Hammerhead
Newly Enlightened
Howdy, guys. Been a long time on and off lurker, but figured it was time to take the 'leap' and register.
I'm not a "flashaholic", but I do absolutely recognize the value of quality, and I'm willing to pay (sometimes through the nose) to get it.
I began my quest sometime after 9/11 when I started compiling a list for a BOB so I can GTFO of New Jersey in a SHTF scenario should I have to, obviously also with a mind to self-defense.
My illumination strategy was fairly simple:
1) High power, long reach, short-term lighting for tactical self defense and emergency use.
2) Intermediate power, mid-reach - more or less an EDC, for routine use either for post-emergency needs or daily convenience like changing a flat tire, or whatever.
3) Low power, for longer term area lighting during extended stay up to 72 hours in a post-evacuation or blackout scenario.
Ergo, own enough to cover me for 1 and 3. I have a SureFire M2 Millennium using the P61 120 lumen bulb to go along with my 1911 for tactical self defense, or if the SHTF. I also own a 360d Krill Extreme lamp intended for area lighting while hunkered down, or just for use when camping.
Fine. But it's #2 that I'm looking for, and I'm also beginning to think that this might require two different strategies which is why I included the ARC AAA. I'm torn between the following lights and would appreciate your help in deciding where to go with the decision process.
1) ARC 4+
2) Longbow Micra
3) Surefire E1 w/ KL1 head
4) ARC AAA
I've done enough reading about features to make my eyeballs glaze over and fall out. But I would be grateful for some firsthand opinions on practical considerations on the advantages and disadvantages of each over the other.
I do have a bit of trouble justifying $190 for an ARC4 when the Longbow seems to offer 90% of the performance for less than 50% of the price. However, if I have to spend $40 on the 'power head' to focus the beam to a useable pattern, then it changes things a bit. I also have that same sentiment regarding the E1E/KL1 combo for the same reasons. I'm not sure that it makes sense to spend $80 for a base E1E, and another $60 on the Luxeon head.
Can you guys comment on the pros/cons of each?
Thanks!
I'm not a "flashaholic", but I do absolutely recognize the value of quality, and I'm willing to pay (sometimes through the nose) to get it.
I began my quest sometime after 9/11 when I started compiling a list for a BOB so I can GTFO of New Jersey in a SHTF scenario should I have to, obviously also with a mind to self-defense.
My illumination strategy was fairly simple:
1) High power, long reach, short-term lighting for tactical self defense and emergency use.
2) Intermediate power, mid-reach - more or less an EDC, for routine use either for post-emergency needs or daily convenience like changing a flat tire, or whatever.
3) Low power, for longer term area lighting during extended stay up to 72 hours in a post-evacuation or blackout scenario.
Ergo, own enough to cover me for 1 and 3. I have a SureFire M2 Millennium using the P61 120 lumen bulb to go along with my 1911 for tactical self defense, or if the SHTF. I also own a 360d Krill Extreme lamp intended for area lighting while hunkered down, or just for use when camping.
Fine. But it's #2 that I'm looking for, and I'm also beginning to think that this might require two different strategies which is why I included the ARC AAA. I'm torn between the following lights and would appreciate your help in deciding where to go with the decision process.
1) ARC 4+
2) Longbow Micra
3) Surefire E1 w/ KL1 head
4) ARC AAA
I've done enough reading about features to make my eyeballs glaze over and fall out. But I would be grateful for some firsthand opinions on practical considerations on the advantages and disadvantages of each over the other.
I do have a bit of trouble justifying $190 for an ARC4 when the Longbow seems to offer 90% of the performance for less than 50% of the price. However, if I have to spend $40 on the 'power head' to focus the beam to a useable pattern, then it changes things a bit. I also have that same sentiment regarding the E1E/KL1 combo for the same reasons. I'm not sure that it makes sense to spend $80 for a base E1E, and another $60 on the Luxeon head.
Can you guys comment on the pros/cons of each?
Thanks!