

The pocket clip on that one & the Ra Twisty (or does the twisty even have a clip?), can you remove the clip & put the screws only back in there?

 

[run4jc]

That challenges this information.

bansuri is right - direct quote from Novatac's web site:

"All of our lights are Proudly Made in the USA."

at this link

So now I'm feeling really good about this $89 purchase (for a $139 MSRP light.) And it can handle 4.2V so I can drop that RCR in when I want to. My collection of 123 lights is growing so batteries may be an issue...

 

[run4jc]

$99 plus free battery caddy and 4 batteries here:

http://batterystation.com/hdsedcexecutive.htm

Cool - but I was confused. The one I was looking at was this one:

Ra Clicky Executive

but now I see the one you mention at Ra's site for $99 also - of course no caddy or batteries.

Ra Clicky EDC

So you can see why I was confused. When I get the Ra I'll order the Executive and have it customized - so I'm still happy with the Novatac decision. Thanks for the info!!

 

[Yucca Patrol]

Sorry I goofed on the made in USA bit. They are both sweet lights and you really can't go wrong. :twothumbs