the0dore3524
Flashlight Enthusiast
Please read on my site for the best viewing experience: https://precogvision.wordpress.com/...-comprehensive-essay-and-in-depth-comparison/
You might be thinking, "Wow, an essay. This dude writes a full-blown essayon flashlights, does he have nothing better to do?" But hear me out, I'll try and make it worth your time. Take note of my use of the word 'try' in particular. I'm a firm believer in the power of diction: No, I cannot make reading this essay worth your time. I can certainly do my best, but you'll be the one making the final, executive decision.
Maybe you're also not interested in why I'm writing this essay as a whole. But to my fellow flashaholics out there, this one is for you guys. Anyways, here's the simple answer: I'd like to think that humans are fundamentally 'good'. Let me elucidate further and make no mistake. This essay is my reciprocating the fulfillment that not only flashlights, but also the flashlight community have brought me. I think that on a fundamental level, no matter how ridiculous it might seem, everyone can relate to being passionate about something. And while everyone has different hobbies that they enjoy, this is mine.
So without further ado, let's do this.
Table of Contents
I. EDC Flashlights - A Definition
II. Why EDC a Flashlight?
III. Qualifications of the Ideal EDC Flashlight
IV. In-Depth Comparison - An Introduction
V. The Comparison
VI. Conclusion
VII. Loose-Ends
I. EDC Flashlight - A Definition
First and foremost, let's break down what we're looking for. We are notlooking for the biggest, brightest flashlight money can buy. Nor are we looking for the most expensive, flashy, insert-impressive adjective-here, flashlight money can buy. What we are looking for, however, is the best EDC flashlight. EDC stands for everyday carry; for the sake of this review I will refer to it as simply 'EDC'. As the name 'EDC flashlight' would suggest, this is the flashlight that you take with you everyday and everywhere.
The above perfectly illustrates my firm belief in the power of diction. It is imperative that we fully define the nature of the term so as to understand the underlying semantics. I know I come off as didactic and borderline pretentious, but hey, this is my essay.
II. Why EDC a Flashlight?
This is a component of my essay because I know that there are some who won't initially appreciate the merits of the venerable flashlight or EDC in its totality.
Let's start with the latter. EDC can be used as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to the various items and tools that are on your person everyday. Used as an adjective, it's often to describe a particular piece of gear (such as a knife or flashlight).
At its roots, EDC is simply a form of preparation. Over time, however, the nature of the word has expanded to encompass a broader spectrum of paradigms. Some individuals, such as Nick Shabazz of YouTube fame, posit that EDC is a form of security. In an unpredictable world, we find solace - no matter how small - in our ability to control a measure of our fate through preparation. Regardless, while multiple interpretations exist, EDC has unquestionably become the crux by which many live their life.
And now we'll return to the former: Of all the possible EDC items, why the flashlight? I could write an entire essay in and of itself about light's - and flashlights' by extension - powerful connotations with respect to the human condition. But that's beside the point. What it really comes down to is that the flashlight is just a damn useful tool. If you're the average human, you experience roughly the same amount of darkness as you do light in 24 hours. It's a no-brainer, there are far too many possible uses to count them all.
A common argument made by ordinary "Muggles" (Harry Potter reference coined by BLF user ToyKeeper, I believe) regards the smartphone. The contemporary smartphone has a flashlight, compass, and myriad of features rolled into a convenient, portable device. An analogy will serve as the basis for deconstructing this argument, the smartphone is like a Swiss Army Knife (SAK). The SAK is goodfor a lot of uses but not particularly greatat anything. And if the SAK is to the pocket knife, then the smartphone is to the flashlight. The flashlight and pocket knife are purpose-driven, refined instruments unlike their counterparts. Through this analogy, we quickly see that the smartphone will never be a suitable replacement for a flashlight.
III. Qualifications of the Ideal EDC Flashlight
This section will go over the primary qualifications of the quintessential EDC flashlight. Bear in mind that not everyone's qualifications for the ideal EDC flashlight will be the same. And as such, the qualifications addressed in this section will be intentionally broader in general.
IV. In-Depth Comparison Introduction
Ah, yes. The moment you flashaholics have been waiting for. This section of my essay will look at some of the best EDC flashlights available on the market and juxtapose their respective differences for comparison. But "best EDC flashlights" is such a cop-out. By definition, "best" implies that there can only be one - so yes, you guessed it. By the end of this essay, I will make clear what I believe to currently be the best EDC flashlight in production.
There are three flashlights that I believe are near the zenith of EDC perfection: the McGizmo Haiku, the HDS Rotary, and the Oveready BOSS 35 (from left-to-right below). Each of the aforementioned flashlights has garnered a stellar reputation and following but so have many other flashlights. You might be wondering how I narrowed it down to these three flashlights. The following consists of the criteria I used when I selected these flashlights.
You might also notice that these three flashlights share a couple similarities which I will outline here.
As with any battle royale or comparison, it wouldn't be complete without an introduction for each flashlight. I have separate reviews of each of these flashlights but here's the TL;DR (too long; didn't read) version for each one.
McGizmo Haiku: The benchmark for custom-grade flashlights. Constructed completely of Grade 5 Titanium, the Haiku is as functional as it is pretty to look at. It utilizes the venerable McClicky switch and OP reflector that its creator Don McLeish pioneered.
HDS Rotary: A lot of flashlights are described as being "built like a tank" but the HDS Rotary is the tank of flashlights. The Rotary is the cheapest of these three flashlights by quite a large margin and might just be the best value.
Oveready BOSS 35: The flashlight that's become a modern classic. Like it's name might suggest, the BOSS is both very bright but very small. This is a flashlight that simply dominates the competition on paper.
Using the categories I normally review flashlights under as a baseline, I will juxtapose these three flashlights with one another. The categories I grade under are build quality, output/runtime, practicality, beam quality, design, and user-interface. For those that are not familiar with my reviews, I give each category a score out of 10 which I then average at the end. Previously, I scored flashlights out of 30 but I have transitioned away from that system as 10 is a more set number. Whereas my previous reviews have put more of an emphasis on paper-specs, real-world use and practicality will reign predominant in this in-depth comparison. Enough chit-chat, let's do this.
V. The Comparison
First is the build quality and initial impressions. The build quality of these three flashlights shouldn't even be a question. All three are meticulously crafted and exude quality. I will give a slight edge to the Haiku in this category, however. The machining on the Haiku is simply impeccable and feels great in the hand more so than the anodization of the BOSS 35 and Rotary. An added benefit of the bare titanium construction is that the Haiku soaks up damage like a champ. Scratches and wear can actually look goodon the flashlight. On an aesthetic level, as futuristic as the BOSS 35 looks and as refined as the Rotary looks, the Haiku makes a better impression.
Of the three, the Rotary is undeniably the most robust though. Here's what each flashlight weighs when loaded with batteries:
The second category regards output and runtime. Here's a breakdown of outputs and runtimes for the three flashlights:
And just from a logical standpoint, you don't need 1000+ lumens from your EDC flashlight. 200 real, OTF lumens will easily accomplish most any everyday task. Some lumen chasers will no doubt condemn me for saying that but chew on this: It was only several years ago that 200 lumens was considered extremely bright; in fact, 50 lumens was considered "tactical brightness" by many.
Your eyes also do not process increases in output linearly, they do so logarithmically. This means that there needs to be a substantial jump in output for your eyes to see a difference. In essence, the rapid advancement of LED technology has led to both flashlight owners taking high-outputs for granted and a growing cohort of lumen-to-dollar supremacists. So to all you lumen chasers out there, yes, some flashlights like the Emisar D4 really are very cool and very bright. I should know, I've owned a few. But let's be real - they can't hold a candle to the build quality, sheer craftsmanship, and reliability of a Haiku or Rotary.
I call the Rotary the winner in this category. Surprised? Think about it. Because you can adjust the output of the flashlight on the fly, you effectively conserve much more battery than you would with a pre-set level like with the BOSS 35 and the Haiku. You never have to use more light than you actually need. As such, I've found that runtimes with my Rotary far exceed that of my BOSS 35 and Haiku in general.
The third category for comparison is practicality. Here I will address price point to value and actual use. Here's a breakdown of the prices as I have them configured:
Both the BOSS 35 and Rotary can take a wide variety of battery chemistries. I haven't tested that much with the Haiku but I suspect that it probably won't run 3V primary CR123a very well because of the H17f's voltage range. I give the edge to the BOSS 35 in battery type. The 18350 that the BOSS 35 uses has greater capacity than the 16340 battery especially with recent advancements in the 18350 size. I really want to see an 18350 tube from HDS, but that's not important right now.
I also want to address the programming of the flashlights in this section. Both the Haiku and Rotary have on-board programming but the BOSS 35 uses a wireless-optical sensor to program directly from the web. For this reason alone, I'm going to have to eliminate the BOSS 35 from the race. I've said this before and I'll say it again: in the event that the website dies or goes down, you're effectively screwed. Yes, I've also made the argument that you can download the programming files to local storage on your device for on-the-go programming. But that's simply cumbersome and a plain pain in the ***. Wireless optical-programming is cool but far from perfect.
If my Haiku had the normal 3S LE with zero programmability (nothing wrong with that honestly) it also would have been an instant elimination. But it doesn't, my Haiku has the H17f driver. The H17f's flexibility is commendable; you can add up to seven modes and two separate mode groups to the Haiku along with several other options. Here's the thing though: All the modes you can add don't mean jack when you can just rotate a dial on the Rotary to get the output you need instantly. To add on to that, the Rotary has even more options than the H17f offers. Examples include an always-on locator beacon, pseudo momentary, and an auto shut off. The one feature that I think the H17f one-ups the Rotary on is a voltage meter, but the Rotary has a very graceful step-down.
Moving on to the beam quality. I will address both the LEDs used and the beams' overall usefulness. Here's how the flashlights' respective beams line up with one another:
Now, this is where things get really subjective - the beam patterns. And honestly, I think it mostly depends on your usage needs. The triple LED setup of the BOSS 35 puts out a wall of light that's great for close range tasks. The BOSS 35 will still light up things that are farther away but not nearly as well as the Haiku or Rotary; it's mainly punching through with sheer output at that point. Between the Haiku and Rotary, I like the Rotary's beam more. The Haiku has more of a distinct hotspot - I'm not sure if the hotspot is the result of the Nichia 219c or reflector. Despite the Haiku reflector's legendary reputation, I prefer the cleaner transition of the Rotary's beam.
As I mentioned earlier, it's hard to draw a clear winner in this category and it'll depend a lot on your usage patterns/needs. For me, it would be a toss-up between the BOSS 35 and Rotary.
The fourth category of this comparison will cover the design of the flashlights.
Unfortunately, although the Rotary probably has one of the best thought-out designs of the three (just take a look at some of the schematics on the HDS website), it lacks something very important. If it weren't for the lack of a clip, the Rotary would win this category hands down because of the dial. But without a clip, it rolls like a mo-fo. Yes, there is a clip available for the flashlight but it looks as bad as it works. Yes, there is also other alternative methods of retention such as a holster (this is the route I recommend going down) but they are less discrete and add on to the cost. While the Rotary is fundamentally flawed in this regard, the Haiku and BOSS 35 both have their own design merits.
For the Haiku, I would point out the heat-sinking fins at the head. The fins work very well and give the flashlight a lightsaber-esque look (totally irrelevant yet relevant). The Haiku was also one of the first - if not the first - flashlight to be made completely of titanium. The metal has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal and is simply enamoring. One thing I'm not a fan of on the Haiku, though, is the body rings. They can be sort of slippery when wet and they definitely dig into the fingers when changing the battery.
I'm hard-pressed to find a flaw in the BOSS 35's design. The way it conforms to the hand is simply splendid, and the Triad tail cap is the icing on the cake. One thing that could be a put-off to some users is that the BOSS 35 is actually toosmall, I know some users prefer the longer 70 body. But that's purely based on outside factors and not really a knock on the design.
I think it's worth stating that all three of these flashlights are compatible with other, longer bodies and various accessories. The BOSS 35 probably has the most convenient eco-system though. Oveready produces a longer BOSS 70 body, walking wands, various clips, and beads. There's even a nifty screw-on cap for your spare bodies. I delved further into the Oveready eco-system in my full review of the BOSS 35, but make no mistake: The BOSS system is very extensive and allows the flashlight to adapt readily.
All in all, complex design doesn't necessarily equate to "good". Granted, the Rotary does have a complex design that allows it to be the toughest and most durable of the three. However, it lacks an integrated retaining method - a clip- and suffers as a result. I declare the BOSS 35 the winner in this category because the design is simple yet intricate, sort of like an Apple product. If you don't use a clip to carry your flashlight, then the Rotary is the winner.
As our comparison shifts to user-interface, there isn't as much of a stalemate relative to some of the other categories. There's a couple reasons why the Rotary is the clear champion in this category.
The first reason is obviously the rotary dial. As is stated on the product page: "What could be easier or more convenient?" Pretty much nothing is the answer; the Rotary dominates every other flashlight I've ever handled in terms of user-interface.
Secondly, the Rotary is the superior choice for mode switching. A pitfall of the McClicky switch mechanism - and Haiku and BOSS 35 by extension - is that direct access to a set mode is not conveniently available. You must depress the tail cap or click 'on' then 'off' to cycle modes. Yes, the H17F has a "double tap" feature but it's only practical when you first turn on the flashlight. If you want to access the double tap mode when the flashlight is already 'on', you must first click it 'off'. On the Rotary, not only can you pre-set the dial to a certain output, but you can also program a mode (generally max output) for when you hold the switch and the flashlight is already 'on'. You can also program two other separate modes for a double and triple click on the Rotary.
The BOSS 35 takes second place in this category because of the Triad tail cap. Both the Haiku and BOSS 35 use the same switch; the Triad tail cap accentuates an already good method of actuation. The Triad is great for the cigar-grip hold and allows the flashlight to tail stand like a rock. The Rotary can also tail stand, not nearly as solidly as the other two, however. I highly recommend the recessed switch on the Rotary.
VI. Conclusion
So there you have it: A comprehensive comparison of the EDC flashlight trifecta. I don't doubt there are more expensive, superior flashlights out there; however, these are the three flashlights that have bucked trends and made a name for themselves most.
I said there could only be one "best", and I will reinforce that sentiment here. If you've read this far, I commend you because you've most likely come to the conclusion that the HDS Rotary is the superior flashlight of the trifecta. The Rotary is an absurdly good value relative to the other two (and other custom-grade flashlights in general) and stands as the apex of practical use.
I adamantly believe that the Rotary is currently the best EDC flashlight in production. I would also like to believe that my comparison of the trifecta speaks for itself, so I will refrain from elaborating further on why the Rotary is the superior flashlight. In the following section, I will address the counter argument. It is my intent that the following section edify any remaining concerns.
VII. Loose-Ends
I don't doubt that there will be some readers (particularly budget-flashlight minded individuals) who will complain or curse me out for not including their favorite flashlight. Well, tough luck. I'm not writing this to cater to your whims or your favorite flashlight. Sometimes, you just have to actually own and use something to understand how good it really is. I'm sorry, but it's the plain and simple truth.
My writing is decent in general, but I am cognizant that it is also not perfect. In such a regard, if I made any grammatical or formatting errors, I humbly apologize.
This essay and the comparison presented under it are of my own volition and original thought. Wherever possible, I give credit for others' ideas.
Any piece of writing similar to this is undoubtedly subject to bias. Heck, the nature of an "essay" itself is fundamentally to persuade. With that in mind, I do write as objectively as is possible. I have also owned numerous flashlights from budget-grade to the custom-end of the spectrum and feel prepared to comment adequately on their respective differences.
The beauty of the digital age is that the content of works such as this can be edited seamlessly. This is a living document; therefore, it will be adjusted to reflect any future changes.
You might be thinking, "Wow, an essay. This dude writes a full-blown essayon flashlights, does he have nothing better to do?" But hear me out, I'll try and make it worth your time. Take note of my use of the word 'try' in particular. I'm a firm believer in the power of diction: No, I cannot make reading this essay worth your time. I can certainly do my best, but you'll be the one making the final, executive decision.
Maybe you're also not interested in why I'm writing this essay as a whole. But to my fellow flashaholics out there, this one is for you guys. Anyways, here's the simple answer: I'd like to think that humans are fundamentally 'good'. Let me elucidate further and make no mistake. This essay is my reciprocating the fulfillment that not only flashlights, but also the flashlight community have brought me. I think that on a fundamental level, no matter how ridiculous it might seem, everyone can relate to being passionate about something. And while everyone has different hobbies that they enjoy, this is mine.
So without further ado, let's do this.
Table of Contents
I. EDC Flashlights - A Definition
II. Why EDC a Flashlight?
III. Qualifications of the Ideal EDC Flashlight
IV. In-Depth Comparison - An Introduction
V. The Comparison
VI. Conclusion
VII. Loose-Ends
I. EDC Flashlight - A Definition
First and foremost, let's break down what we're looking for. We are notlooking for the biggest, brightest flashlight money can buy. Nor are we looking for the most expensive, flashy, insert-impressive adjective-here, flashlight money can buy. What we are looking for, however, is the best EDC flashlight. EDC stands for everyday carry; for the sake of this review I will refer to it as simply 'EDC'. As the name 'EDC flashlight' would suggest, this is the flashlight that you take with you everyday and everywhere.
The above perfectly illustrates my firm belief in the power of diction. It is imperative that we fully define the nature of the term so as to understand the underlying semantics. I know I come off as didactic and borderline pretentious, but hey, this is my essay.
II. Why EDC a Flashlight?
This is a component of my essay because I know that there are some who won't initially appreciate the merits of the venerable flashlight or EDC in its totality.
Let's start with the latter. EDC can be used as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to the various items and tools that are on your person everyday. Used as an adjective, it's often to describe a particular piece of gear (such as a knife or flashlight).
At its roots, EDC is simply a form of preparation. Over time, however, the nature of the word has expanded to encompass a broader spectrum of paradigms. Some individuals, such as Nick Shabazz of YouTube fame, posit that EDC is a form of security. In an unpredictable world, we find solace - no matter how small - in our ability to control a measure of our fate through preparation. Regardless, while multiple interpretations exist, EDC has unquestionably become the crux by which many live their life.
And now we'll return to the former: Of all the possible EDC items, why the flashlight? I could write an entire essay in and of itself about light's - and flashlights' by extension - powerful connotations with respect to the human condition. But that's beside the point. What it really comes down to is that the flashlight is just a damn useful tool. If you're the average human, you experience roughly the same amount of darkness as you do light in 24 hours. It's a no-brainer, there are far too many possible uses to count them all.
A common argument made by ordinary "Muggles" (Harry Potter reference coined by BLF user ToyKeeper, I believe) regards the smartphone. The contemporary smartphone has a flashlight, compass, and myriad of features rolled into a convenient, portable device. An analogy will serve as the basis for deconstructing this argument, the smartphone is like a Swiss Army Knife (SAK). The SAK is goodfor a lot of uses but not particularly greatat anything. And if the SAK is to the pocket knife, then the smartphone is to the flashlight. The flashlight and pocket knife are purpose-driven, refined instruments unlike their counterparts. Through this analogy, we quickly see that the smartphone will never be a suitable replacement for a flashlight.
III. Qualifications of the Ideal EDC Flashlight
This section will go over the primary qualifications of the quintessential EDC flashlight. Bear in mind that not everyone's qualifications for the ideal EDC flashlight will be the same. And as such, the qualifications addressed in this section will be intentionally broader in general.
- Size: The ideal EDC flashlight is both compact and unobtrusive.
- Weight: In tandem with the above qualification, the weight of the flashlight in question should be light enough to carry without any "pocket sagging" or similar undue distress.
- Lumens: This is the 'brightness' aspect of the flashlight. Lumens are generally the best way of gauging output, as they are a measure of the total amount of light a flashlight puts out. The output of the flashlight should be sufficient for general, daily tasks. Additionally, the flashlight should have varying outputs for most any task.
- Reliable: The flashlight is well-built and can be used with confidence. Ask yourself: Can you say with absolute certainty that your flashlight will come on when you need it most? A reliable flashlight has sufficient seals (such as O-rings) to keep the elements at bay and is constructed of tough material.
- Battery Type: There are several considerations with respect to the battery. Foremost, the battery should strike a good balance between size and capacity. Secondly, the battery should be one that is easily found. And finally, the battery type used should be flexible.
- User-interface: The interface of the flashlight should be intuitive and come easily. If someone else picked up your flashlight without ever using it before, would they be able to use it?
IV. In-Depth Comparison Introduction
Ah, yes. The moment you flashaholics have been waiting for. This section of my essay will look at some of the best EDC flashlights available on the market and juxtapose their respective differences for comparison. But "best EDC flashlights" is such a cop-out. By definition, "best" implies that there can only be one - so yes, you guessed it. By the end of this essay, I will make clear what I believe to currently be the best EDC flashlight in production.
There are three flashlights that I believe are near the zenith of EDC perfection: the McGizmo Haiku, the HDS Rotary, and the Oveready BOSS 35 (from left-to-right below). Each of the aforementioned flashlights has garnered a stellar reputation and following but so have many other flashlights. You might be wondering how I narrowed it down to these three flashlights. The following consists of the criteria I used when I selected these flashlights.
- A unique, truly original design. This effectively eliminates a lot of the triple-emitter flashlights that have been produced as of late.
- Just on the border of diminishing returns with respect to price. In other words, the most usability you can get out of the flashlight for your buck. Because of this piece of criteria, mainstream production flashlights and budget flashlights are effectively eliminated. This criteria also eliminates flashlights that are past the point of diminishing returns like the Cool Fall Spy 007.
You might also notice that these three flashlights share a couple similarities which I will outline here.
- They are all based off of the 16340/18350 battery so are sized accordingly. I firmly believe that this size is most optimal for EDC. Not only does the battery type offer a good capacity-to-size ratio, but even though the size of these flashlights is larger than some others, they allow for a substantial, usable grip.
- All are semi-custom and custom flashlights. It's really hard to qualify what distinguishes a semi-custom flashlight from a custom flashlight. Generally speaking, though, I'd call the HDS Rotary and Oveready BOSS 35 semi-custom flashlights. The flashlights are mass produced (not relative to mainstream flashlights of course) and made by a company of sorts. On the other hand, I would qualify the Haiku as a custom. The Haiku is assembled by one man and is not produced on nearly the same scale as the other two flashlights.
As with any battle royale or comparison, it wouldn't be complete without an introduction for each flashlight. I have separate reviews of each of these flashlights but here's the TL;DR (too long; didn't read) version for each one.
McGizmo Haiku: The benchmark for custom-grade flashlights. Constructed completely of Grade 5 Titanium, the Haiku is as functional as it is pretty to look at. It utilizes the venerable McClicky switch and OP reflector that its creator Don McLeish pioneered.
HDS Rotary: A lot of flashlights are described as being "built like a tank" but the HDS Rotary is the tank of flashlights. The Rotary is the cheapest of these three flashlights by quite a large margin and might just be the best value.
Oveready BOSS 35: The flashlight that's become a modern classic. Like it's name might suggest, the BOSS is both very bright but very small. This is a flashlight that simply dominates the competition on paper.
Using the categories I normally review flashlights under as a baseline, I will juxtapose these three flashlights with one another. The categories I grade under are build quality, output/runtime, practicality, beam quality, design, and user-interface. For those that are not familiar with my reviews, I give each category a score out of 10 which I then average at the end. Previously, I scored flashlights out of 30 but I have transitioned away from that system as 10 is a more set number. Whereas my previous reviews have put more of an emphasis on paper-specs, real-world use and practicality will reign predominant in this in-depth comparison. Enough chit-chat, let's do this.
V. The Comparison
First is the build quality and initial impressions. The build quality of these three flashlights shouldn't even be a question. All three are meticulously crafted and exude quality. I will give a slight edge to the Haiku in this category, however. The machining on the Haiku is simply impeccable and feels great in the hand more so than the anodization of the BOSS 35 and Rotary. An added benefit of the bare titanium construction is that the Haiku soaks up damage like a champ. Scratches and wear can actually look goodon the flashlight. On an aesthetic level, as futuristic as the BOSS 35 looks and as refined as the Rotary looks, the Haiku makes a better impression.
Of the three, the Rotary is undeniably the most robust though. Here's what each flashlight weighs when loaded with batteries:
- McGizmo Haiku: 101g
- HDS Rotary: 103g
- Oveready BOSS 35: 89g
The second category regards output and runtime. Here's a breakdown of outputs and runtimes for the three flashlights:
- McGizmo Haiku: N/A. This one's difficult because I'm running a Tana SuperLE with H17f in my Haiku. I did get 1hr 38 min to step-down running the flashlight on the high I have programmed though.
- HDS Rotary: 200 OTF (out the front) lumens, 2 hours of runtime on the high and days on the lowest setting
- Oveready BOSS 35: 1900 lumens at the LED, about ten minutes on high and weeks of candle brightness on the lowest setting
And just from a logical standpoint, you don't need 1000+ lumens from your EDC flashlight. 200 real, OTF lumens will easily accomplish most any everyday task. Some lumen chasers will no doubt condemn me for saying that but chew on this: It was only several years ago that 200 lumens was considered extremely bright; in fact, 50 lumens was considered "tactical brightness" by many.
Your eyes also do not process increases in output linearly, they do so logarithmically. This means that there needs to be a substantial jump in output for your eyes to see a difference. In essence, the rapid advancement of LED technology has led to both flashlight owners taking high-outputs for granted and a growing cohort of lumen-to-dollar supremacists. So to all you lumen chasers out there, yes, some flashlights like the Emisar D4 really are very cool and very bright. I should know, I've owned a few. But let's be real - they can't hold a candle to the build quality, sheer craftsmanship, and reliability of a Haiku or Rotary.
I call the Rotary the winner in this category. Surprised? Think about it. Because you can adjust the output of the flashlight on the fly, you effectively conserve much more battery than you would with a pre-set level like with the BOSS 35 and the Haiku. You never have to use more light than you actually need. As such, I've found that runtimes with my Rotary far exceed that of my BOSS 35 and Haiku in general.
The third category for comparison is practicality. Here I will address price point to value and actual use. Here's a breakdown of the prices as I have them configured:
- McGizmo Haiku: $342.05 (Host plus "Cracked Ice" Clip) + $130 (Tana SuperLE Nichia 219c 4000K) = $472.05 total.
- Oveready BOSS 35: $392 (Base flashlight) + $36 (Stainless Steel Crenellated Bezel) = $428 total. I also have tritium in the optic but I think that's somewhat unilateral.
- HDS Rotary: $269 (Base flashlight) + $30 (Nichia 219c 4000K emitter upgrade) = $299 total.
Both the BOSS 35 and Rotary can take a wide variety of battery chemistries. I haven't tested that much with the Haiku but I suspect that it probably won't run 3V primary CR123a very well because of the H17f's voltage range. I give the edge to the BOSS 35 in battery type. The 18350 that the BOSS 35 uses has greater capacity than the 16340 battery especially with recent advancements in the 18350 size. I really want to see an 18350 tube from HDS, but that's not important right now.
I also want to address the programming of the flashlights in this section. Both the Haiku and Rotary have on-board programming but the BOSS 35 uses a wireless-optical sensor to program directly from the web. For this reason alone, I'm going to have to eliminate the BOSS 35 from the race. I've said this before and I'll say it again: in the event that the website dies or goes down, you're effectively screwed. Yes, I've also made the argument that you can download the programming files to local storage on your device for on-the-go programming. But that's simply cumbersome and a plain pain in the ***. Wireless optical-programming is cool but far from perfect.
If my Haiku had the normal 3S LE with zero programmability (nothing wrong with that honestly) it also would have been an instant elimination. But it doesn't, my Haiku has the H17f driver. The H17f's flexibility is commendable; you can add up to seven modes and two separate mode groups to the Haiku along with several other options. Here's the thing though: All the modes you can add don't mean jack when you can just rotate a dial on the Rotary to get the output you need instantly. To add on to that, the Rotary has even more options than the H17f offers. Examples include an always-on locator beacon, pseudo momentary, and an auto shut off. The one feature that I think the H17f one-ups the Rotary on is a voltage meter, but the Rotary has a very graceful step-down.
Moving on to the beam quality. I will address both the LEDs used and the beams' overall usefulness. Here's how the flashlights' respective beams line up with one another:
- McGizmo Haiku: Reflector based, often referred to as having the "perfect" beam.
- Oveready BOSS 35: Triple LED, uses standard Carclo 10507 Narrow Clear optic.
- HDS Rotary: Reflector based, hotspot blends well with spill.
Now, this is where things get really subjective - the beam patterns. And honestly, I think it mostly depends on your usage needs. The triple LED setup of the BOSS 35 puts out a wall of light that's great for close range tasks. The BOSS 35 will still light up things that are farther away but not nearly as well as the Haiku or Rotary; it's mainly punching through with sheer output at that point. Between the Haiku and Rotary, I like the Rotary's beam more. The Haiku has more of a distinct hotspot - I'm not sure if the hotspot is the result of the Nichia 219c or reflector. Despite the Haiku reflector's legendary reputation, I prefer the cleaner transition of the Rotary's beam.
As I mentioned earlier, it's hard to draw a clear winner in this category and it'll depend a lot on your usage patterns/needs. For me, it would be a toss-up between the BOSS 35 and Rotary.
The fourth category of this comparison will cover the design of the flashlights.
Unfortunately, although the Rotary probably has one of the best thought-out designs of the three (just take a look at some of the schematics on the HDS website), it lacks something very important. If it weren't for the lack of a clip, the Rotary would win this category hands down because of the dial. But without a clip, it rolls like a mo-fo. Yes, there is a clip available for the flashlight but it looks as bad as it works. Yes, there is also other alternative methods of retention such as a holster (this is the route I recommend going down) but they are less discrete and add on to the cost. While the Rotary is fundamentally flawed in this regard, the Haiku and BOSS 35 both have their own design merits.
For the Haiku, I would point out the heat-sinking fins at the head. The fins work very well and give the flashlight a lightsaber-esque look (totally irrelevant yet relevant). The Haiku was also one of the first - if not the first - flashlight to be made completely of titanium. The metal has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal and is simply enamoring. One thing I'm not a fan of on the Haiku, though, is the body rings. They can be sort of slippery when wet and they definitely dig into the fingers when changing the battery.
I'm hard-pressed to find a flaw in the BOSS 35's design. The way it conforms to the hand is simply splendid, and the Triad tail cap is the icing on the cake. One thing that could be a put-off to some users is that the BOSS 35 is actually toosmall, I know some users prefer the longer 70 body. But that's purely based on outside factors and not really a knock on the design.
I think it's worth stating that all three of these flashlights are compatible with other, longer bodies and various accessories. The BOSS 35 probably has the most convenient eco-system though. Oveready produces a longer BOSS 70 body, walking wands, various clips, and beads. There's even a nifty screw-on cap for your spare bodies. I delved further into the Oveready eco-system in my full review of the BOSS 35, but make no mistake: The BOSS system is very extensive and allows the flashlight to adapt readily.
All in all, complex design doesn't necessarily equate to "good". Granted, the Rotary does have a complex design that allows it to be the toughest and most durable of the three. However, it lacks an integrated retaining method - a clip- and suffers as a result. I declare the BOSS 35 the winner in this category because the design is simple yet intricate, sort of like an Apple product. If you don't use a clip to carry your flashlight, then the Rotary is the winner.
As our comparison shifts to user-interface, there isn't as much of a stalemate relative to some of the other categories. There's a couple reasons why the Rotary is the clear champion in this category.
The first reason is obviously the rotary dial. As is stated on the product page: "What could be easier or more convenient?" Pretty much nothing is the answer; the Rotary dominates every other flashlight I've ever handled in terms of user-interface.
Secondly, the Rotary is the superior choice for mode switching. A pitfall of the McClicky switch mechanism - and Haiku and BOSS 35 by extension - is that direct access to a set mode is not conveniently available. You must depress the tail cap or click 'on' then 'off' to cycle modes. Yes, the H17F has a "double tap" feature but it's only practical when you first turn on the flashlight. If you want to access the double tap mode when the flashlight is already 'on', you must first click it 'off'. On the Rotary, not only can you pre-set the dial to a certain output, but you can also program a mode (generally max output) for when you hold the switch and the flashlight is already 'on'. You can also program two other separate modes for a double and triple click on the Rotary.
The BOSS 35 takes second place in this category because of the Triad tail cap. Both the Haiku and BOSS 35 use the same switch; the Triad tail cap accentuates an already good method of actuation. The Triad is great for the cigar-grip hold and allows the flashlight to tail stand like a rock. The Rotary can also tail stand, not nearly as solidly as the other two, however. I highly recommend the recessed switch on the Rotary.
VI. Conclusion
So there you have it: A comprehensive comparison of the EDC flashlight trifecta. I don't doubt there are more expensive, superior flashlights out there; however, these are the three flashlights that have bucked trends and made a name for themselves most.
I said there could only be one "best", and I will reinforce that sentiment here. If you've read this far, I commend you because you've most likely come to the conclusion that the HDS Rotary is the superior flashlight of the trifecta. The Rotary is an absurdly good value relative to the other two (and other custom-grade flashlights in general) and stands as the apex of practical use.
I adamantly believe that the Rotary is currently the best EDC flashlight in production. I would also like to believe that my comparison of the trifecta speaks for itself, so I will refrain from elaborating further on why the Rotary is the superior flashlight. In the following section, I will address the counter argument. It is my intent that the following section edify any remaining concerns.
VII. Loose-Ends
I don't doubt that there will be some readers (particularly budget-flashlight minded individuals) who will complain or curse me out for not including their favorite flashlight. Well, tough luck. I'm not writing this to cater to your whims or your favorite flashlight. Sometimes, you just have to actually own and use something to understand how good it really is. I'm sorry, but it's the plain and simple truth.
My writing is decent in general, but I am cognizant that it is also not perfect. In such a regard, if I made any grammatical or formatting errors, I humbly apologize.
This essay and the comparison presented under it are of my own volition and original thought. Wherever possible, I give credit for others' ideas.
Any piece of writing similar to this is undoubtedly subject to bias. Heck, the nature of an "essay" itself is fundamentally to persuade. With that in mind, I do write as objectively as is possible. I have also owned numerous flashlights from budget-grade to the custom-end of the spectrum and feel prepared to comment adequately on their respective differences.
The beauty of the digital age is that the content of works such as this can be edited seamlessly. This is a living document; therefore, it will be adjusted to reflect any future changes.
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