keithhr
Flashlight Enthusiast
After owning my VIP prototype in plain aluminum(no finish to rub off and in fact a few in and outs of a sheath or pocket, it would likely get shinier) I am amazed that Charlie came up with a machined piece of such high quality. I am assuming that usually there is some kind of learning curve to make something like this and usually one can't plan and engineer every detail and execute all of them on the first try. I'm not discussing the light at this moment because it speaks for itself and absolutely no one will be disappointed. All of the threads are of perfect size and fit to give confidence to taking off the head and tail without having to worry if it will go back together without stripping the threads which was a concern with the excellent designed firefly. The firefly is a great light but I believe without a doubt this sets a new standard against any light! I didn't meant to imply that Charlie shouldn't have been able to pull this off, it's just that he did and to such a standard is really amazing.
Even the selection of the o rings and how each piece tightens to each body part while making contact of the o ring is an absolute joy. I find myself using the lower setting more than I thought I would because it gives one the feeling of absolute power knowing the extra light capabilities are right at hand. Interestingly the amount of light produced at the lowest setting when directed at close up objects is actually quite bright and not similar to any just small light like the arc aaa, cmg infinity, led lenser or any other small single aa light that I am familiar with. In a dark forest one could actually use the low setting to navigate a trail.That is my impression although I haven't been in the woods with this light.
Using this light at the lowest setting when looking at things up close is more than adequate and the color is the most impressive thing. Most low power led's are different shades of blue, mostly, but not this light. The simplicity of the positional switch is really a stroke of genius, no fumbling, no suprises, no guesswork at what setting the light will start with. The quality of the switch itself is interesting because it seemed like it would be the week link, but not this switch. Because it protrudes slightly I was worried that it might easily be damaged but it feels massive for its tiny size. I was even concerned that the only way to carry this light would be in a sheath, but actually it fits quite nicely in a pocket without a clip. My only concern will be to carry it in a pocket with only a leather item, like a leather key case or leather coin purse.
I gave some rough lux measurements in the VIP thread and I believe it was 1200 lux at hight 690 on medium and 10 or so on the lowest setting but I believe I will have to take the lowest setting again with the times X turned off. The measurements were taken off of a battery that had been used for a few minutes and not brand fresh. Now compared to my Super Baby Pin which used a special led, so I believe, which came out with a lux of 820 or marginally more than the MEDIUM setting of this light. The thing I can't comment on enough is the feeling of having such a versatile light, in effect having virtually 3 lights in one. I can envision someone having a custome sheath made with possibly a secret compartment in the bottom to house one or two extra battries, what a feeling of power that would be.
I said a bit more than I had planned on saying, but for some reason this light makes one feel as if they should wax eloquent and try to convey with words that which is more of a feeling than anything else. If it was just a piece of hardware, my task would have been easier, and I believe Charlie has something here which would best be described as
....................................................FLASHLIGHT ART!
Even the selection of the o rings and how each piece tightens to each body part while making contact of the o ring is an absolute joy. I find myself using the lower setting more than I thought I would because it gives one the feeling of absolute power knowing the extra light capabilities are right at hand. Interestingly the amount of light produced at the lowest setting when directed at close up objects is actually quite bright and not similar to any just small light like the arc aaa, cmg infinity, led lenser or any other small single aa light that I am familiar with. In a dark forest one could actually use the low setting to navigate a trail.That is my impression although I haven't been in the woods with this light.
Using this light at the lowest setting when looking at things up close is more than adequate and the color is the most impressive thing. Most low power led's are different shades of blue, mostly, but not this light. The simplicity of the positional switch is really a stroke of genius, no fumbling, no suprises, no guesswork at what setting the light will start with. The quality of the switch itself is interesting because it seemed like it would be the week link, but not this switch. Because it protrudes slightly I was worried that it might easily be damaged but it feels massive for its tiny size. I was even concerned that the only way to carry this light would be in a sheath, but actually it fits quite nicely in a pocket without a clip. My only concern will be to carry it in a pocket with only a leather item, like a leather key case or leather coin purse.
I gave some rough lux measurements in the VIP thread and I believe it was 1200 lux at hight 690 on medium and 10 or so on the lowest setting but I believe I will have to take the lowest setting again with the times X turned off. The measurements were taken off of a battery that had been used for a few minutes and not brand fresh. Now compared to my Super Baby Pin which used a special led, so I believe, which came out with a lux of 820 or marginally more than the MEDIUM setting of this light. The thing I can't comment on enough is the feeling of having such a versatile light, in effect having virtually 3 lights in one. I can envision someone having a custome sheath made with possibly a secret compartment in the bottom to house one or two extra battries, what a feeling of power that would be.
I said a bit more than I had planned on saying, but for some reason this light makes one feel as if they should wax eloquent and try to convey with words that which is more of a feeling than anything else. If it was just a piece of hardware, my task would have been easier, and I believe Charlie has something here which would best be described as
....................................................FLASHLIGHT ART!
