Huntsman Lite question

[Kraken]

Hey gang, I was looking for a little insight on the Huntsman Lite model. I’m thinking about getting one and wanted to know how bright the LED was on the models produced since 2019, if anyone has one. I have a Nite Ize Radiant microlight that puts out 6 lumens and is great for a quick light up. Is the light on the Huntsman Lite equivalent or close to that output?

[Max Stone]

I have the old (grey) and new (clear) Lite models, and the clear is much brighter - but I don't have a Nite microlight to compare for you. I would say it's as bright as other single LED 'button' cell fob lights I have...so not a replacement for a AAA, but OK for avoiding tripping hazards in the woods at night.

(Edit: pics added. Throw onto a wall at 50cm. LED is not bad, but just make sure you get the clear housing version)

[Kraken]

I have the old (grey) and new (clear) Lite models, and the clear is much brighter - but I don't have a Nite microlight to compare for you. I would say it's as bright as other single LED 'button' cell fob lights I have...so not a replacement for a AAA, but OK for avoiding tripping hazards in the woods at night.

Thanks Max! That's the type of use I was thinking of and your comparison gives me a great idea of how it will operate. For what it's worth, the Nite Ize microlight is good for the same purposes. I have it clipped to the outside of my Maxpedition tool kit for a quick light, without having to open the bag and retrieve my AA light.

[Max Stone]

...and you get the inline Phillips 

[Kraken]

...and you get the inline Phillips 

I do love me an inline Phillips!

[kamakiri]

New ones are brighter than the old ones, but I don’t think as bright as many modern keychain lites like Photon(?) the battery in mine isn’t new, so it wouldn’t make a good comparison.

[Kraken]

Thanks for the edit with the photos Max!

[Max Stone]

 

[Simon_Templar]

I agree with Max' assessment but would like to add that Vic improved the LED some time before they changed the housing (from grey to clear). This means that last gen grey housing "Lite" SAKs are equally bright as clear housing ones. In fact, I prefer the light of my grey housing Traveler Lite to my clear housing Huntsman Lite's: the former does not dazzle the user in dark surroundings.

[Kraken]

I agree with Max' assessment but would like to add that Vic improved the LED some time before they changed the housing (from grey to clear). This means that last gen grey housing "Lite" SAKs are equally bright as clear housing ones. In fact, I prefer the light of my grey housing Traveler Lite to my clear housing Huntsman Lite's: the former does not dazzle the user in dark surroundings.

An interesting point, good Sir Knight.

[kamakiri]

Agree with Simon’s comments about the late grey ones. They don’t have the ‘hook’ on the bottom of the housing.

[Kraken]

Giving this a bump as the decreased daylight in the northern hemisphere has caused me to once again ponder the 'need' for a Huntsman Lite in my daily carry rotation. For those of you that have one and have a carried one, how easy is it to have the flashlight switch on as you slide it in to your pocket ? I carry my Explorer in my front pocket along with my wallet, so I'm concerned that the light will get switched on without my knowledge and the battery will be drained when I really need to use it.

[Max Stone]

The button is recessed so can only be activated by quite firm pressure with your thumb. It's unlikely to be activated when in a pocket because of this design. The button has a momentary position (press down), and a latching position (slide back), but both of these actions need quite deliberate movement of your thumb.

If I rub the button hard against the edge of my jean's pocket, it is possible to catch the button and force the switch into the on position - but this really needs to be an intentional effort with the button engaging against a tight edge of the pocket. I really cannot see this happening accidentally in normal pocket use and I would not raise this as a concern. 

[kamakiri]

I regularly turn them on by accident when putting it in the change pocket of misc jeans. Wasted a few pairs of batteries that way. Not really a problem in most other pockets.

[Kraken]

Thank you Max & kamakiri for the insights. You've all but sealed my fate as I've run out of excuses for not getting a Huntsman Lite. Now if I can only hold off getting one until after Christmas....

[kamakiri]

So, the plan is to wait until *after* the winter solstice before getting one? 

I thought one of the MTO sayings is “buy now, regret later”…or “it’s only money”. You choose. 

[Kraken]

So, the plan is to wait until *after* the winter solstice before getting one? 

I thought one of the MTO sayings is “buy now, regret later”…or “it’s only money”. You choose. 

You bring up a great point about the timing of my purchase. I should get one now to take full advantage of the onboard flashlight. Thanks kamakiri! 

[Tasky]

Based on some very rough calculations and an Amateur Hour with a lumen tube, the current gen of Lite models puts out about 2.5lm.
Annoyingly, they don't have a reflector of any kind, and the clear plastic means you get half that output straight in your own face.

[kamakiri]

You bring up a great point about the timing of my purchase. I should get one now to take full advantage of the onboard flashlight. Thanks kamakiri! 

 

I also see that you’ve been considering the purchase since last year. I think we can safely say that you aren’t making a hasty decision. 

[Simon_Templar]

I also see that you’ve been considering the purchase since last year. I think we can safely say that you aren’t making a hasty decision. 

If Kraken had a penny for every time he was pondering the issue, the Huntsman Lite would already be paid for 

[Kraken]

If Kraken had a penny for every time he was pondering the issue, the Huntsman Lite would already be paid for 

 
I'd probably have more than one Huntsman Lite by now!