Which Ra: 85 TR or EDC Executive?

[BigBluefish]

I've been away for awhile, but have now come back and have decided, after a good deal of reading here and on the manufacturer's site, that it's time to get a Ra.

My only problem is, I'm torn between two disimilar lights.

I can't decide whether to get the 85-TR (if they are still available by the time I figure this out) and the EDC Executive. Price is the same.

85-TR pros:

More reliable(?) twisty switch
That low red

EDC Executive pros:

Slightly higher high, and burst mode.
Low, low white
4 levels of light
More versatile clicky interface

I think I'd be happy with either one, but, for those familiar with these models, is there any particular reason why you chose one over the other, or prefer one to the other, if you have both?

 

[etherealshade]

I do have both, but I use the clicky EDC-E the most. I really really like the 85-Tr, but for the kind of work I need a light for (mostly close up), the wide beam pattern of the EDC-E is better. Additionally, I find the momentary ability of the clicky, as well as my ability to reprogram it quickly if necessary to be more valuable.

At the end of the day, I think it comes down to beam angle, and if you prefer the additional features of the clicky. You really can't go wrong either way. Get both!

 

[chef4850]

I would go for the 85-tr this light is going to be discontinued and you could get one before their gone. Overall the edc executive is a more "usefull light" IMHO. Or you could "kill two lights with one stone" and get both.

Chef

 

[jblackwood]

Get both. As you said, they're both pretty dissimilar. The pros for the clicky are one handed operation, wider beam (I don't have the model you're pondering, I have a 100ww which is also wide, but it doesn't take a genius to imagine a wider beam than the 85Tr), and a clip, ugly as it may be.

The pros for the twisty are the low red beam, farther throw (again, I'm estimating since when comparing my 85Tr to my 100ww, the 85Tr out throws it), and tail standing!!! Certain conditions may cause a clicky flush tailbutton to recess enough to tailstand reliably, but it's not a feature of the clicky per se. The twisty, on the other hand, tailstands beautifully. Also, there's no way the twisty will turn on randomly in your pocket, though you could just turn on the button lock on the clicky to avoid this. The twisty is also slightly shorter, though not by much that it should make a difference. Also, the twisty doesn't have a clip but it does have a place to attach a lanyard, which the clicky does not. The way you're intending to carry it should be a factor in your decision.

Awe heck, just get both if you can afford it! Life's too short and the 85Tr is soon to be extinct.

 

[gswitter]

85-TR pros:

More reliable(?) twisty switch
That low red

EDC Executive pros:

Slightly higher high, and burst mode.
Low, low white
4 levels of light
More versatile clicky interface

The 85-TR also has a low, low white. Each of the three levels on the twisty can be reprogrammed to whatever you want (20+ different white levels and one red level available).

I prefer the Clicky UI, but like the smaller size of the Twisty.

 

[bigfoot]

Which light? It depends on what you think you'll be using it for. The biggie: If you won't have two hands free to operate the Twisty switch, you'll be thankful for the one-handed operation of the Clicky.

The Clicky is easy to re-program on the fly. The Twisty, not so much. (Disclaimer: I haven't even tried to re-program my Twisty yet.) The Twisty is a little lighter weight than the Clicky. But the Clicky comes with a pocket clip, the Twisty only a lanyard hole.

I have both lights you are looking at and they are both great. It would be hard to choose just one. I think it comes back to what your everyday use will be. BUT... that all being said, having the red available in the Twisty makes it pretty awesome. The lighter weight lends itself to pocket carry. Hmm... choosing one? Okay, I'll choose, if I absolutely have to: 85-Tr!

 

[dagored]

BigBlue,

As other have stated, buy both. I have both and you can still get the 85Tr, I think, here:http://www.batterystation.com/cpf5.htm.

I snagged mine there. Ordered on a Wednesday and had it on Saturday. Great light, but I seem to be using the Clicky more.

 

[Yucca Patrol]

I also have both and here is how I would make my decision if I were you.

Choose the Twisty if:
1) you have other clicky-type CR123 EDC lights
2) you want something unique for a collection
3) the more durable twisty switch is preferrable

Choose the Clicky if:

1) this is going to be your #1 EDC light
2) you want to quickly and immediately switch modes one handed
3) you do not have an extensive collection of similarly functioning lights.

 

[alphazeta]

I also have both and here is how I would make my decision if I were you.

Choose the Twisty if:
1) you have other clicky-type CR123 EDC lights
2) you want something unique for a collection
3) the more durable twisty switch is preferrable

Choose the Clicky if:

1) this is going to be your #1 EDC light
2) you want to quickly and immediately switch modes one handed
3) you do not have an extensive collection of similarly functioning lights.

I have both myself & agree with YP on his points but will add one more.
For me, changing the set output levels is much easier on clicky. Granted, it's probably not something you do all the time but, I would need the instructions in front of me if I wanted to set the levels for the twisty again.

-az

 

[tebore]

I just want to point out that the twisty switch is NOT more reliable.

If anything it's less reliable due to design. Solder points as a mechanical connection is NOT a good idea.

The only thing that is true is the failure mode of the twisty switch will allow for the high beam to still work.

 

[derangboy]

Could someone clarify where the red LED is located? Thanks!

 

[gswitter]

There is (or was) a second diode on the Golden Dragon, intended as a reverse polarity indicator. See pics here.

 

[CLBME]

Some great replies here. I too have both. I think it comes down to your daily needs. To me they are in separate categories simply due to their UI and light level availability.

To me there's a real appeal to the "simplicity" of the Twisty if the three levels suit your needs. Yes, it is programmable as noted. The beam has the tight hot spot and throws very well, again as noted.

The EDCE is "more versatile" if you require it. I.e. four levels of light operated with one hand, easily customized. The beam as noted is clearly visibly wider.

Everyone's post here is accurate. Like you I had a hard time trying to figure out what to do. I bought both. If you're interested in the red low I'd lean toward that one simply because I believe it has a limited buying opportunity, the EDCE doesn't, but that's the only reason.............

 

[BigBluefish]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies.

I'm going to try to grab an 85-TR this evening when I get home.

My reasoning:
1) I like the red low. I think it will be very useful for camping, nighttime fishing, and stargazing. Besides, it's just plain 'cool.' IMHO. If it doesn't really work for me, I suppose I could always program a 1 lumen white low for my low mode, and I'd be happy.
2) I think the 15 & 85 lumen setting will cover most of my lighting needs. a 30-50 lumen setting, I've discoverd is often not necessary. 15 lumens should cover most general close-range lighting needs. If I need to "reach out there" then I've got the 85 lumen setting.
3) I've got quite a few clickies of EDC type, Quark 123, Fenix L1T v. 2, Surefire E1Es, Olight T10 etc. I have only 1 twisty, an EZCR2, which I like. So a higher quality, more durable, more versatile 123 twisty appeals to me.
4) It seems, if reports are accurate, to have more throw than the EDC Exec. I like that.
5) They're almost gone, and I think its just such a neat light, I'd like to get one while I can.

So, if there are any left in a few hours, I'll be all set. If not, well, then I may have to suffer with an EDC Exec.

 

[PoliceScannerMan]

The word on CPF is the 85Tr's are drying up quick.

I have a 2nd on the way from Battery Station, to accompany my Ti 85Tr Twisty. :nana:

 

[briteflite]

The word on CPF is the 85Tr's are drying up quick.

I have a 2nd on the way from Battery Station, to accompany my Ti 85Tr Twisty. :nana:

Thanks to you guys, I just had to order an 85Tr Twisty to go with my EDC Clicky ... not sure what I've been missing, but will find out soon. Maybe I shoulda ordered two of them?

 

[blub]

Dang you guys! You got me all freaked out about the 85 TR not being made any more so I had to order one! Do you know what you're doing to my Visa card?

 

[coloradogps]

I tried to order one from Battery Junction today and they are all gone.

:mecry:

 

[blub]

I tried to order one from Battery Junction today and they are all gone.

:mecry:

Did you try this link? http://www.batterystation.com/cpf5.htm $99 for CPF members but you have to put in your CPF user ID or your order won't go through.

 

[BigBluefish]

Did you try this link? http://www.batterystation.com/cpf5.htm $99 for CPF members but you have to put in your CPF user ID or your order won't go through.

What he said. And good luck!