Re: LRI Proton not arriving - whats the next best
The short answer is no /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif.
The long answer is that there lights out there that have some of the best features of this light, but none that have all of them. I'd say the top contenders are:
HDS (any model): Variable brightness. Brightest for its size (shorter, yet a bit thicker than the Proton was supposed to be). This light surpases what the Proton would have been in the realm of build quality, switch and sophisticated engineering (thermal protection, calibrated LED, etc.) It would most likely have had far better tint as well. The downside is the non-standard battery (CR123 or RCR123) and the fact that these are twice the Proton's projected price. Oh yeah, no red either.
Fenix L1P: This light is kind of like a Proton minus all of the features but with a better finish. Like the Proton, it uses 1 AA battery but comes up with only around half the projected lumen power for an approximately equivalent runtime. Simple reverse clicky off/on- no brightness adjust, no colors, nada. However, this light looks to be quite a nice study in simplicity and has potential for mods that can give it variable output. No one really has it yet, but they are coming soon at around half of the projected Proton price (alliteration!).
If the multi-color thing is really important to you, I suggest an eternalight Derrenger. It is small, has a long runtime, and has red and white LEDs. It takes 3 AAAs (still not uncommon) and will be bright enough for close range tasks, though it won't be nearly as bright as the other lights mentioned. Price is only around a quarter of the Proton list price.
I for one am definitely sad to see the Proton project canned, but perhaps if the future can bring LEDs that live up to the specs, the light will breath new life in the future.
