Well I just put in an order for another HDS. This time a HDS EDC LE. Yep gotta try and get us to 11% at least.
I really couldn't care less about High Noon, HiCRI, warm or Neutral emitters, blah blah. Just ordered it with the standard Cree XP-G2.
I only plan to switch the button to a flush one as to avoid accidental activations as I always pocket carry without using clips.
I have had the HDS EDC Executive for the last year, but find myself still carrying my Streamlight Protac1L (or 1L-1AA) or Malkoff MDC SHO at night as I have a strong preference for carrying a proper tactical light when out at night.
The interface of the EDC LE is great, and the runtimes on high is unheard of in any other single CR123 cell light. A comparison below:
HDS EDC LE:
Turns on to 110 lumens, runtime: 2.75 hours (tactical), 3.25 hours (ANSI).
Press-and-hold for 250 lumens, runtime: 1.65 hours (tactical), 2.0 hours (ANSI).
Double-click for 9 lumens, runtime: 30 hours (ANSI).
Malkoff MDC SHO
250 lumens, 45-60 mins.
Streamlight Protac 1L (180 lumen model I have)
High 180 Lumens / 2 hours (ANSI).
Low 12 Lumens / 24 hours (ANSI).
Streamlight Protac 1L (newer 275 lumen model)
High 275 Lumens / 2 hours (ANSI).
Low 22 Lumens / 24 hours (ANSI).
Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA
High 350 Lumens / 1.3 hours (ANSI).
Low 40 Lumens / 14 hours (ANSI).
Elzetta Alpha A112 (model I have)
415 lumens, 56 mins (ANSI).
Surefire E1B-MV
High 400 Lumens / 1.25 hours (ANSI).
Low 5 Lumens / 50 hours (ANSI).
Surefire EDCL1-T
High 500 Lumens / 1.0 Hour (ANSI).
Low 5 Lumens / 45 Hours (ANSI).
I have to admit I nearly did opt for the Surefire E1B-MV though, as much cheaper and international shipping was only 6 bucks via Amazon US compared to 75 bucks shipping for the HDS.
Hogo, HDS really should try to get more competitive pricing for shipping to keep customers.
Anyway I knew I wouldn't be happy with any of the Surefires's due to the protruding tailcap buttons, and the the HDS interface is way better for a tac light, pretty much fail safe so the decision was made. Also the Surefire's over tax the poor little CR123 and due to that get bad runtimes on high and have to step down way too soon, especially the E1B MV.
I think if HDS didn't exist any longer, or stopped offering a tactical clicky, then I'd probably have just stuck with the Protac series (although I find the strobe to be annoying on the default High/Strobe/Low mode, and the PWM on low sucks).