Reality check: What's the REAL difference between lights?

[parnass]

Another point -- Surefire and RA lights have lifetime warranties which adds to the price.   The Fenix and Maratac lights do not lifetime warranties.

[NutSAK]

Another point -- Surefire and RA lights have lifetime warranties which adds to the price.   The Fenix and Maratac lights do not lifetime warranties.

Very true.  That is a point that most flashoholics easily forget since, as the technology matures, they tend to move on to other lights before the warranties run out.

[Styerman]

I laff , the best light I own is an old Lux III based McGizmo McLux III PD , ditto for my buddy , we both pretty much agree that we would be quite happy if flashlite technology had stopped at that point . The only reason It's semi retired , is that it can't be readily replaced .

One thing I don't think is worth the cost, is Ti . It has inferior thermal/heatsinking properties to Alum. , an Ti threads are a bizth , and take forever to smooth out . Truly a costly and useless upgrade . Cool factor be damned !

Chris

[NutSAK]

One thing I don't think is worth the cost, is Ti . It has inferior thermal/heatsinking properties to Alum. , an Ti threads are a bizth , and take forever to smooth out . Truly a costly and useless upgrade . Cool factor be damned !

Chris

I couldn't agree more.  I'm not into bling, regardless of the tool.  Form follows function.

I wish I had Don's McLux PD III.  As great as it is though, I'd mod mine with a P4.

[Styerman]

It truly is an amazing lite , with some newer led's it would be better , I guess . He hit that ball right of the park , the thang does it all .

Chris

[Magnus]

Another point -- Surefire and RA lights have lifetime warranties which adds to the price.   The Fenix and Maratac lights do not lifetime warranties.

Very true.  That is a point that most flashoholics easily forget since, as the technology matures, they tend to move on to other lights before the warranties run out.

The fact is, with the pace of LED technology, even the newest light you buy now will be obsolete in 5 - 10 years.

[NutSAK]

Another point -- Surefire and RA lights have lifetime warranties which adds to the price.   The Fenix and Maratac lights do not lifetime warranties.

Very true.  That is a point that most flashoholics easily forget since, as the technology matures, they tend to move on to other lights before the warranties run out.

The fact is, with the pace of LED technology, even the newest light you buy now will be obsolete in 5 - 10 years.

I suppose you could say that.  I have many lights that are 5-10 years old that I still use, in fact some are my most used lights.  They still provide light for tasks, just at the expense of efficiency.  Some of those have been upgraded along the way, however.

[Mr. Whippy]

Another point -- Surefire and RA lights have lifetime warranties which adds to the price.   The Fenix and Maratac lights do not lifetime warranties.

Very true.  That is a point that most flashoholics easily forget since, as the technology matures, they tend to move on to other lights before the warranties run out.

The fact is, with the pace of LED technology, even the newest light you buy now will be obsolete in 5 - 10 years.

Correct.  It's sorta a hollow warranty.  I'd never spend the money to send in an old incandescent Maglite just to get back another incandescent Maglite. (for example).

[Styerman]

Gotta admit , I don't care too much about warranty , I prefer stuff that doesn't screw up in the first place . I don't think going outta style is a big deal , how many Lumens do you really need ?  You should probably pay more attention to reflector design than LED type . A hypethetical 200 Lumen outta a AAA sized head , say the size of an S2 wont throw or spill very well , probably not much better than lites with larger heads and more modest outputs . The Law of diminishing returns kicks in real quick !

Runtime on the other hand is nice . Personally , two max. three levels is fine , forget the flesh eating strobes and other such caca .

A lot of present day lights have "Weatherby Disease " ( after an abominable line of rifles - most of which had far more velocity , and muzel energy than they could usefully use , combined with poor stock design ) .

Chris