HDS Systems #23

[scalpel_ninja]

Yeah, it'll be a bit of a chunky monkey, as opposed to if it was purpose built for AA, but I bet the stainless bezel is much more of that issue than the body. I wonder if they'd ever consider making a lightweight aluminum bezel. I still use the anodized aluminum Malkoff bezels, and have never felt the need to "upgrade" those to stainless.

I never felt the stainless bezel in an HDS upset the balance in hand, though it could be different with the new bodies. However, I do like the extra insurance of stainless bezels making it less likely to deform and possibly crack the lens if the light is dropped on its head. I’ve seen aluminum heads with aluminum bezels deform all too easily, many times with a cracked or chipped lenses.

 

[dc38]

I'm going to start putting money aside for a 4000K AA rotary.

I'd forego the physical multicell capability and keep it firmware multicapable, but release different bodies to accomodate the cells. That is, unless HDS could come out with a (patented) multi cell integrated adapter, like a multisprung system of some sort like those "anysize" sockets.

 

[tech25]

They step down quicker it seems and when they do step down they go through the step down way quicker.

HDS red are from when I brought the flashlight and apart from one they out perform the t8's

I have 18500s, the HDS red ones are from AW and holds its own against other brands with more capacity- they are really good cells.
My vapecell 18500s depends. I have 2 different ones: the N24 (red) seem to be better than the AW cells but the L22s (gold) don’t seem to work as well.

 

[indigon]

I dunno. With AA support, people can just live that Eneloop life. No more measuring cells, checking tube diameters, looking for excess spring compression, worrying about "storage charge," worrying about charge dates, no more nervous time in the TSA line. The most complicated decision will be to go with the white cells or the black ones. Best of all? Just run that cell regularly for...a decade.

Will be interesting to see how this all pans out. I have both the 123 and 18500 HDS rotaries. Big difference in size and weight. I tend to grab the 123 rotary always first for my everyday use. Only use the 18500 for planned long night(s), battery lasts forever.

My guess is when these new HDS lights come out why not just use an 18500 cell and be done with it. Can't even remember the last time I charged my 18500 HDS, it's been months. Will have to see everyone's opinion on various configurations of this new light when they come out, even then could take years before I consider buying one. Who will be around then?

Never had a TSA issue with an HDS light, that could change. Guess I would fork over a L-Ion battery to TSA if I had to..

 

[desert.snake]

Yeah, it'll be a bit of a chunky monkey, as opposed to if it was purpose built for AA, but I bet the stainless bezel is much more of that issue than the body. I wonder if they'd ever consider making a lightweight aluminum bezel. I still use the anodized aluminum Malkoff bezels, and have never felt the need to "upgrade" those to stainless.

Previously, HDS had aluminum bezels, there is almost no difference in weight, steel is more reliable

 

[dc38]

Previously, HDS had aluminum bezels, there is almost no difference in weight, steel is more reliable

Aluminum is much lighter, but proper treated steel resists certain deformations better. For a light such as HDS, however, those few grams won't make much of a difference anyways. If it's built to be a tank, it's gotta be built to be a tank.

 

[dc38]

Will be interesting to see how this all pans out. I have both the 123 and 18500 HDS rotaries. Big difference in size and weight. I tend to grab the 123 rotary always first for my everyday use. Only use the 18500 for planned long night(s), battery lasts forever.

My guess is when these new HDS lights come out why not just use an 18500 cell and be done with it. Can't even remember the last time I charged my 18500 HDS, it's been months. Will have to see everyone's opinion on various configurations of this new light when they come out, even then could take years before I consider buying one. Who will be around then?

Never had a TSA issue with an HDS light, that could change. Guess I would fork over a L-Ion battery to TSA if I had to..

What's a few extra millimeters to be able to use an 18650 instead? You're pretty much already there anyway with an 18500 lol...

 

[desert.snake]

What's a few extra millimeters to be able to use an 18650 instead? You're pretty much already there anyway with an 18500 lol...

But then you will need to make additional spacers for AA))

Now I looked, format A is 17500. That is, there are NiCd or NiMH 17500, which can be used without any spacers and also IFR17500. If Eneloop made the 17500 format, it would be super cool

 

[tech25]

What's a few extra millimeters to be able to use an 18650 instead? You're pretty much already there anyway with an 18500 lol...

I have the cr123 and 18500 and had the 18650.
IMO the difference between the cr123 and 18500 isn’t too crazy to EDC (I edc the 18500) but the 18650 was what I found to be too big for me, although the runtimes were unbelievable!

 

[tech25]

One big thing to add is I use a Thors Hammer belt holster- for in pocket use, I defer to others that primarily pocket carry.

 

[elzilcho]

Someone's Sprout dashboard is working overtime! Let's see what we can do with that.

I like lights with multi-cell compatibility. The Streamlight 1L-1AA accommodates CR123 and AA (and AAA if you're careful) so it can be done and I'm interested to see Henry's solution when it comes to fruition. I'll be using Li-ion in it, because replacing my current rechargeable batteries with Eneloops is too expensive. It would be great if CPF users had a discount code for a starter pack with batteries and a compatible charger to offset the high cost. I might be willing to switch to Eneloops if there was a promo for new customers.

 

[Schokokeks]

Someone's Sprout dashboard is working overtime! Let's see what we can do with that.

I like lights with multi-cell compatibility. The Streamlight 1L-1AA accommodates CR123 and AA (and AAA if you're careful) so it can be done and I'm interested to see Henry's solution when it comes to fruition. I'll be using Li-ion in it, because replacing my current rechargeable batteries with Eneloops is too expensive. It would be great if CPF users had a discount code for a starter pack with batteries and a compatible charger to offset the high cost. I might be willing to switch to Eneloops if there was a promo for new customers.

FYI, the Eneloop "starter pack" (K-KJ17MCC82A) is under $45 at Wal-mart right now. The price fluctuates based on metal prices, it seems, and anything under $50 is usually a great deal. Considering the inflation of the last few years, <$45 is amazing.

Will be interesting to see how this all pans out. I have both the 123 and 18500 HDS rotaries. Big difference in size and weight. I tend to grab the 123 rotary always first for my everyday use. Only use the 18500 for planned long night(s), battery lasts forever.

My guess is when these new HDS lights come out why not just use an 18500 cell and be done with it. Can't even remember the last time I charged my 18500 HDS, it's been months. Will have to see everyone's opinion on various configurations of this new light when they come out, even then could take years before I consider buying one. Who will be around then?

Never had a TSA issue with an HDS light, that could change. Guess I would fork over a L-Ion battery to TSA if I had to..

I like the idea that I could use some 18500 cells (as those are now a weird size, and I only have them for my MD3), but I'd probably just use the Eneloop because that's almost exclusively what I use.

I've heard mixed things on the TSA and flashlights, as Li-ion is something they sometimes seem to be looking for. I've never heard of anyone having the TSA take an Eneloop, though. I also just prefer EDCing a light with an Eneloop, since I try to limit the amount of energy sitting near my junk ;)

 

[dc38]

FYI, the Eneloop "starter pack" (K-KJ17MCC82A) is under $45 at Wal-mart right now. The price fluctuates based on metal prices, it seems, and anything under $50 is usually a great deal. Considering the inflation of the last few years, <$45 is amazing.


I like the idea that I could use some 18500 cells (as those are now a weird size, and I only have them for my MD3), but I'd probably just use the Eneloop because that's almost exclusively what I use.

I've heard mixed things on the TSA and flashlights, as Li-ion is something they sometimes seem to be looking for. I've never heard of anyone having the TSA take an Eneloop, though. I also just prefer EDCing a light with an Eneloop, since I try to limit the amount of energy sitting near my junk ;)

Nothing like an explosive climax amirite?

*Maybe nothing after it too...

 

[indigon]

The 18500 multi-battery (18500, AA, 123) seems to be a decent compromise. As mentioned, it will be a slightly thicker, longer overall package. Right now it's not an issue finding any of these batteries. There will still be plenty of HDS 123 lights around for a long while. I have a few.

 

[indigon]

Nothing like an explosive climax amirite?

*Maybe nothing after it too...

I don't think I've ever heard of an HDS with a standard Li-ion blowing up, catching fire or overheating in someone's pocket. But I don't get around much. I'm sure it's possible with a cheap Chinese knockoff battery half filled with sawdust.

 

[dc38]

I don't think I've ever heard of an HDS with a standard Li-ion blowing up, catching fire or overheating in someone's pocket. But I don't get around much. I'm sure it's possible with a cheap Chinese knockoff battery half filled with sawdust.

knockoffs, genuine...aren't most Liion batteries at the very least assembled in China? HDS are pretty gentle on batteries, so I doubt even uberultiultrafire cells would go boom in an HDS.

 

[Hogokansatsukan]

Fantastic, thanks for the info! Sorry, last question, any chance for a paid service to retrofit the existing line of lights with that functionality?

Nope. It would involve making special electronics to fit in the current small diameter light, then drilling out... yes, drilling out the current electronics as they are potted into the light.

 

[intake_monk]

Nope. It would involve making special electronics to fit in the current small diameter light, then drilling out... yes, drilling out the current electronics as they are potted into the light.

Dang, that's too bad. But glad to know it's a considerable update rather than just a refresh. That's super exciting! Thanks for the update!

 

[indigon]

FYI, the Eneloop "starter pack" (K-KJ17MCC82A) is under $45 at Wal-mart right now. The price fluctuates based on metal prices, it seems, and anything under $50 is usually a great deal. Considering the inflation of the last few years, <$45 is amazing.

Similar price on Amazon for these. I've read the regular white Eneloop batteries are preferred overall to the higher capacity Eneloop "Pro" batteries because of overall longer reliable shelf life and more recharge cycles. But I don't use them much except in TV remotes and maybe an AA flashlight or two. Will be curious to see how these work out in the new HDS series. I have no issues with the 18500 Li-Ion. Consolidating to one type of safe battery like Eneloop makes total sense though.

 

[Schokokeks]

Similar price on Amazon for these. I've read the regular white Eneloop batteries are preferred overall to the higher capacity Eneloop "Pro" batteries because of overall longer reliable shelf life and more recharge cycles. But I don't use them much except in TV remotes and maybe an AA flashlight or two. Will be curious to see how these work out in the new HDS series. I have no issues with the 18500 Li-Ion. Consolidating to one type of safe battery like Eneloop makes total sense though.

I'm a firm believer in NEVER buying batteries from Scamazon.

Long story short, they use a co-mingled inventory system, so they have absolutely zero inventory sourcing control (their argument FOR this is that they can maintain stock of items when others are sold out). "Sold by Amazon"? "Sold by Panasonic"? "Sold by John's Fakes, Inc."? Doesn't matter. Any random place can supply Amazon with inventory, and they just chuck it all on the same shelf. Boxes straight from Panasonic get stocked right with random boxes of counterfeits from shady sellers. The vast majority of Amazon sellers then pay Amazon to handle their inventory and shipping on their behalf, making the whole situation even easier to abuse.

"Oh well, I can just return it!" is the usually attitude, but often you'll never know it's fake until you're needing to do a warranty claim. For batteries, you might not know until they start a housefire, and...well...you probably don't need those batteries, now.

In the gun world, there's some famous examples of fake optics and sights, with some folks that found out during warranty claims. The most public information was from the spat between Birkenstock (when they were still a private company) and Amazon. I think you can still find the CEO's letters about that online. Essentially, Amazon tries to strong arm companies into cutting off all other retailers by not controlling their inventory sourcing. "Nice brand reputation you got here, it'd be a shame if something were to happen to that" stuff.

I'm also on team white Eneloops. More capacity is nice, but I don't mind swapping batteries if needed...for a lot longer product life...AND, they're cheaper than the Pro ones.

I'm also 100% about consolidating batteries. I have some Li-ion cells for my Malkoffs (16340, 18500, 16650, 18650, 21700), but outside of that, I really just have AA/AAA, and a few 14500s. The non-standardization of Li-ions is just...so ridiculous. I get so tired of needing to order new batteries because something is 1-2mm off in some dimension or other...