Do you sometimes feel that there isn't as much exposure given to custom builders in the LED sub forum as occurs in the custom builder's own sub forums? That is the case, IMHO. That's a shame – and this post is intended to provide more exposure for one of the most amazing custom lights you can buy by 'showing it off' here, in the LED sub forum.
Over in the Cool Fall forum I shared an "Ode to the Spy" (LOTS more photos there) - my thoughts and photos about my then just acquired Stone Washed Gunner Grip Spy 007 cool XPG. Since that time I've acquired 2 additional 007s – a pre-owned earlier generation standard finish 007 that is now in the hands of Data being refurbed / updated to the modern driver, etc…and another brand new 007, this time in standard finish with a neutral XPG.
If you are unfamiliar with the Cool Fall "Spy" series of lights, or any of Data's other awesome products, a simple search or a visit to the Cool Fall sub forum will certainly provide much information
The Spy 007 makes an almost perfect EDC (these are my observations – no claims that they are totally accurate, but hopefully relatively close):
The decision to purchase the SWGG version was based on my desire to have a light that I could just drop in my pocket with minimal concern about the finish. In my "ode" thread the photos were of a day old Spy…
– now I have carried that light EVERY day for almost a month. And not pampered like a shelf queen – but carried in my pocket with a set of keys, loose change, etc. It sits on the night table at night for use if needed, so you could say that it has become my 24/7 EDC.
Here's a photo of the light when I first received it:
I mentioned how low it would go....
And the remaining photos are after almost a month of steady pocket carry with keys and change...
Alongside the beautiful standard finish
Using the awesome Cool Fall Droid carabiner –
Resting on the awesome Cool Fall titanium chain
Eye candy
There are a couple of threads floating around discussing a company who produced a new light that is an attempt at copying this light. In my humble opinion, a copy won't 'cut it.' This light is the result of thousands of man hours of design, trial and error, and skilled craftsmanship – and a willingness by the designer and builder to take input from other custom builders – even use some of their designs and products as a best practice – as well as input from his many customers, dare I say, fans. Years of work, and a continuous effort to improve the product.
And I haven't even, up to now, mentioned the Tri-V…
So if you haven't heard of the Spy 007 or Cool Fall, maybe you want to take a peek. If you are a fan, maybe this post will open the door for you to share your own thoughts. And if you are considering one but just haven't yet decided that you are willing to make the investment, maybe this will help you with your decision.
Over in the Cool Fall forum I shared an "Ode to the Spy" (LOTS more photos there) - my thoughts and photos about my then just acquired Stone Washed Gunner Grip Spy 007 cool XPG. Since that time I've acquired 2 additional 007s – a pre-owned earlier generation standard finish 007 that is now in the hands of Data being refurbed / updated to the modern driver, etc…and another brand new 007, this time in standard finish with a neutral XPG.
If you are unfamiliar with the Cool Fall "Spy" series of lights, or any of Data's other awesome products, a simple search or a visit to the Cool Fall sub forum will certainly provide much information
The Spy 007 makes an almost perfect EDC (these are my observations – no claims that they are totally accurate, but hopefully relatively close):
- 6 levels of output, accessed by a simple knob with a very satisfying 'click' between each level.
- Each level is easily programmable. Levels range from less than 0.1 mA to (on the newer versions) 1400mA. These levels will give you a low that is dimmer than a trit (see photo) and a high that is close to 300 lumen (on the cool white XPG.)
- 4 banks of those 6 levels - a low to high bank, a battery miser bank, a high to low bank – whatever your imagination can come up with.
- Extra functions including a reset to original settings, battery level check, output settings for each position, and more.
- No parasitic drain at the low settings (compared to many of the new magnetic control ring lights)
- Solid tail standing
- Flat – won't roll off the table.
- Most people consider it almost the ultimate in ergonomic – easy to hold, fits nicely in small and large hands
- Long run times
- Output regulation is rock solid – a run time graph looks like a straight line
- Solid attachment point for split ring or lanyard
- Built like a tank
- Titanium is, well, titanium. A very rugged and beautiful, yet forgiving metal. The angles and lines of the Spy 007 in titanium are simply awesome – beautiful.
The decision to purchase the SWGG version was based on my desire to have a light that I could just drop in my pocket with minimal concern about the finish. In my "ode" thread the photos were of a day old Spy…
– now I have carried that light EVERY day for almost a month. And not pampered like a shelf queen – but carried in my pocket with a set of keys, loose change, etc. It sits on the night table at night for use if needed, so you could say that it has become my 24/7 EDC.Here's a photo of the light when I first received it:
I mentioned how low it would go....
And the remaining photos are after almost a month of steady pocket carry with keys and change...
Alongside the beautiful standard finish
Using the awesome Cool Fall Droid carabiner –
Resting on the awesome Cool Fall titanium chain
Eye candy
There are a couple of threads floating around discussing a company who produced a new light that is an attempt at copying this light. In my humble opinion, a copy won't 'cut it.' This light is the result of thousands of man hours of design, trial and error, and skilled craftsmanship – and a willingness by the designer and builder to take input from other custom builders – even use some of their designs and products as a best practice – as well as input from his many customers, dare I say, fans. Years of work, and a continuous effort to improve the product.
And I haven't even, up to now, mentioned the Tri-V…
So if you haven't heard of the Spy 007 or Cool Fall, maybe you want to take a peek. If you are a fan, maybe this post will open the door for you to share your own thoughts. And if you are considering one but just haven't yet decided that you are willing to make the investment, maybe this will help you with your decision.
