I lost my HDS 170T sometime ago (yes, it fell out of my pocket while on a routine patrol, believe it or not) and have been searching a replacement light, but haven't been able to find any that meets my criteria. Hence throwing out the question to the CPF community. Maybe someone has a recommendation that I don't know of. A replacement HDS is out of the question at the moment - Henry just cannot get them out fast enough and I don't want to wait. That said, the High CRI versions are still sub 200 lumens.
Personally I've come to the conclusion such a light does not exist - after months of searching I've still not found any.
Light Criteria
1. Bombproof
Needs to be on the level of HDS, Fenix TK10/11 and Barbolight. I haven't tortured my Elzetta yet, but I would hazard a guess that the Elzetta is also up to the mark.
Stock Surefires (with the exception of the 'M' series do not make the cut).
2. Waterproof
Well, a high priority. I'd like it to be of HDS standard (20m), but I'm willing to accept Fenix's IPX8
N.B. Fenix's IPX8 = 1.5m for 1h, but I've personally tested it to be much deeper and longer.
I would like the dealer to state that it is either 'waterproof' or 'weatherproof to xx metres'. If the dealer doesn't state that, the light is out of this selection process.
One exception I will make is for certain lights (Surefire M2 comes to mind) that have a proven track record (proven = multiple sources, not 1 or 2 people chiming in saying their light is waterproof).
3. 150+ lumens
150+ lumens OTF minimum. If not OTF, then it needs to be 200+ lumens, to take into account light loss from reflector, glass etc.
Also consider that the light output may drop after start up time. 4sevens' Quarks come to mind, even though they are rated OTF for their XP-G R5 models.
4. Takes RCR123s/17670/18650
I don't really give a damn, as long as it's rechargeable, 2 cells max.
5. High CRI
This is one of the tough ones that limit the selection. If there is one requirement I am willing to budge on, this is it.
6. Need Throw
Another tough one. AFAIK most high CRI lights are not going to throw far due to my size requirements (below). I'll settle for throw equivalent to a HDS 170T.
7. Size
No larger than a Surefire 6P.
Well, that's about it. I've tried many options. M61 219 in an Elzetta host (bombproof, no throw); M60 in an Elzetta host (bombproof, poor CRI)... the list goes on.
Personally I've come to the conclusion such a light does not exist - after months of searching I've still not found any.
Light Criteria
1. Bombproof
Needs to be on the level of HDS, Fenix TK10/11 and Barbolight. I haven't tortured my Elzetta yet, but I would hazard a guess that the Elzetta is also up to the mark.
Stock Surefires (with the exception of the 'M' series do not make the cut).
2. Waterproof
Well, a high priority. I'd like it to be of HDS standard (20m), but I'm willing to accept Fenix's IPX8
N.B. Fenix's IPX8 = 1.5m for 1h, but I've personally tested it to be much deeper and longer.
I would like the dealer to state that it is either 'waterproof' or 'weatherproof to xx metres'. If the dealer doesn't state that, the light is out of this selection process.
One exception I will make is for certain lights (Surefire M2 comes to mind) that have a proven track record (proven = multiple sources, not 1 or 2 people chiming in saying their light is waterproof).
3. 150+ lumens
150+ lumens OTF minimum. If not OTF, then it needs to be 200+ lumens, to take into account light loss from reflector, glass etc.
Also consider that the light output may drop after start up time. 4sevens' Quarks come to mind, even though they are rated OTF for their XP-G R5 models.
4. Takes RCR123s/17670/18650
I don't really give a damn, as long as it's rechargeable, 2 cells max.
5. High CRI
This is one of the tough ones that limit the selection. If there is one requirement I am willing to budge on, this is it.
6. Need Throw
Another tough one. AFAIK most high CRI lights are not going to throw far due to my size requirements (below). I'll settle for throw equivalent to a HDS 170T.
7. Size
No larger than a Surefire 6P.
Well, that's about it. I've tried many options. M61 219 in an Elzetta host (bombproof, no throw); M60 in an Elzetta host (bombproof, poor CRI)... the list goes on.