HDS Systems #23

[elzilcho]

I respect Henry's work and think his products and services are well worth what he charges, but I surf the second-hand market a lot more these days rather than looking at what's available new. WTBs have worked nicely for me in the past and there's probably someone with a 250 rotary sitting in a drawer who would like to see it get some use.

 

[Mgizler]

I respect Henry's work and think his products and services are well worth what he charges, but I surf the second-hand market a lot more these days rather than looking at what's available new. WTBs have worked nicely for me in the past and there's probably someone with a 250 rotary sitting in a drawer who would like to see it get some use.

I agree and have thought about that. I just had sticker shock when I saw the prices!!

 

[Schokokeks]

I agree and have thought about that. I just had sticker shock when I saw the prices!!

A few pages back (almost a year ago), a few of us went through the same, "Jeez, wow...really?" about prices.

While plenty of folks disagree (and will gladly accost you about it, hahaha), I do have to chuckle your comment came right after someone buying one new, and it has dings. I've yet to get a single Malkoff that wasn't a gorgeous finish (I've got like a dozen). Peak is also in Arizona, and sells what I would consider aggressively fair priced made in USA lights, and they've been cosmetically fantastic (I've got maybe half a dozen). Also, there was someone recently updating about getting their light back after a long warranty service from HDS...

My argument is they're neither fish nor fowl; they aren't as durable, bombproof, and KISS as something like a Malkoff, but they're not as pretty and aesthetic as something like a Haiku (shockingly, an AA Haiku is only $20 more than a Nichia rotary). So, you end up with it not being as refined as something like a Haiku, because "it's functional," but then it's also not as "Zombie Apocalypse" as a Malkoff, without user serviceability and simplicity (and, I'd argue an MD2 with or without a Tricap IS an aesthetically pleasing light, AND Malkoffs have an amazing, quality feel in the hand, and impeccable finish). So, for the price, do I get a Haiku? Or, do I get 2-4 Malkoffs? When it came time to pull the trigger, I chose the latter, haha. No regrets!

I'm still excited about a 4000K AA rotary, and will gladly pay for one, but I've tempered my expectations. It will be a surprisingly large form factor, probably not the most cosmetically nice light I have, not the most impressive output AA light, have a wonderful UI, and it won't be my "Zombie Apocalypse" light (whereas, my MDC AA is). In all honesty, it'll probably be more of an "around the house late at night" light, to minimize warranty claims (haha) but to also really take advantage of it's claim to fame; easy adjustable, low level outputs. I sure hope it tailstands without the button messing that up all the time, hahaha, otherwise, my MDC AA will be back on bathroom duty, haha.

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

I stepped away for a bit and am shocked by how much the standard 250 rotary is. The last one I bought was 284$ new. I just can't believe it's 383$. I was going to snag another one, but that's out of my reach. I love these lights and still have an old clicky, but damn….

Yes, prices now are staggering. If my memory is correct, my 120 lumen high CRI Rotary purchased over a decade ago was less than $200.

 

[cave dave]

I paid $334 in Jan 2021:

According to US Bureau of Labor and Statistics:

 

[dc38]

If I had held onto my rotaries, particularly the tactical nichia I had bought from illumn, it mightve been worth way more now...oh well, I hope the member who bought it from me is getting good use out of it.

 

[Mgizler]

A few pages back (almost a year ago), a few of us went through the same, "Jeez, wow...really?" about prices.

While plenty of folks disagree (and will gladly accost you about it, hahaha), I do have to chuckle your comment came right after someone buying one new, and it has dings. I've yet to get a single Malkoff that wasn't a gorgeous finish (I've got like a dozen). Peak is also in Arizona, and sells what I would consider aggressively fair priced made in USA lights, and they've been cosmetically fantastic (I've got maybe half a dozen). Also, there was someone recently updating about getting their light back after a long warranty service from HDS...

My argument is they're neither fish nor fowl; they aren't as durable, bombproof, and KISS as something like a Malkoff, but they're not as pretty and aesthetic as something like a Haiku (shockingly, an AA Haiku is only $20 more than a Nichia rotary). So, you end up with it not being as refined as something like a Haiku, because "it's functional," but then it's also not as "Zombie Apocalypse" as a Malkoff, without user serviceability and simplicity (and, I'd argue an MD2 with or without a Tricap IS an aesthetically pleasing light, AND Malkoffs have an amazing, quality feel in the hand, and impeccable finish). So, for the price, do I get a Haiku? Or, do I get 2-4 Malkoffs? When it came time to pull the trigger, I chose the latter, haha. No regrets!

I'm still excited about a 4000K AA rotary, and will gladly pay for one, but I've tempered my expectations. It will be a surprisingly large form factor, probably not the most cosmetically nice light I have, not the most impressive output AA light, have a wonderful UI, and it won't be my "Zombie Apocalypse" light (whereas, my MDC AA is). In all honesty, it'll probably be more of an "around the house late at night" light, to minimize warranty claims (haha) but to also really take advantage of it's claim to fame; easy adjustable, low level outputs. I sure hope it tailstands without the button messing that up all the time, hahaha, otherwise, my MDC AA will be back on bathroom duty, haha.

I couldn’t agree more.. I have 5 malkoffs. 2- MD2’s, an MDC AA, and an MDC cr123, and finally an MD3. They are , as you put it, bomb proof apocalypse lights. They are so simple and incredibly affordable.
I do love HDS, but the prices have gotten out of control.

I also have never received a Malkoff or a peak with any cosmetic issues. Both of those lights are so simple, you can repair them on your own if you wish…

A AA rotary sounds amazing. I would love to try one, but they will more than likely be out of my price range.

I also get the buying power of the dollar……but, I’m barely making any more money now than I was 4/5 years ago…… my money is worth less in terms of what I can buy. The malkoffs increase has been minimal at best……

Yes, prices now are staggering. If my memory is correct, my 120 lumen high CRI Rotary purchased over a decade ago was less than $200.

I will have to look for my paperwork on my cerakoted HDS clicky 200. It was around 200-225$ if I remember right.

 

[Random Dan]

Man I miss the days of the 120 executive for $99

 

[jon_slider]

120 executive

meanwhile, today you can have a 120 Novatac for 30 bucks shipped :party:

 

[Mgizler]

meanwhile, today you can have a 120 Novatac for 30 bucks shipped :party:

Literally right now on Fleabay. Spl120 kits for 49$…..

 

[dc38]

Literally right now on Fleabay. Spl120 kits for 49$…..

On a dead spl120 I picked up from another member, I was able to break the loctite between the body and head with gloves and brute force. The retaining ring was a different story...I'm still trying to figure out the best way to do it while keeping the electronics intact

 

[Schokokeks]

On a dead spl120 I picked up from another member, I was able to break the loctite between the body and head with gloves and brute force. The retaining ring was a different story...I'm still trying to figure out the best way to do it while keeping the electronics intact

Looks like Henkel makes a solvent for even their most aggressive loctite, SF790:

How to remove red threadlocker

Everything you need to know about removing LOCTITE® High-Strength Threadlockers

next.henkel-adhesives.com

That page's link is dead, this is the product:

LOCTITE® SF 790

Methylene chloride liquid solvent aerosol spray designed to remove chemical gaskets, gasket cements and conventional gasket materials from metal.

www.henkel-adhesives.com

Grainger or someone like that probably sells it.

 

[dc38]

Looks like Henkel makes a solvent for even their most aggressive loctite, SF790:

How to remove red threadlocker

Everything you need to know about removing LOCTITE® High-Strength Threadlockers

next.henkel-adhesives.com

That page's link is dead, this is the product:

LOCTITE® SF 790

Methylene chloride liquid solvent aerosol spray designed to remove chemical gaskets, gasket cements and conventional gasket materials from metal.

www.henkel-adhesives.com

Grainger or someone like that probably sells it.

Sweet, thanks! I hope it doesn't eat PCBs

 

[jon_slider]

The retaining ring was a different story

maybe the ninja will sell you his tool:

I fabricated a custom tool to remove the retaining ring in the head. I had to hold a hot soldering iron to the ring to soften the thread locker, then grip the hot head in a leather gloved left hand while my right hand used the tool to torque the ring loose.

 

[dc38]

maybe the ninja will sell you his tool:

View attachment 82762

The T-bar, Breaker of Locked Threads...I wonder if it's powerful enough to re-open locked threads in this forum...

 

[scalpel_ninja]

maybe the ninja will sell you his tool:

View attachment 82762

The T-bar, Breaker of Locked Threads...I wonder if it's powerful enough to re-open locked threads in this forum...

I’ll need to confirm where I stored the tool, but I can send it to @dc38 for free if he just covers shipping.

 

[ebuchner]

meanwhile, today you can have a 120 Novatac for 30 bucks shipped :party:

Lol, thank you for the lead, the timing was perfect. I was actually looking for one to either enjoy or use as a host for a mod a few weeks ago and saw a much less favorable price when I searched the 'bay.

 

[dc38]

I'll need to confirm where I stored the tool, but I can send it to @dc38 for free if he just covers shipping.

Ooh, I'm totally down for that, if you don't mind...would you be expecting it back?

 

[scalpel_ninja]

Ooh, I'm totally down for that, if you don't mind...would you be expecting it back?

Nah, I’ve sold off all my Novatacs. PM sent.

 

[AMRaider]

I recently received the NA45 I had ordered, and in my opinion, the beam looks very neutral to my eyes — I'm quite satisfied with it.

However, I noticed a small chip in the black nitride bezel, and there's also a copper-colored mark around the rotary knob, possibly from a clamp or tool used during assembly.

While these don't affect functionality in any way, I'm wondering if I might be being too picky about such cosmetic issues.

I had a look at the photos you posted, and I am the same that I would be (very slightly) annoyed with cosmetic issues from a brand new light. That being said, what is most important to me these days is functionality. I'm getting old now, and I lack the energy to worry about the small things. I would rather just use something and enjoy it rather than worry about scratches/wear. And when I use something, whether it be a tool, or vehicle, or whatever, it is inevitable that it will pick up minor scratches and wear and tear. I don't abuse my tools, so I am alright with "honest" wear. All that being said, if I purchase two brand new items, either the same, or very similar, and one is more "mint" than the other, I tend to use the one with imperfections more and "save" the nicer one as a back up. Perhaps I'm weird in that way, but if something already has some scratches, I may as well use it. Just my two cents.