What makes a flashlight impressive?

[wrathothebunny]

"I think Fenix P1D-CE is impressive"

I love my Fenix P3D CE too, and I honestly think that it packs the most amount of light that one can reasonably expect given its very compact size - not to mention all the power/runtime options. However, I wouldn't say that I get that down-in-the-gut awe-driven WOW factor from it as it is NOT a near-ideal merging of Form and Function. It does have its flaws. However, see my earlier post in this thread concerning my 9P+A19 Extender SureFire packing a 12V D26 LumensFactory bulb. Perfect Form + Perfect Function for my purposes - thus the WOW. Literally, there is no conceivable way I can see improving on this light within reason. I don't want a larger reflector, and I don't want a bigger flashlight. I want just the right amount of spot and spill, and I want the beam to transition smoothly between the two. I want it to put out over 200 lumens, last an hour, and not get too toasty under constant power. It does all these things, so to me, it's just perfect.

 

[BSCOTT1504]

For build quality, form factor, and variable output, it would have to be my Surefire U2.

 

[Patriot]

I'm pretty impressed with the P1DCE and LODCE. I've traditionally been a Surefire / HDS kind of guy. When I purchased the PD1CE and witnessed it's performance and couldn't believe what I was seeing. How could a manufacturer offer a light this bright, efficient, and well built for under $70? I thought to myself...what a nearly perfect little package. Now Leef is offering those short little clickie bodies and the only thing left to perfect is a good pocket clip. The LODCE doesn't come up short anywhere in my opinion. I can't believe the value in these little lights and It's the most useful light that I've ever owned. The Draco takes this concept to the ultimate level, but how can anyone ignore the value of and LODCE? I'm impressed every time I use them. Honestly, I'm a little bit jeleous that someone can purchase a P3DCE and out perform every Surefire LED light and most of the incans that I own...it's wrong I tell you!!......lol

 

[MikeSalt]

I'm seeing the P1D-CE flashing up a fair few times. Looks like my first CPF-induced purchase was very lucky indeed.

 

[nexro]

Runtime and regulation
Regulated output for 4 - 5 hours would be nice!

 

[tinkerer]

As a user and not a collector, reliabilty is #1. I don't like lights with alot of surface details that hang up when I slip it into my pocket or as a grease/dirt collection area. No more than 2 modes of operation to minimize figgeting with it. Lastly a good output/runtime ratio weighted toward runtime. So far a Fenix L1T been a favorite of mine.

 

[cutlerylover]

I think outpur for the lughts size is what impresses me the most, that and smoth beam quality...Before CPF I have been use to dollar store flashlights, and have never seen a flashlgiht with a smooth circular beam...So that still makes me smile...ALL fenix lights impress me by the way, every single one of them! I have still have yet to own a fenix cree...

 

[fire-stick]

I'm seeing the P1D-CE flashing up a fair few times. Looks like my first CPF-induced purchase was very lucky indeed.

Just incase you haven't read the review of the P1D-CE here's the link. (Remeber to take overall output x 1.39 to get lumens)

 

[Danbo]

So true, the L4 has never dissapointed me.






Although the tailcaps could be better...

I feel the same way about my L4.

No issues, yet, with the tailcaps.

 

[Cydonia]

Impressive for me... is:

Stake your life on it reliability
Twist on and momentary "switch" with nothing to break
Long run time - no electronic regulation circuits to ever fail or fry
Models in different colors and UV
Lithium primary powered for 10 year shelf life and extreme temperature range operability

And the winner is still Inova X5.

 

[TheMechanic]

There are different kinds of "impressive."

In the very short run or to the person with simple criteria, the most impressive thing is always sheer output. When I first pick up a light and shine it on the wall, if there is a big, bright spot I'm impressed; if it is a smaller but brighter spot, I'm not as impressed. I think this is human nature - the bigger and shinier something is, the more impressed we are!

Now all that's great - if my only use of the light is to switch it on and then hand it back to the owner. If I have to live with the thing, and the thing has warts, I'll ceased to be impressed no matter how bright it is.

As time goes by, it is the nuanced design that impresses me; a light that shows the designer is something other than a single-dimensional, "one trick pony" kind of guy (or gal.) Of course, it has to be bright - but it only needs to be bright ENOUGH. Beyond that, other things start to matter to me.

If the designer forgoes sheer output in favor of a useful beam shape or superior runtime, I'm impressed. If the designer shows some style, I'm impressed. (The current "tactical" look - ala most of the Surefire line - is not stylish. Lots of grooves and scallops and flats and flutes is not a substitute for clean design. I'm sure some will disagree with me, but I suspect I'd find a velvet Elvis hanging in their house somewhere...kidding, kidding! :wave: )

If there are some little niceties in the design, things that aren't immediately noticeable, I'm impressed. If the light is obviously made to survive many years of regular use, I'm impressed. If the workmanship is clean, neat, and precise, I'm impressed. If it feels good in the hand, if I find myself picking it up just to handle it, I'm impressed.

Finally, if the light works under any and all conditions in which I take it, I'm very impressed.

In the final analysis, all of these are more impressive to me than sheer output. They take time and some discrimination to discover, though, which is why brightness still rules the roost for most people.

-=[ Grant ]=-

 

[Sub_Umbra]

I'm another who feels that 'impressive' is user definable.

• Singlemindedness of vision in design:
  ARC AAA, HDS EDC, INOVA X5T, INOVA X1 Spotlight (original version), LSI Nightcutter Sport

• Ruggedness:
  ARC AAA, HDS EDC, LSI Nightcutter Sport, ELEKTRO LUMENS Blaster series, CMG Infinity series

• Runtime:
  PAK-LITE Original (MIL version), Original CMG Infinity blue/green, ELEKTRO LUMENS Blaster-1D, HDS EDC, Photon Freedom NV Green, RIGEL MIL Starlight series