Which McGizmo

[tinman]

I've sold off a couple of my Sebenza's , to get myself a decent flashlight .. Im hoping on a McGizmo .. But as i dont want to start sending the gent random email's ,im sure hes busy.

p.s forgive me if my terminology isn't very flashlight oriented.

So a couple of random question to you guys !

Many thanks in advance.



1. Does Mcgizmo still make ALL his range of flashlight to order, or is it limited runs and once there all gone . Thats it - End Of

2. If i do have a option, is there a 'must have' Flashlight fromMcGizmo which he has produced.


Thats it for now

Thanks again. ..

 

[flashy bazook]

Welcome to CPF -- I see this is your first post even though you've been a member for several years!

And your first post goes straight to the McGizmo flashlight line!

OK, I can answer your questions, more or less.

McGizmo now seems to have most of his flashlights available without limited runs. If you go to his subforum, he has a lot of "sticky" threads, each devoted to one or another of his creations. All you would have to do is email him asking for what you want. There are exceptions, some limited runs here and there, but I think you have a very good chance that what you want will be available.

Now, which is the "must have" is a more complicated question. His standard EDC is the Haiku, 3 output levels, 1x123 primary battery, and I believe available with the XML and one earlier LED type (maybe XPG).

There are versions called the "mule", these I believe appeal more to a narrower group of folks who want a certain type of floody light. Also there are "miser" versions with lower output levels and longer runtimes, but with a 3 output level controller their utility is somewhat less than it used to be.

Beyond this, he has "high CRI" versions, in a standard and "sundrop" versions, again these are more specialized, probably if you want high CRI (meaning warmer tint light) avoid the sundrop and get the more standard one.

Now, there are also 2x123 versions available for more output, and even a bigger reflectored light the Makai for more throw, that would be a bigger light to carry around of course.

So it kind of depends on what you need to use the light for, I would guess the most EDC and most useful for the widest set of circumstances would be the XML Haiku.

Good luck!

 

[DTF]

If your interest is photography (a common purpose for many McGizmo buyers, including me) then a Hi CRI Mule is the must have. If EDC is your interest, then a Haiku. To me, the ultimate EDC McGizmo is the Haiku 6V XML. Though, I suspect that the more popular choice would be the 3V (1x123) Haiku.

McGizmo models are distinctive in that each model has a specific purpose. There isn't a lot of overlap between the models. So, it really does depend on what you are planning to do.

 

[TweakMDS]

I agree with DTF.

Haiku 3V XML is probably the best all-rounder. Hi-CRI mule is probably the best for close up work and definitely the best for all purpose photography.
Sundrop looks to be far the best for macro photography though. I'd also prefer the Sundrop (XR-U) as a walkaround light in the dark because of it's lack of hotspot but still with a very directional beam. The edges are odd, but you only notice that on a white wall.

To me, the sundrop and mule are the more interesting lights, and the Haiku XM-L not so much. There's a lot (a LOT) of good and efficient XM-L lights with various UI's. McGizmo's Haiku is possibly the best of them but doesn't really stand out among mass production lights in output/tint/tone/beam/efficiency/modes. It does stand out in build quality, looks and durability though.

The Sundrop and Mule are pretty much in classes of their own though, there's not much else on the market that combines the form factor with those emitters and head-type.

 

[kaichu dento]

Having only found a 'necessary' McGizmo with the purchase of my first Nichia 219 hCRI Haiku, I would strongly recommend it as the 'must have' light in his lineup... unless you need higher output levels and care a bit less about accuracy of color rendering.
If you like cooler tints, more output and a floodier beam then the XM-L would be a great option.
While I'm a neutral>warm tint fan, I prefer my large-area LED's (P4 & XM-L) in a cooler tint than usual, as they do a good job of approximating moonlight and don't share the tint shift between hotspot and spill that the warmer versions exhibit.