Surefire LX2 vs HDS EDC tactical?

[xamoel]

hi guys,

i recently took notice of the HDS systems flashlights, which seem to have an awesome reputation regarding ruggedness and UI.

as i have a surefire lx2, i wonder if the HDS edc tactical has any advantages over the lx2 that make me want to buy it?

of course it has more modes, but is the tailcap of the EDC tactical as rugged and functional as that of the LX2? what about runtime, beam pattern and maybe beam shots, how do they compare?

which one would you buy (if you didn't have one already :devil: )?
considering price, the lx2 is around 170 i think, while the (custom) edc i "created" on their website costs around 260.

please share your thoughts!

 

[Sgt. LED]

There's no wrong choice here and I own both.
LX2 has more reach and higher brightness but less spill.
Ra has more modes and only needs 1 cell but has a learning curve to it's UI.

They are more complementary to each other instead of 1 VS the other IMO but if I just had to pick one it'd be the Surefire because I really like to LEGO. If you were only going to have one light period then the Ra would serve you very well. Mine did come with a butter knife instead of a clip though, I think that's changed now.

 

[stallion2]

i've been carrying my Ra clicky as an EDC since i received it. before that i carried the LX2. the HDS lights don't have a mechanical switch so there isn't a whole lot that can go wrong w/ it. mine has the flat tail so the internal contact is pretty well protected w/in the tail cap's structure. i'm not sure if the same is true of the tactical.

the Ra's are better EDCs but if i could only keep one then i would stick w/ the LX2.

 

[pjandyho]

By asking about HDS tactical, I presume you are referring to the tighter beam 170 lumens version? I don't own the 170 lumens but I own the wider beam 140 guaranteed tint and the wider beam 100 lumens high CRI version. I also own the LX2. So here's my take.

The LX2 as you already know, is a simple to use 2 stage light with a very useable low mode that covers almost all usage and a high power that gives pretty good throw in the moderate distance region. Although a very good and solid light, it is still lacking in the fact that it doesn't have too much of a flood for comfortable close-up use, especially on low power, not to mention the lack of a lower low mode or higher medium power.

HDS lights, with the wider profile beam provides a much better coverage for close range work which is very soothing to the eye compared to what LX2 gives. But that is not the main selling point of HDS lights. Like SF, Henry of HDS stands by his products and offers a lifetime warranty. HDS lights are super robust and are made to withstand abuse in the harshest of environments. Even though I don't really abuse my lights, many have and can attest to that. If you have been to HDS' website you would see a photo of a badly abused clicky and a description by Henry on how the light was abused. IMHO, the 4 programmable presets built into all clickies makes it a very versatile light that covers 90% to 95% of what we all require a light to do.

Basically, all the questions you asked here could be found in the HDS clicky EDC thread and there is no need to start a new thread here other than knowing how the beam profile between the two lights compare. With that said, I would say they both compliment each other very well, one for power and throw and one for versatility and EDCability. Both are equally tough and if I were to choose only one light it would the HDS clicky on the basis that it is smaller and more pocketable.

 

[manitoe]

I also own both LX2 and HDS Clicky (170T and 140GT) and I can confirm what's said above. It's not really one vs. the other, they're more complementary due to beam shape / UI. That being said, if I needed to choose between one or the other, I'd definitely take the HDS because of it's versatility and smaller size, but most of all it's outstanding UI.

 

[xamoel]

would you go with the titanium over the aluminium bezel?

what about typical runtimes on 170 lumens on CR123 and R17670 batteries? are they equal or better than the approx. 2h of the LX2?
on the ultra low and low modes it should be something around days, shouldn't it?

 

[HDS_Systems]

Xamoel,

Per the web site, 1.25 hours on High is typical for the CR123 (all models) and over 2 hours for the R17670 in a similar sized package to the LX2. On Low, 16 days is typical with a primary CR123.

It should be pointed out that our output profile is described as table-top flat until the light steps down to the next lower level from a dying battery. If you look at other vendor's output profiles, they sag and are putting out significantly less light well before the end of their rated time period.

As the following photo shows, these lights are tough:

Henry.

 

[:)>]

HDS is the best in the business for my money. I agree with what the others have said though... the Surefire optic is a perfect pairing for the Clicky. I will be bringing my 170 and my E1B with me when I go hiking at the beginning of August.

I would love the option of a Clicky with an optic like the E1B, LX2, E2DL etc... how cool would that be?

 

[Sgt. LED]

I could put a Cree and a TIR into one. Sounds like my next mod project!
Cool

 

[BRO]

I own both and like everyone else is saying, cannot go wrong with either of them. For EDC, I would go for the HDS.

Non-flashaholics are impressed with all Surefire flashlights because they are known, very good, reliable flashlights. But the HDS when viewed by non-flashys are truly impressed and dazed by what they are looking at. So for uniqueness, another vote from me on the HDS. Great conversation pieces that are very functional and reliable flashlights.

I really like my LX2 and have no problem reaching for it, but the HDS has a wow factor to it for me. However, you will not make a bad decision if you purchase either one. Good luck with your decision...

 

[notsofast]

Well you only have one more purchase to satisfy the proverbial CPF, "buy both"

I would buy the HDS for the versatile UI and I prefer its beam.