Anyone have any experience with Novatac flashlights?

[Leatherman123]

Hey guys, I am thinking about buying a NovaTac EDC-120. Anyone have one to give me some advice? Thanks!

[jzmtl]

Yeah, get the programmable model.  

On mine, a very early model the emitter color is quite blue, I have U2SV0H on order to replace it. Duno if they used better binned emitters now.

[NutSAK]

I have one and have carried it often.  I recommend the 120P model, as jzmtl mentioned.  The user interface is excellent, and it has the best beam profile of any light I've ever seen.  It is a great combination of flood and throw--the spot blends seamlessly into the spill.

I have recently decided to no longer EDC CR123 lights, in favor of AA.  I'm (very reluctantly) considering selling my 120P.

[jzmtl]

I have recently decided to no longer EDC CR123 lights, in favor of AA.  I'm (very reluctantly) considering selling my 120P.

Any reason you did that?

Personally I feel the beam pattern is great for close to mid range work, over 15 yard or so it starting to lack the punch. At around 10 yard 65 lumen SF L1 appears to be brighter than 120 lumen on novatac.

[NutSAK]

I have recently decided to no longer EDC CR123 lights, in favor of AA.  I'm (very reluctantly) considering selling my 120P.

Any reason you did that?

Personally I feel the beam pattern is great for close to mid range work, over 15 yard or so it starting to lack the punch. At around 10 yard 65 lumen SF L1 appears to be brighter than 120 lumen on novatac.

I would agree with that, but that is also why I consider it a great EDC.  I find a floodier beam a much better choice for the majority of what I need a light for, even including self-defense situations that may arise where a handgun might be employed.  I've trained in low light at the range with my Novatac, and I consider the beam perfect for that situation.  I always have a thrower nearby--in the house or vehicle--that I can grab if I need to.

I've decided to EDC AA because I always use rechargables, mainly to reduce operating cost, and I much prefer Eneloops to RCR123 Li-Ions.  Many of the other products I carry employ AA format (radio, GPS, cameras, etc.) so I load them all with Eneloops and keep E2 lithiums handy in my BOB for backup.  Carrying CR123 or RCR123 specifically for one item doesn't make sense to me, especially considering the low energy density of RCR123.  It doesn't weigh heavy in my decision, but there's also the factor of availability of AA vs. CR123 to consider in a crisis/survival situation.

[jzmtl]

Ah I see, I don't use my light to matter much, and don't carry any other electronics. Bought a set of LiFePO4 a while back and it's enough to not need my spare primary 123a.

[Splat]

Eneloops to RCR123 Li-Ions.  Many of the other products I carry employ AA format (radio, GPS, cameras, etc.) so I load them all with Eneloops and keep E2 lithiums handy in my BOB for backup.  Carrying CR123 or RCR123 specifically for one item doesn't make sense to me, especially considering the low energy density of RCR123.  It doesn't weigh heavy in my decision, but there's also the factor of availability of AA vs. CR123 to consider in a crisis/survival situation.

100% AA or AAA for me. I'm very happy with my AAA-powered Fenix Digital L0D Q4. I don't see a need to go to a CR123-fed light.

[tango44]

Very happy with my 120P, It's my EDC for this week,at the end I finally decided to stay with the factory settings and like jzmtl says, a Surefire L1 or a E1B Backup are better throwers.

[Styerman]

Surefires are rated conservatively , the E1B tests out at 110  L. Plus its optic vs reflector.

Chris

[NutSAK]

Directly comparing the lumens output of two lights that have such drastically different beams is somewhat useless, IMO.  I am curious though--where did you get the 110 lumen test figure for the E1B?  I've been looking for a good source of integrating sphere test comparisons.

As you mention, typically optics will throw better, but have poor spill.  If I were to EDC a thrower like the E1B, I would definitely want to carry a diffuser with me.

[Gadget Guy]

I just picked up a Novatac 120E and I love it. The strobe feature is really nice!! 

[prime77]

I just picked up a Novatac 120E and I love it. The strobe feature is really nice!!  Thumbs up!

This may sound a little strange but the strobe on the Novatac actually makes me feel sick in the stomach and head if I look at it for to long and I'm talking about under a minute. My wife has no problems with it, just me.  I never had any problems looking at the strobe on the Fenix lights.

[Gadget Guy]

I just picked up a Novatac 120E and I love it. The strobe feature is really nice!!  Thumbs up!

This may sound a little strange but the strobe on the Novatac actually makes me feel sick in the stomach and head if I look at it for to long and I'm talking about under a minute. My wife has no problems with it, just me.  I never had any problems looking at the strobe on the Fenix lights.

No kidding? 

[prime77]

No kidding?  Grin

Yea it actually makes me feel nauseated. So much so that I don't use it as a setting and when going though the ramping process when programming a setting I look away when it cycles past the strobe setting. I am a very sad sissy aren't I. 

[Gadget Guy]

No kidding?  Grin

Yea it actually makes me feel nauseated. So much so that I don't use it as a setting and when going though the ramping process when programming a setting I look away when it cycles past the strobe setting. I am a very sad sissy aren't I. 

No, I'm laughing with you, not at you.    Remember the game "Doom"? I used to play that when It first came out. I played it and I felt sick, so I thought I was coming down with the flu or something. I stopped playing it and I felt better. It took me three days to realize that it was the game that was making me sick. 

I feel your pain!

[Benner]

I hope you kept playing anyway as that game is awesome! 

[Styerman]

Directly comparing the lumens output of two lights that have such drastically different beams is somewhat useless, IMO.  I am curious though--where did you get the 110 lumen test figure for the E1B?  I've been looking for a good source of integrating sphere test comparisons.

As you mention, typically optics will throw better, but have poor spill.  If I were to EDC a thrower like the E1B, I would definitely want to carry a diffuser with me.

I got the 110 Lumen figure off a fella on CPF with a home built integrating sphere , he's done quite a few LED lites , his results seem well respected on CPF . His handle escapes me .

I don't really feel any need for a difuser , for close up task light use the low works ok for me . I find there is lots of sidespill for my taste .

Not to get too far off topic , I find the E1B a pleasant EDC , it carries well in the breast pocket of my workshirts . It doesn't tear up shirts , and is comfortable in the hand . Significant caveat - I always wear flap closed pockets , dont know how well it would work with open topped pockets .

Chris

[eodtech]

Yeah, get the programmable model.

ALL the features of the 120P ( programmable ) are available thru a hack posted on CPF

The "pre-programmed" NovaTac EDC T and E models are fully programmable, just like the P model  !!!

Save yourself some $$$$