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BlazinLED

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Feb 20, 2016
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Greeting all,

Newbie here looking for some advice on a good configuration for an EDC McGizmo. I've done some homework and it looks like the Haiku is a good all-around EDC. That being said, the myriad of options for customization can be a bit confusing. Bottom line is that I'm looking for a rock solid EDC for general purpose; compact, bright and bomb proof. I'm looking for the best here so willing to spend whatever it takes on this one...

Thanks in advance for the assist and thanks for this great forum.

Nick
 
Hello!

I have moved this to the McGizmo forum as it will get noticed by the resident McG experts and you will get some great advice.

Personally, I wholeheartedly support your plan to get a Haiku. One of the best EDC lights ever!

If you can tell us a little more about your preferred light tint, beam pattern, batteries, etc. it will help a lot in suggesting the package that will suit you.

:welcome:
 
Welcome :)

You've already chosen the bezel format, and Haiku is excellent for general purpose use.

Now you just need to choose ...

1) emitter

2) battery type & number

3) converter

* Note that #3 will depend somewhat on your choice(s) for #2

There are also a couple of minor choices for ...

4) clip

-----

Here are some questions that will help narrow your choices ....

* Is maximum output, or most accurate color, more important for you ?

* Do you prefer a narrower beam that has more "throw" , or a wider beam with more "spill" ?

* Do you like "cooler" (bluish) tints or "warmer" (yellowish) tints ?

* Do you plan to use primary batteries or rechargeable batteries ? Alkaline, lithium, or Li-Ion (ICR, IMR) ?

* Do you want to use only one battery, or two, or have multiple options ? What size cell(s) ?

* Are (three) fixed modes ok, or do you need programmability ?

* Do you want a threaded tripod mount point on the clip ?

-----

Note that some of these choices may conflict, and many may require a compromise or trade-off among them
 
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Thanks for the reply and for the warm welcome, guys! Your questions are very helpful; I've tried to answer them all. If I come of sounding like an amateur, it's because I am. Really appreciate your insights here...

- max output

- I value throw over spill

- prefer cool tints but flexible on this one

- prefer two battery pack; have read lots of opinions on 123 vs AA and I'm just not sure - which do you prefer? Others I haven't considered? My initial thought is to go with whichever cell provides max power and lifespan.

- three fixed modes are fine

- Simple clip will be fine.
 
Throw over spill?
Makai with a 6V converter, XM-L2 LED, and 2x123 Battery pack.
Great looking light with good throw, output, and a cool tint.
The 2x123 packs a lot of power into a neat package compared to 2xAA, and it is good looking to boot.

If you want the Haiku, then same thing,
Haiku, 6V Converter, XM-L2 LED and a 2x123 Battery pack.
Less throw but has a good usable spill so useful for EDC.

Both options are for Primary CR123's, but I believe they will accept RCR123's so long as they fit.
 
Thetasigma said:
Throw over spill?
Makai with a 6V converter, XM-L2 LED, and 2x123 Battery pack.
Great looking light with good throw, output, and a cool tint.
The 2x123 packs a lot of power into a neat package compared to 2xAA, and it is good looking to boot.

If you want the Haiku, then same thing,
Haiku, 6V Converter, XM-L2 LED and a 2x123 Battery pack.
Less throw but has a good usable spill so useful for EDC.

Both options are for Primary CR123's, but I believe they will accept RCR123's so long as they fit.
Click to expand...

Great advice here.
 
Thanks for all the great info. I'm going to contact Don and get the ball rolling on the Haiku, configured as recommended by ThetaSigma.
 
Congrats !

I agree that configuration should most closely fit what you describe.

You do give up a bit of beam throw with the XML2 vs XPG2, but think that you would prefer the tradeoff for the different tint and significant boost in output.

I don't see too many 6V Haiku around, but it is one of my favorite configurations :)
 
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For an all around EDC, I say the 123a Haiku with XPG2 is about as good as it gets. The new hive converter is what I would probably get. I have it on my nichia mule and love it. My two main edc lights are my AA Haiku with nichia 119 and a 123a Haiku with 3s XPG2. The XPG2 is significantly brighter and though I don't favor the tint and color rendition as much, it has a nicer beam. The nicest I've ever seen in fact.

Since it seems like you might like the extra punch from the 123a and the XPG2, I think that would be the light for you. It's definitely been keeping me happy!
 
archimedes said:
Congrats !

I agree that configuration should most closely fit what you describe.

You do give up a bit of beam throw with the XML2 vs XPG2, but think that you would prefer the tradeoff for the different tint and significant boost in output.

I don't see too many 6V Haiku around, but it is one of my favorite configurations :)
Click to expand...


Why is the 6V Haiku a less popular configuration? How would it differ from a light with HIVE?
 
Probably just for the size; not everyone likes two cell lights. For me personally, I am a 1xCR123 man most of the time.

The 6v converter has three set modes, the HIVE converter is user programmable if you have the inclination to do so. Check out the sticky thread on the HIVE if that interests you.
 
Yes, several reasons, I suppose ... significantly larger, more expensive, uses more batteries, not available with HiVe, etc.

The need to keep multi-cell battery setups safely matched is another inconvenience :shrug:
 
Q619 said:
For an all around EDC, I say the 123a Haiku with XPG2 is about as good as it gets. The new hive converter is what I would probably get. I have it on my nichia mule and love it. My two main edc lights are my AA Haiku with nichia 119 and a 123a Haiku with 3s XPG2. The XPG2 is significantly brighter and though I don't favor the tint and color rendition as much, it has a nicer beam. The nicest I've ever seen in fact.

Since it seems like you might like the extra punch from the 123a and the XPG2, I think that would be the light for you. It's definitely been keeping me happy!
Click to expand...

I could not have said it better!
 
Kind of related but not.. I'm looking to purchase my first McGizmo and this post helped me narrow down my decision. I happen to be on the island this week. Does Don allow local pick up?
 
That is my exact edc. I jumped in both feet after carrying a few cheaper lights with some mild success. I wanted best and least likley to fail.

And yes it helps that it is dead sexy.
 
Mimanaka said:
Kind of related but not.. I'm looking to purchase my first McGizmo and this post helped me narrow down my decision. I happen to be on the island this week. Does Don allow local pick up?
Click to expand...


I would think so; though you might need to give him a little heads up so he can assemble your light. He checks here often, but maybe email him as well with the question and what you are looking at and I'm sure he can help out. I would be so jealous if you got to pick it up straight from him!!
 
nbp said:
I would think so; though you might need to give him a little heads up so he can assemble your light. He checks here often, but maybe email him as well with the question and what you are looking at and I'm sure he can help out. I would be so jealous if you got to pick it up straight from him!!
Click to expand...

Thanks nbp. I sent you a PM to prevent jacking the OPs thread.
 
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