Why do we keep aquireing new lights?

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I buy them to use! I keep four at work, they all do something different. At home I've got several more, adding one everytime the misses turns her back. I really like the AA or 18650 sized when I need "more" light. But truthfully my favorite is a single AA that's always in my pocket. I'm still a rookie in regards to my collection, though I'm always looking!
 
For me, it's because of changing UI and switch placements. I think I am done with buying more lights. I've got over 30 in my collection (ignore signature). I am happy with all of my light's function and UI. If I were going to do anything down the track, I'll change out the LED or even possibly the driver itself. I'm pretty glad that the lights that I do have now, it's pretty easy for me to mod them to how I'd like them to be. Also the fact that the whole modding scene has become so much easier these days due to some very talented people out there producing and designing drivers to how you, the user, wants them to be for your own personal needs.
 
Good question! I think it's like most other hobbies; for me that would be backpacking. I have 8 different stove setups when I only NEED (and use) 1 of them. I know some people have dozens. Boredom, just trying new things, impulse buys, etc.

I recently cleaned up and sold half my lights. They just sat around. But I'm glad I tried them because it's nice to see which UI you end up liking the most. Some sound good on paper but actually keep you from using the light in practice because they're annoying or not appropriate for most of your applications.

Now I just have mostly Zebralights which have a specific use. SC62w for almost everything. H600w for backpacking, kayaking and running at night. H52w for smaller jobs which require a headlamp. SC52w for my nightstand.
 
markr6 said:
Now I just have mostly Zebralights which have a specific use. SC62w for almost everything. H600w for backpacking, kayaking and running at night. H52w for smaller jobs which require a headlamp. SC52w for my nightstand.
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It's funny you mentioned those first 3 lights specifically, because the last few days I've been doing my research on zebralights and those are the 3 I want. I think they would cover everything I need a flashlight for.. Maybe I can just buy my way out of this hobby with $250??
 
For the same reason I have around 250 knives and bookcases full of various magazines. Those who die with the most toys wins.
 
It's just plain old fun. I could probably get buy with 5 lights total, but I enjoy all the new features and UIs that come out. I am always on the search for the 'perfect' light. As soon as I think I've found one I see another that I want to try out. Luckily with CPFMP you can buy/try/sell lights for a small overall fraction of the cost.

The other reason would be impulse. When I feel I've accumulated too many lights I go a selling spree and sell 5-10 lights to widdle down the collection. Of course, not soon after replenishing the PP account I always see new lights that I just 'need' to try.

No matter how many lights I try though - I still have a base set of a few lights a always come back to. Sometimes I wonder why I can't just be happy with those few lights - but then I just accept that variety is the spice of life. Some people swap cars every 6 months, some people sleep with a different woman every other weekend, some people have variety in the other things they like doing.
 
The days have been getting longer up here in the northern hemisphere for a few days now since the winter solstice, with it's shortest day and longest night. So I know I can taper off with the purchases without dramatic effect.



_
 
I really hope my kids have not bought another torch this xmas for me as I hinted to them I wanted an Led desk lamp lol.
 
mcnair55 said:
I really hope my kids have not bought another torch this xmas for me as I hinted to them I wanted an Led desk lamp lol.
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Why? You don't want another cheap keychain light or some other fruity thing that lights up - that ALL of us get every year?

:p
 
ForrestChump said:
Addiction.

Like any other, it's just a compulsion to avoid other things that might trouble us.
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This and the collection thing,

1.flashlights are legal everywhere. Anyone can use them. (Some exceptions, toddlers, pranksters.)
2.dark is everywhere 50% of the time, (unless you use lights) some places are always dark without light....
3.they are affordable (at the beginning)
4.the educational information regarding tint, lux, throw, spill, batteries, voltage, etc, have many applications to many parts of life.
5.safety
6. Resell factor, mint lights (especially custom titanium mc Lu Mac Vn alpha quad super lights) maintain most of their value especially if unused.
7. People like light (s)

8. Different metal suit different collectors, some prefer anything copper, some people love titanium, not just flashlights, but it being a light doubles its desire...

This is a short list of why flashlights, or why MORE FLASHLIGHT are on there way to my house :D

MERRY CHRISTMAS !
 
I started about 20 yrs ago with a couple of Photon IIs. (Has it really been 20 years? Ye Gods!) Then I got an early Surefire G2 (before the lockout tail cap) and I was hooked. Didn't have the means to do much till about 10 years ago. Bought a Microstream and a Stylus Pro, and started EDCing the Microstream. I also bought a 4C lantern since where I was living had a lot of power outages. Since them I have gotten a TM11, an EA4 and an EA4W, an EA41, an Eveready Folding Emergency Lantern, a bunch of Titanium Innovations button cell lights, a couple of Photon Freedoms, a few TerraLUX LightStar 80s, and a Lumens Factory Seraph 6. A couple of months ago I got the hankering to own another G2, so I picked up a barely used one on Ebay and upgraded it with a LF D26 90+ CRI drop in. I got in on the pre-release promotion for the Tube, and bought myself an EA8 for Christmas. I just got one of the new Nitecore MT06 penlights yesterday, and I think I'm done. I could really get into a TM36 just for the WOW factor, but will never be able to convince my inner German to spend that much.
My next project is to acquire some portable solar cells to finish my emergency power system. That way I will always have power for my phone, my tablet, and my lights. Then I will really have some 'free lumens'.:twothumbs
 
ForrestChump said:
Spoken like a true addict. :p

MERRY X-MAS!!!!!!!
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This is the logic behind my addiction, personally it is better than drugs, parties, booze, random mating, and education I will never use. I have wasted thousands, if not close to million bucks on things I have nothing to show for. At least my lights are here and I can use them. You can't catch stds from flashlights, they won't hurt my liver or make my teeth yellow. And I lose weight not eating, saving money for a new torch.. Ok that last one isn't true. I think. Eek.

merry Christmas.
 
For many years, I was sort of caught up in the lumen race. I always wanted more. I thought brighter was better, and that may have been true to a degree. However, as many lights started to surpass the 1000 lumen level, I realized that many of these lights were more than I needed. Rarely do I need anything over 1000 lumens. In fact, most times I don't needed more than 100/200 lumens.

Needless to say the rate at which I purchase lights has decreased greatly. Now I focus more on innovation and efficiency. I'm buying more AA/AAA lights now that they have nearly the same performance of CR123/18650 lights of just a few years ago.


Sent from my iPad using Candlepowerforums
 
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