KDOG3
Flashlight Enthusiast
I've been hearing some rumbling on a new Twisty and Clickys. Anyone have any info? The only thing I see on the Ra website is a new IR model. I'm chompin' at the bit here to see what new lights he has coming out...
So where are the new Ra's?
- Thread starter KDOG3
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umc
Enlightened
Yeah buddy, plus add my additional presets and we're talking. I'll probably need a few of them.
Word on the street is that Henry likes to keep things quiet until released.
KDOG3
Flashlight Enthusiast
Can't wait! A Ra 250 or so would definetly be on my short list!
don.gwapo
Enlightened
Ooops... looks like i'm gona hold for a while and wait for new ra 200+ or so. I'm close in getting the ra 140 executive. .
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JWRitchie76
Flashlight Enthusiast
Where is this 200+ lumen stuff coming from? I haven't seen anything official other than Ra is introducing a new version of the Twisty and a headlamp caving light.
We're all kind of assuming that the Ra lights are going to be using the XP-G LED, especially now that it is available in neutral and warm color temperatures. Being more efficient, Ra designers should be able to pinch longer runtimes and higher outputs (because of the lower froward voltage of the XP-G's, and increased efficiency).
Why? None of the Ra lights to date have used the most efficient, available LEDs.
I thought Ra's mostly used Osram Golden Dragons. Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate any data sheets on efficiency (though admittedly, I have not tried very hard) in Lm/W. Do you mind if I ask you if you know what the efficiency is? I think I recall the Golden Dragon reaching the 100lm/w mark a few years ago, but I can't quite recall if that's true...
Not having spoken to Henry, I can only assume that the reason (s) that Ra uses a less efficient LED (the GD/GD+) as opposed to a more efficient LED is this: better beam patterns with the radiation pattern of the GD/GD+ as opposed to Cree XR-E's, which usually have problems with rings, and durability; the Osram LED's don't have a fragile dome that could be sheared off by horizontal forces (or just fall off, as we've seen several cases of). Also, the Osrams are flat, and can be held in place by the reflector, whereas the XP-G will sit in the reflector opening.
But the radiating pattern should be similar from the Osram to the XP-G, at ~115*, correct? Meaning no real huge investment in new reflectors that will produce similar (if not better) beam patterns and lux readings.
HDS_Systems
Enlightened
GsWitter,
There is more to a flashlight than an LED manufacturer's specification sheet. When we build a light we are only interested in one thing: which LED emitter can be purchased in production quantities and meet our rather stringent specifications. We are interested in high lumen/minutes out the front window. In the end, nothing else matters.
We looked at the Cree XR-E LEDs and they could not meet our specifications. So we did not use them. And relatively few other flashlight manufacturers used them - probably for similar reasons.
New emitters are announced on a regular basis. There is a lot of gamesmanship (i.e., marketing hype) in most press releases. It is often 6, 9, 12 or more months before you can purchase an LED that does that the press release claimes. There is a huge difference between being able to ship a single emitter that meets a certain specification and being able to ship production quantities of an emitter that meets a certain specification. You only have to ship a single emitter for the press release to be "accurate".
Suffice it to say we are always looking for an emitter that can better what we have. And we build prototypes on a regular basis to test new emitters. But building one is not the same as getting something into production. That takes a lot more work - and testing. There is a lot more to putting an LED under the hood than meets the eye.
Henry.
There is more to a flashlight than an LED manufacturer's specification sheet. When we build a light we are only interested in one thing: which LED emitter can be purchased in production quantities and meet our rather stringent specifications. We are interested in high lumen/minutes out the front window. In the end, nothing else matters.
We looked at the Cree XR-E LEDs and they could not meet our specifications. So we did not use them. And relatively few other flashlight manufacturers used them - probably for similar reasons.
New emitters are announced on a regular basis. There is a lot of gamesmanship (i.e., marketing hype) in most press releases. It is often 6, 9, 12 or more months before you can purchase an LED that does that the press release claimes. There is a huge difference between being able to ship a single emitter that meets a certain specification and being able to ship production quantities of an emitter that meets a certain specification. You only have to ship a single emitter for the press release to be "accurate".
Suffice it to say we are always looking for an emitter that can better what we have. And we build prototypes on a regular basis to test new emitters. But building one is not the same as getting something into production. That takes a lot more work - and testing. There is a lot more to putting an LED under the hood than meets the eye.
Henry.
JWRitchie76
Flashlight Enthusiast
GsWitter,
There is more to a flashlight than an LED manufacturer's specification sheet. When we build a light we are only interested in one thing: which LED emitter can be purchased in production quantities and meet our rather stringent specifications. We are interested in high lumen/minutes out the front window. In the end, nothing else matters.
We looked at the Cree XR-E LEDs and they could not meet our specifications. So we did not use them. And relatively few other flashlight manufacturers used them - probably for similar reasons.
New emitters are announced on a regular basis. There is a lot of gamesmanship (i.e., marketing hype) in most press releases. It is often 6, 9, 12 or more months before you can purchase an LED that does that the press release claimes. There is a huge difference between being able to ship a single emitter that meets a certain specification and being able to ship production quantities of an emitter that meets a certain specification. You only have to ship a single emitter for the press release to be "accurate".
Suffice it to say we are always looking for an emitter that can better what we have. And we build prototypes on a regular basis to test new emitters. But building one is not the same as getting something into production. That takes a lot more work - and testing. There is a lot more to putting an LED under the hood than meets the eye.
Henry.
Henry, whatever it takes for you to keep offering us the finest illumination tools I'm all for! Keep up the outstanding work! :twothumbs
saabgoblin
Enlightened
Since I sadly missed pulling the trigger on a Ra Tr-85, I'll gladly wait a while longer for your next incarnation of the twisty. Looking forward to kicking the tires on a HDS light in the future, dare I even say anything about the rumored headlamp or maybe that was just somebodies wish list.
smokelaw1
Flashlight Enthusiast
Thanks for your thoughts Henry. Whatever you decide, I, for one (though I know I'm not alone here) will be happy to trust in the quality and reliability you build into every light. I'm eagerly looking forward to replacing my Twisty!!
JWRitchie76
Flashlight Enthusiast
I have heard through the grapevine 2 weeks for the new Twisty! 
You're preaching to the converted here, Henry.GsWitter,
There is more to a flashlight than an LED manufacturer's specification sheet. When we build a light we are only interested in one thing: which LED emitter can be purchased in production quantities and meet our rather stringent specifications. We are interested in high lumen/minutes out the front window. In the end, nothing else matters.
We looked at the Cree XR-E LEDs and they could not meet our specifications. So we did not use them. And relatively few other flashlight manufacturers used them - probably for similar reasons.
New emitters are announced on a regular basis. There is a lot of gamesmanship (i.e., marketing hype) in most press releases. It is often 6, 9, 12 or more months before you can purchase an LED that does that the press release claimes. There is a huge difference between being able to ship a single emitter that meets a certain specification and being able to ship production quantities of an emitter that meets a certain specification. You only have to ship a single emitter for the press release to be "accurate".
Suffice it to say we are always looking for an emitter that can better what we have. And we build prototypes on a regular basis to test new emitters. But building one is not the same as getting something into production. That takes a lot more work - and testing. There is a lot more to putting an LED under the hood than meets the eye.
Henry.
My comment (admittedly, a little baiting) was aimed at those assuming you would naturally be using XP-G for an upcoming or updated light, and wasn't meant as a slight to any of your products.
I certainly wouldn't mind seeing an even wider beam Clicky or Twisty based on the XP-G and your current reflector. However, considering the evolution of the EDC over the years, for every reason I could think of that might favor the XP-G, I could probably come up with that many or more opposed to it.
KDOG3
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'm hoping for a new brighter Clicky with a tight beam optic. Any chance of my hopes coming true Henry?
And good to see you posting!
And good to see you posting!
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JWRitchie76
Flashlight Enthusiast
WoW! Sucks to be you! :nana:
I have heard through the grapevine 2 weeks for the new Twisty!
lovecpf I can't wait!!! I hope your vine is reliable
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JWRitchie76
Flashlight Enthusiast
lovecpf I can't wait!!! I hope your vine is reliable
The Grapevine also says that the Twisty will be offered in a 140 with the wider beam pattern and a high CRI emitter initially. A version with the longer throw eventually and a possible final run with the low red in the future. I really want a high CRI Ra so now I just need to figure out if I like Clicky or Twisty operation more. My 85 TR should be here sometime next week to help me make the decision!!! :twothumbs
