Moka
Enlightened
Much Lolz
Ra Clicky's Clip: Where art thou?
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Much Lolz
Haz
Enlightened
Maybe the clip will grow on you. I remember the comments when the Ra Twisty first came out, but slowly more have accepted the look of the light.
HoopleHead
Flashlight Enthusiast
matrixshaman
Flashlight Enthusiast
Since I got a couple PM's on the Titanium clips I made in the past for the HDS and plan for the Ra Clicky I'd like to say I cannot at this time or in the near future make any clips as much as I'd like to do so. As I mentioned in my post above it would likely be several months at least - more likely this coming summer at the earliest before I would have my shop set back up. When I can make some and have some available I will definitely make it known here and CPFM. I am hoping Henry will see this thread and consider offering a more pocket friendly and ergonomic clip in the meantime. Either way don't let the current clip keep you from enjoying this awesome light. There will be solutions...
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Sgt. LED
Flashaholic
I may never get one of these lights but I just had to drop in and say that the provided clip is horrible.
The horror, the horror...................:green:
Some Devon 2-ton and a springy SS wire would be nicer!
The horror, the horror...................:green:
Some Devon 2-ton and a springy SS wire would be nicer!
HoopleHead
Flashlight Enthusiast
So does this one fit, or can it be modified to fit the Clicky?
http://www.lighthound.com/Arc-4-Style-Black-Steel-Spring-Clip-for-HDS-EDC-Flashlights_p_6-66.html
http://www.lighthound.com/Arc-4-Style-Black-Steel-Spring-Clip-for-HDS-EDC-Flashlights_p_6-66.html
What were they thinking? 
SaturnNyne
Enlightened
Partly true, in that part of its function was given great consideration, while the other part was ignored entirely. See below.
When I first saw the molle compatible bit, I thought he was just marketing the fact that it, like all past Arc/EDC clips, would fit just about perfectly on a large molle strap or BDU belt. And it was described as sturdy, so I thought maybe it would be widened to, say, 1/4". But this possibility never seriously crossed my mind. Incidentally, I just tested both the Arc clip and this new clip on the large straps of a Maxpedition backpack. The length of the old clip seems designed for them, it locks on perfectly and securely. The new clip is too long, allowing it to slide up and down about an inch or more. Given that the added width doesn't seem to add much here, as far as I can see in a quick fitting, I'd call the old clips more "molle compatible." But what do I know about that. Also, the retention feature makes it a bit of a pain to draw draw from the straps, as would be expected.
And it sure does glint. I was walking around my house with it in my pocket earlier and I noticed that the clip was catching the fairly dim house lights and projecting a spot on the wall. I looked down at the offending pants-mirror and realized that I will probably not be able to use this in public and not get asked about it. Since I do not wear gold chains, huge cubic zirconia rings, or a platinum grille, it is now by far the blingest part of my wardrobe and it sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm a little bit embarrassed to be seen with it.
I was thinking about this earlier. I'd always thought the first edition NT clip blunder was just another item on that company's list of screwups, but now that I see the similar appearance of the new clip, I'm starting to think Henry must have been responsible for that disastrous v.1 NT that we were so quick to lambast and then discard. Interestingly, that design was also hidden from us as long as possible, all the way up until John at LH received the first run and posted photos himself. That created a similar but slightly less unanimous outcry.
Same here. I've now carried the light with clip for an evening. First off, I have to say that the clip does a functionally wonderful job of being a clip. It clips onto cloth well, slides right over the edge of a pocket without having to lift it, the light is secure and sits well, nice and low in the pocket, no complaints there at all. If you just want something that will secure and position something else inside a pocket or on a belt, with no other aspect of the design given any consideration, this may be the ticket. It's one of the best clips I've ever used. But the problem comes when it's attached to a light. Though it does a great job of being a clip, when it's attached to a light it causes the light to no longer do a very good job of being a light. Which is a bit of a problem for people who sometimes use lights in their hand instead of just carrying lights in their pockets. So if you want a very expensive but rather large pocket light to clip in your pocket, two thumbs up on the Clicky and its factory clip. If you want a light to use for projecting light in order to light darkness that would otherwise be largely or entirely devoid of light, this combo may not be the most ideal for the purpose.
It was so nice having the Clicky right there, clipped at the top of my pocket, easily reachable (I say reachable, not necessarily easily accessible, key distinction here). It made me realize how much I've missed a clip during the time that I've been carrying it without. But that didn't matter much when I pulled it out to use it; I was immediately focused on how uncomfortable and unnatural it felt. Every normal movement and manipulation of it suddenly became uncomfortable and required thought in order to work around the spring steel irritant that was now attached to it. I definitely had at least one moment when I pulled it from my pocket, flipped it around, and went to activate it, but stopped in mid stroke as I realized my finger was about to smack down on the obstructing clip edge standing guard between me and the button. Stop, take a moment to adjust light in grip so I can get at switch, proceed. I removed the clip from my L1 because its length was just right to slash at my thumb when twisting the tail quickly, but I still put up with it for a few months first. I don't think this one is going to last that long, it is a far bigger pain in the arse. I'm still experimenting with it and trying to find a way to make it work acceptably for me, but I'm going to be ordering a different design to experiment with and I predict I will soon remove this clip and leave just the screws to fill the holes until I have an acceptable replacement ready. Because, this design is just flat out unacceptable to the point that I've started avoiding using the light since attaching it. Earlier, if I thought about it, after a few minutes of light use followed by 10+ minutes without touching it, I noticed that I could still feel a very slight rawness on my little finger at the point where it contacts the edge of this clip. I am utterly baffled by the fact that anyone would create this, try it out, and say, "yes, this is what I'm looking for, this is good." Maybe if it had a black coating it would be a good clip for military use, none of them wants to be such a sissy that they'd complain about their flashlight hurting their little piggies. And maybe it's a perfect clip for cavers. But it doesn't belong on a light marketed as an edc and it's not the experience I expect in a light for which I paid almost a quarter grand.
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2758774&postcount=4
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2759755&postcount=14
litetube
Enlightened
Thank you for the detailed actual use insights of the clip Saturn!!:twothumbs
I've got one of the early 120P's and I bought the 140CGT to replace it.
But...
The 120P is smaller, uses almost identical programming functions, and the RA 140CGT is only brighter than the 120P in it's "blast" mode which you get for only 10 seconds at a time. The beam of the Clicky is no better, nor worse, than the Novatac.
And now with the release of this "interesting" clip, I'm thinking I'll go back to the Novatac and let the Ra Clicky go to another person who appreciates it more than me.
I think maybe this could be a product that has suffered from over hyping during the months before it's release, and the first evidence of that was when it was "downgraded" from a 170 to a 140.
I expected what the hype promised, but really got just another 120P (only larger), and the clip is another indication that this isn't the light we thought it would be.
Flamesuit on...
I don't hate the Clicky, I'm just not that excited about what it turned out to be.
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matrixshaman
Flashlight Enthusiast
I contacted Henry about the current Ra clip, my clip design and to offer my design freely to him if he wanted to take on making one like mine. He said people he showed his clip to early in the design liked it a lot and that they also liked the prototypes. I'm guessing these were possibly cavers or military both of whom would be more interested in functionality than cosmetics and EDC use and such. He said he appreciated my offer but that it takes a long time and a lot of expense to get a clip into production. I can understand that knowing how machine shops always seem to take so long to get things done as well as the design drawings, testing and making a prototype. I thought when I first came up with my design I could easily make one in an hour or less. It took me an average of 5 to 6 hours to get one made. And I had a drill press as well as a large metal cutting band saw and grinders. The tough part for me was the bending although even cutting took quite a while with 6AL4V Titanium. Henry said he does not have the time to start another clip design as it sounds like he is working full tilt to keep up with producing the current lights. As it was his email came through at around 2 AM if that tells you anything. He did say he was interested in my design and might take a serious look at it at a later time so if I can't get the time to do these quickly enough there is a chance he may.
I won't let a clip keep me from this cool light. While I prefer a light to have a clip I have some very nice lights that do not have clips but just have lanyards I've made for them. I still prefer a clip and once I get my shop set back up any light that gets EDC'd will probably get a clip. I EDC'd the Firefly II for a while with no clip - just a lanyard tied through a pant loop so it could not drop but having a clip is best - just not a deal breaker for me.
In the mean time it looks like the Arc clip from Lighthound with just a very little work will do nicely. I think it just needs a little filing and a slight bend to make it fit well.
I also got word on the Ra model I want to buy and will be placing an order shortly for it. I thought maybe this model (140 Cn) were not shipping at all but it is just that they are selling as fast as they come in and Henry's producing them as fast as he can.
I won't let a clip keep me from this cool light. While I prefer a light to have a clip I have some very nice lights that do not have clips but just have lanyards I've made for them. I still prefer a clip and once I get my shop set back up any light that gets EDC'd will probably get a clip. I EDC'd the Firefly II for a while with no clip - just a lanyard tied through a pant loop so it could not drop but having a clip is best - just not a deal breaker for me.
In the mean time it looks like the Arc clip from Lighthound with just a very little work will do nicely. I think it just needs a little filing and a slight bend to make it fit well.
I also got word on the Ra model I want to buy and will be placing an order shortly for it. I thought maybe this model (140 Cn) were not shipping at all but it is just that they are selling as fast as they come in and Henry's producing them as fast as he can.
HoopleHead
Flashlight Enthusiast
Guess I'm going clipless, may try the old HDS clip later but I think I can deal.
LOVE my 140-Cn!
LOVE my 140-Cn!
LLCoolBeans
Flashlight Enthusiast
I guess I'm the only one that likes the design? It's utilitarian, I thought utilitarian was desirable to a man? Do most of you carry your lights as an accessory on your Gucci purse? :kiss: Those of you that dislike the clip because you feel it's ugly, I have to wonder about. On the other hand, if it is uncomfortable in the hand when using the light, that's another story entirely. That would make it less utilitarian.
I spoke to Henry weeks ago about the clips and his reasoning for this design makes a lot of sense. He had many reports of people loosing their HDS lights because of the narrow, short clip. He wanted a way to really secure the light, deep in the pocket, making it secure as possible while still quick to grab. I asked him about the width and he made a good point. If you look at any other tool with a clip besides a flashlight, it will have a big WIDE clip, sometimes over an inch wide. He also mentioned MOLLE compatibility and ball cap usage, both of which are really handy. I am not military and I use a bag with a PALS grid, it's just the most utilitarian bag I've been able to find.
I spoke to Henry weeks ago about the clips and his reasoning for this design makes a lot of sense. He had many reports of people loosing their HDS lights because of the narrow, short clip. He wanted a way to really secure the light, deep in the pocket, making it secure as possible while still quick to grab. I asked him about the width and he made a good point. If you look at any other tool with a clip besides a flashlight, it will have a big WIDE clip, sometimes over an inch wide. He also mentioned MOLLE compatibility and ball cap usage, both of which are really handy. I am not military and I use a bag with a PALS grid, it's just the most utilitarian bag I've been able to find.
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matrixshaman
Flashlight Enthusiast
LLCoolBeans, I'd have to agree with what you are saying and I knew Henry must have had good reasons for this design. I think there is a bit of over-reaction on the looks factor but if it's not comfortable to hold or activate the switch easily then it's going to be begging for a secondary clip design. For now the Arc clip may work for some although I personally don't like bezel up only clips. I just placed my order for the Ra Clicky and I'll probably try putting my prototype bezel up/down clip I did in stainless steel on it for now. This one in SS:
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LLCoolBeans
Flashlight Enthusiast
Just received my Clicky clip today. Works great and is not uncomfortable in my hand. It's not as comfortable as no clip, mind you, but it does not interfere with operation of the light in any way. I like it fine.
It is a radical departure from the norm, so I think that's why people have over-reacted. I think that once people start using them, they will change their minds. It's tough, versatile and secure, that's pretty much the definition of a great pocket clip, for me anyway.
It is a radical departure from the norm, so I think that's why people have over-reacted. I think that once people start using them, they will change their minds. It's tough, versatile and secure, that's pretty much the definition of a great pocket clip, for me anyway.
PoliceScannerMan
Flashaholic
I must admit, after 24 hours, the pics of the new clip dont smack me in the face like they were doing yesterday. :laughing:
I will try it out. I just need to find that thing were supposed to mail in... 😎
I will try it out. I just need to find that thing were supposed to mail in... 😎
litetube
Enlightened
The only tool I can think of that might have a clip like that is a tape measure?
I think opinions about the looks of the clip are totally justified positive or negative . And if anything would compliment a feminine attire I would say this clip would go perfectly with a big chunky sterling silver necklace and earrings. :nana: I thinks it is the ugliest,clunkiest piece of tin ever slapped on a light. I guess that makes me a bit limp wristed :shrug:
I can understand the desire to design a clip that will securely retain the light and the original HDS clips or even the E-series Surefire clips were /are inadequate. But this can be accomplished in a form factor like the venerable MCGizmo clip. That clip is neither 1"wide or 4" long and is of a matte finish not what appears to be chrome.
It's a clip for goodness sake!! a piece of tempered/stamped spring steel. there is an attachment point and a cpl bends. Is this rocket science requiring years of development?
I think opinions about the looks of the clip are totally justified positive or negative . And if anything would compliment a feminine attire I would say this clip would go perfectly with a big chunky sterling silver necklace and earrings. :nana: I thinks it is the ugliest,clunkiest piece of tin ever slapped on a light. I guess that makes me a bit limp wristed :shrug:
I can understand the desire to design a clip that will securely retain the light and the original HDS clips or even the E-series Surefire clips were /are inadequate. But this can be accomplished in a form factor like the venerable MCGizmo clip. That clip is neither 1"wide or 4" long and is of a matte finish not what appears to be chrome.
It's a clip for goodness sake!! a piece of tempered/stamped spring steel. there is an attachment point and a cpl bends. Is this rocket science requiring years of development?
Haz
Enlightened
I do like the fact the clip goes all the way to the end, so when you clip it on a belt, pocket, there is no protruding bit that might imbalance the clip and cause it to fall out.
Perhaps the clip can be polished up a little bit more, so you can use the clip as a signaling mirror also!!!.
I think if was possible to design the clip to hug around the light a bit more it will be better, or make it a bit more narrow, as long as it does not compromise the holding ability.
Perhaps the clip can be polished up a little bit more, so you can use the clip as a signaling mirror also!!!.
I think if was possible to design the clip to hug around the light a bit more it will be better, or make it a bit more narrow, as long as it does not compromise the holding ability.
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