dekkerd

I expected my first post to be about my first cache, but I'll jump in here instead. My gear weeniness is sure to surface eventually anyhow I'll use one quote and then summarize some other points... quote:Originally posted by Jamie Z: Will I be disappointed if I were to bring an LED light into the woods after I'm used to my Mag? Maybe. LED's tend to cast a soft, diffuse light vs an incandescent's bright centre with rings. LED's generally light up less area than normal lights. quote:Regarding the replacement bulbs... I've heard some stuff about that, but the difference is that an LED does not use a reflector, that's why LED lights are not adjustable. So unless someone comes up with something pretty amazing, LED lights probably won't work in a standard flashlight. Jamie Depends on who makes the replacement. I don't have the URL's handy(pocketbrite, maybe?), but their are replacement LED's that use reflectors. Just not very well. An item you might be interested in is the Princeton Tec Impact. 4AA, SINGLE LED, special reflector design that gives a 50 yard beam. I've seen the CMG and Photons mentioned, great little pocket lights. The Photons are not waterproof, not sure on the CMG. I have a nighthawk 2 mircolight(green LED) that would be perfect for reading maps, sorting through a cache, etc. It has a velcro strap to loop around your finger. Being a hiker, I tend to focus on headlamps. The Petzl Tikka and Princeton Tec Aurora are 3 LED lightweight headlamps. The Aurora wins in my book as it has an adjustable angle, several brightness settings and is waterproof. The PT Matrix has interchangable regular and LED modules, and will accept colored lenses for either module. Black Diamond makes several models, the Moonlight being a 4 LED one. There are several smaller companies that make 7-10 LED headlamps for climbers. If you need serious, stop-the-deer-in-its-tracks light, both Petzl and PT have options. The newest PT offering is the switchback. It has 2 AA's in the head unit and an optional 4 C belt pack. 3LED's, and a dual filament incandscent. Petzl's Duo is also well regarded. Incandscent vs LED. LED's put out less light, but are basically indestructable. You don't worry about a broken bulb with LED's. I have no trouble hiking at night with a single Photon, YMMV. I find that the Aurora or Moonlight are more than adequate for night use. -Rob

I expected my first post to be about my first cache, but I'll jump in here instead. My gear weeniness is sure to surface eventually anyhow I'll use one quote and then summarize some other points... quote:Originally posted by Jamie Z: Will I be disappointed if I were to bring an LED light into the woods after I'm used to my Mag? Maybe. LED's tend to cast a soft, diffuse light vs an incandescent's bright centre with rings. LED's generally light up less area than normal lights. quote:Regarding the replacement bulbs... I've heard some stuff about that, but the difference is that an LED does not use a reflector, that's why LED lights are not adjustable. So unless someone comes up with something pretty amazing, LED lights probably won't work in a standard flashlight. Jamie Depends on who makes the replacement. I don't have the URL's handy(pocketbrite, maybe?), but their are replacement LED's that use reflectors. Just not very well. An item you might be interested in is the Princeton Tec Impact. 4AA, SINGLE LED, special reflector design that gives a 50 yard beam. I've seen the CMG and Photons mentioned, great little pocket lights. The Photons are not waterproof, not sure on the CMG. I have a nighthawk 2 mircolight(green LED) that would be perfect for reading maps, sorting through a cache, etc. It has a velcro strap to loop around your finger. Being a hiker, I tend to focus on headlamps. The Petzl Tikka and Princeton Tec Aurora are 3 LED lightweight headlamps. The Aurora wins in my book as it has an adjustable angle, several brightness settings and is waterproof. The PT Matrix has interchangable regular and LED modules, and will accept colored lenses for either module. Black Diamond makes several models, the Moonlight being a 4 LED one. There are several smaller companies that make 7-10 LED headlamps for climbers. If you need serious, stop-the-deer-in-its-tracks light, both Petzl and PT have options. The newest PT offering is the switchback. It has 2 AA's in the head unit and an optional 4 C belt pack. 3LED's, and a dual filament incandscent. Petzl's Duo is also well regarded. Incandscent vs LED. LED's put out less light, but are basically indestructable. You don't worry about a broken bulb with LED's. I have no trouble hiking at night with a single Photon, YMMV. I find that the Aurora or Moonlight are more than adequate for night use. -Rob