Some comments on my new Turquoise AAA...

[IlluminatingBikr]

Well my Turquiose AAA came a few days ago, and overall I am very impressed, although there are a few things that don't seem to be the best. It is much brighter than my dad's AAA-LE though, which is very cool. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

First of all, the hole in the tail for the key ring or lanyard, seems to be too far away from the body of the light. Why is it so close to the end of the body, that the farthest end has almost not material left? It would look and be more secure, I would think, if the hold is moved just a millimeter or two towards the body.

Secondly, I know HA-III is probably the best anodization out there, or at least for our purposes. I carry my HA-III L4 with me all the time, and there is not a single scratch or scuff to be found on it. The AAA seems to scratch much more easily however. I am not sure if this is because of the anodization, or possibly because of the very fine knurling. Whatever it may be, I put my AAA on my keychain very hesitantly, because I know there will be some marks on it, even though I treat it with utmost care. My dad already has a bunch of scratches on his AAA, but none on any other of our lights. Might there be a solution for this like more agreesive/no knurling, or a different anodization type or anodization process? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Just some thoughts, or rambling... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[chumley]

I usually wear my turquoise AAA on a neck lanyard so it doesn't get scratched. When I got my Arc AA, I decided that I could put my white AAA on my key ring. For 5 months it has been carried with keys and coins, and it still looks like new, except for a few small superficial scratches. I agree that the hole in the tail should have more metal around it.

I think by the time the finish looks bad, there will be improved models to replace it.

 

[Mikhail]

Yea I agree w/ you about key ring hole in end. Guess it's easier to put ring in when hole is nearby edge. I just got mine Turquoise in black case from Cool Stuff Cheap. It's awesome bright light. I assumed black case is easly noticed if it been scratch. I have to care it like a jewerly. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif Care post picture of both - mint new and scratch/dent to compare? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

 

[PhotonBoy]

The split ring that ships with the Arc AAA is *extremely* tight. <blush> I removed it and replaced it with my M*g Solitaire split ring. It has a larger diameter, but at least I still have my fingernails now. I'm sure the hole was moved precipitously close to the end principally due to the PITA split ring they use. Fortunately, I've had no problems so far and Arc states they will replace the unit if it fails in that area. They *say* they've had no problems with it.

 

[BlindTiger]

I have a three year old AAA turquoise and it's my fave because it's the oldest. Mine also has the hole very close to the edge, it's the regular black anodized one, probably HAII since the black is worn around the edges.
It never failed to operate when needed. I wonder if the problems with the intermittent on/off is just with the whites or does it also affect the colored LED's.

 

[kitelights]

I'll bet you keep your L4 in a pocket by itself while the ARC AAA is on a key chain with keys rubbing against it or in a pocket with coins, keys, or a knife.

 

[DashingMan]

I remember a post specifically saying that the hole was closer to the outer edge of the light because otherwise a split ring would not fit easily. Also something about it becoming scratched heavily when people put split rings on, because it was difficult. And yes, Peter did say that he's never had a failure in that part of the light...think about it, you dont actually put that much force on that end of the light.