SF C2 W/ M61 vs Ra Twisty durability?

[Brian321]

Ok so I am trying to decide which light to put into my BOB. I currently own a SF C2 with an M61 but I do not own a Ra light yet.

My question is are both these lights about equal to each other as far as durability?

I dont want to start a flame war so please keep it cool.

By durability I mean worst case scenario. Like if SHTF and you dont know how long it will be before everything calms down, Like having to leave your light in your bag untill you can find batteries which could be days, weeks, or months and who knows what kind of torture your light would be going through. But hopefully this wont ever happen.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[nbp]

They're probably pretty equivalent as far as toughness goes; I have a clicky and a twisty and a C2 with a NB drop-in, and if conditions are bad enough that one of those lights gets destroyed, well, I don't think I'll be needing that light for long.

One advantage the Ra has is the very low setting that will run a very long time, which can be a benefit in a disaster situation. And the fact that it is a single cell light which means you can feed your 'dead' cells to it to eke out the last bit of juice.

 

[Darvis]

It's a wash as far as I'm concerned, I think both are equally as tough (I own both as well). Where you do get the savings is in size and weight, the RA absolutely trumps the C2 here. Also, as nbp said, the Ra has the multiple levels advantage and is a single cell light (not comparing 18650's or 17670's, talking the ability to use primary or RCR123's) Based on that, and not durability, the Ra would be my choice.

 

[mossyoak]

The ra would be more durable with physical battery protection and that massive bezel that shock isolates the window

 

[abarth_1200]

The RA because,

a) its not a modified unit

b) it has multipul levels so you can choose the lowest level and preserve you batteries

c) I dont know if the C2 is dive rated or its waterproof specs but the RA can be submerged to something like 66 feet

d) its smaller

Can you tell I love RA products

 

[mdocod]

Similar reliability more than likely, but the Ra makes much more sense for a BOB being a single cell that can be used with cells of all different states of charge that you can find laying around, (no issues with mix and match). The lower power consumption overall will mean more hours of useful light in an emergency.


Eric

 

[Brian321]

Thanks for the answers so far. I might have to buy a Ra twisty.

How tough is the plastic retaining ring on that holds the lens in on the C2?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[lightsandknives]

I have both (1 Twisty and 4 Malkoff drop-ins), and the only one I've had problems with is my Ra Twisty. It's going to have to go back for some TLC.

 

[mossyoak]

Thanks for the answers so far. I might have to buy a Ra twisty.

How tough is the plastic retaining ring on that holds the lens in on the C2?

Thanks,
Brian

Tough enough that you won't ever have to worry about it

 

[Sgt. LED]

I've had a Ra twisty fail. I've not had a Malkoff nor a C2 host die from regular use.

The U wires were too bendy and prone to damage from turning it on with too much force. I sold the replacement. I have a Ra clicky and it has given me no problems.

 

[Darvis]

I'm with Sarge, I'd go clicky before twisty. 1 more mode and one handed operation....

 

[MedicX]

Well, I'll be darned! Here I am looking for a flashlight to be my EDC and the light that will at least be on me if SHTF... I didn't wanna spend over a $100 on a light, but,:shrug: looks like it was meant to be...

I have a problem of over researching everything before I buy it... Gun, knives, fire steels, paracord, and now flashlights. This is going to get addicting. My wife loves it :shakehead. But seriously, thank you guys. You just made my decision more solid.

Oh, and go with the "clicky"...

 

[HDS_Systems]

Brian321,

If your C2 will take this much abuse, it is probably equivalent in the ruggedness department. See the HDS Systems' home page for a description of what this light went through.

My personal preference is Clicky style. As you can see from the photo, it is very robust. It is what I live with and what I take on those long underground trips.

Henry.

 

[Darvis]

Did we mention HDS' attention to top notch customer service? That's the man himself above; it doesn't get any better than that!

 

[pjandyho]

You can never be wrong with a HDS Clicky EDC (used to be Ra Clicky until Henry decided to change the name). It is after all designed by the man who uses it and trusted his life on it for all his caving and outdoor exploits. I have not done caving before but from what I gather, it is the toughest of environments one could ever be immersed in.

So yes, a HDS Clicky anytime for me. If not for toughness, then for the efficiency and run-time of the battery.

Even though I love the fact that HDS clicky takes rechargeable batteries, you might want to consider adding a pack of primary CR123 batteries in your BoB as they have a 10 year shelf life, so should an emergency occur where you may need to be away from civilization for a few months, you would have spare batteries that works.

 

[jimmy1970]

The Ra Twisty is a very tough little light - the problem with this model, in my experience are the U wires - all three Twistys I have spent any time with have had the U wires drop causing a loss of 1 or 2 levels - if you left the light alone for an hour after use, the U wires would rise again and provide the three levels again. If you were so bold as to turn the light to the highest level and leave it there for more than 5 seconds, you would loose the second level when twisting down the output. :shakehead

So I would suggest a Ra Clicky - one of the best lights out there and no U wires! I know there are a lot of people out there with Twistys that apparantly have had no problems - just in my experience I have had a problem with all of mine.

The C2 with M61 would be almost as tough as the Ra Twisty if you are into throwing it at rocks etc with the only weak area being the edge of the bezel. It deforms when the light is dropped onto the bezel from a height making removal of a possible broken Pyrex lens difficult. Some recommend a SS bezel ring to protect the bezel edge.

James...

 

[Brian321]

Looks like i will be ordering an HDS Clicky. Is there a CPF discount code?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[carrot]

I think at the point where you'll destroy one or the other you won't be in much of a situation to complain about it. Both are super tough, super reliable, and super durable. The Ra does offer more functionality, though.

 

[GunSmoke16610]

The RA is a fine light very tough. In my mind it comes down to the UI, decide which you prefer and go with that light. I don't think you could destroy either in the real world situation. Have fun

 

[civic77]

I think its a wash between these two. Seems like if your in such an extreme environment that these lights fail you won't be around to use them for long lol.

Have you considered a M61 with a Malkoff MD2? I haven't owned a MD2 and C2 at the same time but the MD2 has the same indestructible feeling I remember the C2 having. The battery walls are very thick and the lens seems well protected. Mine took a 6' fall onto concrete at work with only a tiny dent on the bezel as a result. It also has a clicky if you prefer that to twisty and the option of having a low level with hi-low ring. With the MD2 you have the ability to run 18650 cells and seems to have very good runtime on high and is seriously bright.

I love Ra's as well though and you can't go wrong with any of these lights. Gene also offers top notch service and stands behind his products. You can get a 2 level M61/MD2 for about $125 shipped with the discount.

Edit: Didn't notice you already owned the C2/M61. But I still would prefer a MD2 to a C2, doesn't look as cool but the option to have 2 levels is nice and can run 18650, RCR123a and CR123a batteries.

If finding batteries/having to use the flashlight long term like if modern technology was wiped out it would seem AA batteries would be much easier to find then CR123A batteries. A rugged AA light like the Fenix TK20 would be a good choice.