UCL or Borofloat - PLEASE VOTE!!

I need help in recommending which type of lens to use in a flashlight. NOTE: The way you vote will affect a flashlight you might buy in the future!!

The decision: UCL or Borofloat (AR coated).

Advantages/Disadvantages of each:

UCL
Advantage - 99% Light transmittance, less expensive
Disadvantage - Not quite as durable as Borofloat

Borofloat
Advantage - Slightly more durable than UCL
Disadvantage - Around 94% light transmittance, more expensive

The Borofloat would be more expensive than the UCL because it would have to be AR coated after being cut.

Keep in mind these facts:
<ul type="square">[*]The lens would be easily accessed for removal and replacement if broken.
[*]Both lenses would be in the range of about 30mm in diameter and at least 3mm thick.
[*]Cost of the lens would affect the cost of the light.[/list]

Hehe, i just voted, the percentage of the UCL right now is 100%.

mmm... there was only 1 vote /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

Borofloat because i'm a specs user who knows how it is to drop a glass lens and have it break.

I don't know if you are able to quantify it, but how much more durable would the Borofloat be? If I couldn't tell the difference in normal use (for instance a drop from waist height on a hard surface), I would vote for the cheaper UCL. Otherwise I would vote for Borofloat.

I'd get the light with UCL with a spare Boroflote lens as backup.

Brightnorm

I voted for UCL as the lens I would use in virtually all of my mods. I would only have 2 or 3 torches which would require a maximum durability lens. This is relative to extreme heat.

Wilkey

i voted for the UCL lens. if i wanted durability i'd skip borofloat and go for lexan /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Chris,

As long as you're still selling replacements, I'll continue using (voting) for the UCL's. I currently have spares for all my lights, and have yet to break one...uh-oh - I shouldn't have said that... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

John

I've used both. UCL is definitely superior (IMHO).

Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

While we're at it, I thought I'd ask another important question - or two.

Would you want your bezel to be assembled using some sort of thread locking compound (like SureFire uses), or would you want to be able to easily remove it for cleaning/modifications/repair.

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

OK - So assuming your the head of your light was sold as being "user serviceable," would you want the choice of having a polycarbonate lens?



Feel free to add any other polls including options not mentioned here - even if it's not lens related. I'm interested in seeing just what the perfect flashlight is to everyone here.

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

Ha! That last one is a no-brainer. And so far I'm 100% right! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

Flashlightlens,

Can you give a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of glass and polycarbonate for the last poll? Thanks. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

EDIT: BTW, is it just me or does it seem like maybe you are going to start making lights, or start working with somebody who does? I think that would be great.

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

aaron, glass lenses basically let more light through, are more scratch resistant, and will not melt at higher temperatures. polycarbonate lenses however are cheaper and more rugged because they are practically unbreakable /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

it's kind of hard to vote, not knowing the specifics of the light....

in most cases i would prefer ucl lens with an unlocked bezel and a glass lens. in certain cases i would prefer a borofloat or lexan lens with an unlocked bezel.

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

I'd trade durability for light transmittance. What's 4% in real world use??

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

Let's assume it's a 2 x 123 light.

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

Chris,

Any more clues you want to want to entice us with? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/popcorn.gif

You've got my interest...

john

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

[ QUOTE ]
Illuminated said:
Any more clues you want to want to entice us with? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/popcorn.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Can't do it.... I'm in a verbal non-disclosure with this project.

Re: Flashlight feature poll - PLEASE VOTE!!

I like the UCL. I would love a light that allows easy user replacement in the event the light requires it. If the light is going to be robust enough for "duty" use repairability is a big factor. I hate having to call surefire evertime I drop my light and the lens cracks.