Ulimate EDC, High CRI, Durable, long runtimes, replacement for HDS rotary.

Well I lost my HDS Rotary in the woods a few weeks ago, it was custom built with a 18650 tube, and 4000k high CRI nichia. I would just get another one, but it took me two months to get mine last time, they are out of stock and no longer offer the same LED. I had it for 2.5 years with no hickups, other than a failed self service that gummed up the rotary control and basically turned it into a clicky. I tested that light and it put out 200 OTF lumens for over 5 hours on a fresh battery. I would only change the batteries once every month with moderate use, still over half charged, used the light every day.

Basically I want a really high quality light, with runtime, durability, and quality of light over quantity. I am looking at a Zebralight, something from Malkolf, Surefire, or a custom maker, ETC. I probably would not even consider a light from Nitecore, Thrunite, Olite, gearbest, energizer, etc. Because my experience has shown that these tend to turn into $20-50 paperweights with the daily use I put them through.

The light will be used in industrial settings lighting up maintenance tunnels, so it has to withstand bangs on solid metal and concrete from high drops, water submersion, and possible chemical exposure.

I already have a Peak El Captain high CRI on the way but I am worried that the AA size will not have nearly the runtime I want. I would prefer single 18650.

==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

___xI would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in CONUS___________.
___xThis will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


​

2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
__x__Up to $300.
__x__Essentially unlimited.


​

3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
__x__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


​

4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
__x__SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


​

5) Emitter/Light source:

__x__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


​

6) Manufacturer:

__x__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
__x__I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
__x__I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


​

7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable ​

Alkaline

batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable ​

Lithium

batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use ​

Rechargeable cells

(NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
__x__I intend to use ​

Rechargeable cells

based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

​

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option

____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
__x__I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care


​

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?

Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

__x__I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
__x__I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
__x__I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__x__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

__x__​

SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category

- There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) ​

Flood vs Throw:

Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__x__Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

​

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light

(check all that apply)
__x__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
__x__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
__x__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__x__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
__x__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

​

10) Runtime:

Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__x__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
__x__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




​

11) Durability/Usage:

Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
__x__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__x__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


​

12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
__x__I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
__x__I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
__x__I don't care.
__x__I don't know.
____Other, please specify


​

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.

Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
__x__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
__x__I want a programmable light.
__x__I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


​

14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__x__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
__x__Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
__x__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.

​

15) Water resistance

____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
____IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
__x__IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

​

16) Storage conditions

____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other__pocket edc_____________ ____


​

17) Special Needs/extras:

Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments​

Bruh. Sounds like you really loved your HDS. Just watch the market place? I've seen a couple with that LED for sale recently. Alternatively, HDS will be offering a variety of high CRI models after the special material run is complete.

In the spirit of trying to be helpful, I might suggest the Malkoff Devices MDC 16650 Nichia 219BV2, available on Illumn dot com. There is no selector ring. It only has three output levels. It operates on a 16650 instead of an 18650. With that said, if you're a clever cheater, you can select the desired output level prior to switching on by taking advantage of the switch debounce time. Superb light quality, with output levels that will be familiar to you.

You won't be able to break it. No worries about dropping into water or onto concrete. You can also choose a stainless steel bezel option from the Malkoff website.

The primary advantage over the HDS is that it comes with the finest pocket clip on earth. It's the only clip I trust.

The UI is a step down from anything offered by HDS, but that is a personal opinion.

OMG! I would not leave the woods if I lost my HDS in there. THAT SUCKS. SORRY MAN.

Here's one for sale now, albeit with the 2AA battery tube. You can get really good run time on a pair of eneloops. The diffuse reflector is a little different, but you can remedy that if undesirable.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...-with-diffuse-reflector&p=5261860#post5261860

Thanks! I knew there were high CRI Malkoffs out there somewhere!,
I just wish that they had a 18650 model, because I already have some batteries and lights, I would shy away from getting a new cell size. I already have one double-CR123 light, but if I got the cr123a light it has the same output/runtime as the AA size, which I might as well stick with the El Captain. I really do like the look of the Malkoff though. I will keep an eye open for used HDS for sale, I would rather just go with a clicky if I got another, the rotary is just an extra feature, I selected it on the list just to keep all options availible.

I loved the UI on the HDS, escpcially the auto step down and shut off, never had to worry about finding the light dead in pocket or bag. The pocket clip sadly was actually the suspected point of failure, I don't know if it was because of the 18650 tube or a defective clip, but it had no holding power, it was cliped in when it sliped out of my pocket on a hike. It also would often come loose until I used lock tite on the little screws.

Candlestick said:

Thanks! I knew there were high CRI Malkoffs out there somewhere!,
I just wish that they had a 18650 model...

Click to expand...

Mad respect for your taste in flashlights and best wishes in your search. You can get a compatible 18650 host plus adapter for the MDC product line here:

https://malkoff-devices.myshopify.com/products/malkoff-18650-to-e-series-body

Candlestick said:

.. but if I got the cr123a light it has the same output/runtime as the AA size...

Click to expand...

The HDS with the 2aa battery tube will have significantly more run time than a CR123 (2500 mAh's with eneloop pros vs. 1400 mAh's with a CR123.)

Candlestick said:

I will keep an eye open for used HDS for sale, I would rather just go with a clicky if I got another, the rotary is just an extra feature...

Click to expand...

I'm a clicky aficionado myself. Chubby Checker alone has a rightful claim on doing the twist.

Well thanks for the suggestion! So could I use that battery tube with any of the illumn lights with the matching voltage right?

That 18650 tube is E series compatible. In Malkoff terms, it will accept any MDC series head with matching voltage.

I have a couple of MDC lights, they are certainly as durable as Gene's other models.
For me the HDS interface is irreplaceable, I really could not go back to an ordinary one for my most used light.
In your position I would get the MDC with the 18650 tube, but hold ot for another HDS. There's been a few up for sale recently, also with the Special Metals runs being released shortly there may be a few more Aluminium models on the used market. Plus, as my friend says HDS have promised a few runs of different emitters, so ther's hope that you'll find one that suits.
I have to say I haven't seen that many used HDS with 18650 tubes, and the cost of a new spare tube is quite a lot.
If you find another HDS, you can always sell the MDC - or keep it for emergencies.

You could always put up a Want to Buy on here, it's worth a shot.

P

Candlestick said:

Well thanks for the suggestion! So could I use that battery tube with any of the illumn lights with the matching voltage right?

Click to expand...

I m sorry to hear bud... I feel for you. I m an HDS man too but I ve good luck with First-Light USA as my back ups or readily available and they have a clip that is SOLID.
Worth checking out at least

So I got my peak El Captain High CRI in the mail today, early Christmas at first. I turned it on and was confused by the greenish-bluish color of the light. I guess they switched their high CRI from a 3000k emmiter to somewhere near 5000k. I guess the world of handheld flashlights is changing, 5000k is our new neutral, I was a bit dissapointed really so I am going to try returning it. Zebralight and Malkoff are looking more appealing.

Ok, nevermind to the last post, it just took some getting used to, I don't mind the tint.