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Help Picking Haiku

Gab124

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
5
Hello all - fist time posting on this site. I wonder if I could get some help picking a Haiku that hopefully will fill my needs at work. First, some background on me.

To be clear I am not a flashlight specialist, I am just a guy that uses a light a lot throughout my work day. I work in a zoo, and specifically in a large rainforestexhibit – 16,000 square feet with a 60' greenhouse type ceiling and lots ofunderstory plus dark service areas. Icurrently use an HDS executive clicky and it does work very well for me. However, I have always wanted a Mcgizmo sowas looking for my first one.
Things I need from a light are the ability to compete withambient light – true color rendering to make sure all aspects of a particularanimal look true to life (up close and from a little distance) – the ability topinpoint things from say 15 to maybe 20 away. I find myself doing lots ofthings up close, as well as some distance so that, I think, is kind of a challenge.

Last week I took delivery of my first, a 1x123 mule with119v and 3v – I read as much as I could, and I really, really like this light – the coloris fantastic, the size and weight are very nice and I really appreciate the UIcompared to the HDS clicky. However, itdoes not throw at all really and that is a rookie mistake on my part for not completelyunderstanding the mechanics of this complex world of lights. I will keep this head though I think, becauseit is just fantastic for things up close and I am sure I can use it from timeto time.

So, what I think I need is a new head to go on the 1x123pack I already have, and after more reading I believe that to be theHaiku. But, then there are the ratherconfusing iterations possible with each head to pick from. I am trying to figure out the emitter topick.

I need some flood, natural light and some throw at thedistances mentioned, as well as ability to counteract a good amount of ambientlight. Can anyone give me somesuggestions or threads to read up on?
I was leaning to the 119v with 3v configuration.

Thank you all so much for any assistance you can offer me .


 

Thetasigma

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 10, 2015
Messages
1,197
Location
Michigan, USA
I would suggest a 119V Haiku with the HIVE driver. The 119V LED Don uses produces gorgeous light and still has ample output to be useful. The Haiku head has an excellent all-around beam with good balance of spot and spill. This would be a direct thread-on for your 1x123 pack.
The mule is an excellent design, but throw is certainly not its purpose.

On the other end of the spectrum, a 4000K Emisar D1 would be an excellent all-around light that might meet your needs.
 

Ozythemandias

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 4, 2017
Messages
1,417
You can also get the larger head Don offers, I think it's the Makai

Let me know if you want to sell the mule head.
 

Gab124

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
5
I would suggest a 119V Haiku with the HIVE driver. The 119V LED Don uses produces gorgeous light and still has ample output to be useful. The Haiku head has an excellent all-around beam with good balance of spot and spill. This would be a direct thread-on for your 1x123 pack.
The mule is an excellent design, but throw is certainly not its purpose.

On the other end of the spectrum, a 4000K Emisar D1 would be an excellent all-around light that might meet your needs.

Thanks so much for you input, I have been reading some on the Hive so will continue to do so.
 

Gab124

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
5
You can also get the larger head Don offers, I think it's the Makai

Let me know if you want to sell the mule head.

I do like the Makai, but believe it really too big for carrying around in my pocket - it may someday make its way into my camping box though!
I will keep you in mind if I move the mule head along,
Thanks,
gab
 

F89

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 15, 2014
Messages
1,420
I do like the Makai, but believe it really too big for carrying around in my pocket - it may someday make its way into my camping box though!
I will keep you in mind if I move the mule head along,
Thanks,
gab

Good choice on the mule, great light.

My choice of Haiku (I have three) is the 119V with the 3S LE (don't get the Hive, I've got one and find the 3S superior in many ways. I also have HDS lights etc so I'm definitely not anti programmable LE's).
The 119V really throws for a small light and has a great overall beam. The XPG2 has even more power but I think you'll appreciate the trade off in CRI and tint.
The Haiku 119V with 3S and 123 pack is the bench mark for all EDC lights period (in my humble opinion).
 

Gab124

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
5
Good choice on the mule, great light.

My choice of Haiku (I have three) is the 119V with the 3S LE (don't get the Hive, I've got one and find the 3S superior in many ways. I also have HDS lights etc so I'm definitely not anti programmable LE's).
The 119V really throws for a small light and has a great overall beam. The XPG2 has even more power but I think you'll appreciate the trade off in CRI and tint.
The Haiku 119V with 3S and 123 pack is the bench mark for all EDC lights period (in my humble opinion).

Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it. After reading some of the responses here and doing more research I ordered the exact iteration you suggested. 119v with 3S. I looked at the Hive and know myself, and that is I just want to grab my light and go to work, I don't want to really muck around with programming. My HDS is also programmable and after a year of carrying it I still have not done a thing with it, still the same as out of box. The 3S seemed more my speed. I am glad you mentioned the CRI - I don't need uber bright as much as very realistic color of the objects I am looking at. Also, the brighter lights to my eyes actually cause me to see less because of the glare and reflection, so I have my fingers crossed this light with its tint will be a winner for me. I should have it soon and will report back what my thoughts are.
As to the mule, I can't make up my mind on keeping it or not. I have never ever held a light with such perfect illumination of close up work and details. It is so incredibly clear, even and perfect tint. I really should keep it as I am sure I will have uses for it. For daily work around the zoo the Haiku hopefully should be perfect.
Bright Moments,
 

Thetasigma

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Joined
Nov 10, 2015
Messages
1,197
Location
Michigan, USA
My suggestion for the HIVE was more for the 4 modes with a higher high and lower low than the 3S offers. Actually programming it is a discussion for another day.
 

F89

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 15, 2014
Messages
1,420
My suggestion for the HIVE was more for the 4 modes with a higher high and lower low than the 3S offers. Actually programming it is a discussion for another day.

I wrote a reply and lost it so here's my long and short.
The PWM on the low modes of the Hive is terrible.
Even on a reasonable low like the 3S there is an occasional unstable flickering type thing here and there.
The stock four modes are less useful and intuitive than three modes. I like moonlight but can't handle it on the Hive.
The ability for a higher high is just wasted juice for the most part and I'd rather the longer run time.
And yes, one of the first things I did with my Hive was solder the jumper.
There's plenty more reasons why I find the 3S the hands down choice and why I find the Hive so lacking despite its bells and whistles but I'll leave it at that for now.
 
Last edited:

F89

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 15, 2014
Messages
1,420
Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it. After reading some of the responses here and doing more research I ordered the exact iteration you suggested. 119v with 3S. I looked at the Hive and know myself, and that is I just want to grab my light and go to work, I don't want to really muck around with programming. My HDS is also programmable and after a year of carrying it I still have not done a thing with it, still the same as out of box. The 3S seemed more my speed. I am glad you mentioned the CRI - I don't need uber bright as much as very realistic color of the objects I am looking at. Also, the brighter lights to my eyes actually cause me to see less because of the glare and reflection, so I have my fingers crossed this light with its tint will be a winner for me. I should have it soon and will report back what my thoughts are.
As to the mule, I can't make up my mind on keeping it or not. I have never ever held a light with such perfect illumination of close up work and details. It is so incredibly clear, even and perfect tint. I really should keep it as I am sure I will have uses for it. For daily work around the zoo the Haiku hopefully should be perfect.
Bright Moments,

You have chosen wisely.
I think if you can justify owning both you have, in my opinion, the greatest McGizmo combo there is and a small and rugged combo that completely compliment each other.
You've already experienced how useful and niche the mule is and how wonderful the quality of light from the 119V is so you'll completely understand what I mean once you have the 3S Haiku 119V in your hands.
 

Gab124

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
5
My suggestion for the HIVE was more for the 4 modes with a higher high and lower low than the 3S offers. Actually programming it is a discussion for another day.

Thanks for the suggestion, and I did research it before my decision - I mentioned not needing the programmability of the Hive, but I did note while reading the extra modes as well. The HDS I currently use has a fantastic low moonlight setting, and to be honest I never use it. As I mentioned I do most of my work in partially lit areas and compete with ambient light, so the low is basically useless for me. And the high the Hive offers is likely too high and would possibly just give me lots of reflected light back obscuring my visibility of details. From research it sounded to me like the 3s should be adequate.
 
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