Ultra vs. ArceditBeam Shots Added

webley445 · Nov 15, 2002

Did an impromptu outdoor test, no ambient lighting. Both about the same, actually with the nekkid eye could not tell any difference at all!
The Ultra seeme to light up a larger area than the Arc. Did an indoor test, lights out, shine on wallfrom about 8" away. Same results. The only difference I find is the quality of the spot. They are both of the same brightness, but the Ultra has a smooth flawless spot. Whereas my ARc has a dark spot in its spot. However my Arc was purchased used and I cannot vouch for its past history and as I've read the quality of LED's can fluctuate.

I really like them both. Personally I lean more towards the Ultra due to its construction and design. To me the Ultra is more of a pocket or clip/lanyard carry, outdoor kind of light. The Arc is more of a metro EDC/keychain deal [which is where it rests and why it gets used more]. Its a toss up

, one's personal preference will decide. This was all done using normal alkalines. Can I use lithiums in either one?

x-ray · Nov 15, 2002

I've been using lithiums in my ultra for a few months now and it seems fine, not much brighter than with alkalines but at least it's lighter to carry.

If you can find a lithium AAA for your Arc, please tell me where you got it

Gone Jeepin · Nov 15, 2002

Intersting observations about the light throw and beam quality. I guess it is the naked eye test in the real world that really counts. I am waiting on the Ultra to be delivered at this point but can say that the beam quality on my ARC "AAA" regular and LE models is really good. There is only one faint ring on the beam of the regular "AAA" with a rather blue hot spot. The LE model is new as well and shows no rings at all with a blue hot spot. I think the LE may be very slightly off center, but not an issue. In total darkness the ARC "AAA" models give a good clean light with long run time, but I don't rely on them for spot light purposes. I am suprised that you may think the ARC "AAA" may not be of the same quality as the Ultra. I think the "AAA" models I have are very good quality. The Ultra G model should be arriving next week and I am looking forward to lining them all up to see the differences.

RAH · Nov 15, 2002

Speaking of Ultras, I bought one a few months ago and the case was a very dark drab green. Then I bought another one last week and comparing them, the new one's case color is noticably lighter in color - sort of medium green, with a more iridescent tinge to it. I like the new color better, although of course it doesn't really matter.

webley445 · Nov 15, 2002

Got bored, here's some shots of them side by side. Not very intricate but gives you an idea. Notice the spot of the Arc, probably off center LED?

http://www.geocities.com/webley445/mypage.html?1037407601280

ikendu · Nov 16, 2002

I really, really like my Ultra (and a lot of other lights...including my ARC AAA).

Smooth beam, quite usefully bright, AA means it will take NiMH or Alkaline or Lithium. Great backup light... "single cell w/twist on design" means that while in storage, the battery can't interact with the light and slowly drain away or interact with another cell in the same light.

Its built like a tank and just feels right in the hand. and... not too expensive.