New BALDER HD-1 [ AA - 14500 - 2 mode EDC ]

UPDATE 7/16/12:

Looks like the 3-mode XM-L U2 version with new interface will be released shortly. I guess I’ll have one in the next two or three weeks and I’ll try to get a review posted asap.

Look forward to hearing about it …

:bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :party:

Can someone please tell me is this called a piston drive?

It doesn’t have a button but you push the entire tube assembly to activate and change mode? Is the benefit of this reduction in height or something else?

Durability because you dont have a boot cap and switch?

Thanks.

You hit the nail on the head, esrevenge. Yes, the lack of tail switch parts reduces the overall length and the piston assembly light has less that can go wrong later. I believe there were three separate reviews of this light and all the questions you asked were answered. UPz did one review and SirJohn the other.

Thanks BR, sorry I missed that. So many great reviews, I must have just missed the other reviews, sometimes I start to read a post, then have to go away then forget what Ive read or didnt yet read, or I think Ive read one and it was someone elses review, hahaha.

It looks like a great light, I really like compact AA lights for EDC to clip on my pants pocket so this light looks interesting.

No problem, es. I like the looks of this light and so I read all the reviews cover to cover, as it were. Glad I could help.

I didn’t & cause of your ‘sound’ logic, I won’t. Thanks

Keith

Any news as to the release date and what dealers will stock the HD-1? I’ve got several folks on my gift list and this would be perfect for them….

I did make a comment over on CPF but no body responded, just wanted your thoughts on my observation’s.

CPF post:

“Not to hijack this thread but as you have said that the models sent out for review aren’t the finnished product.
I would be worried about grit/dirt/dust/sand/hair/fluff/lint clogging/grinding between the piston and body in those cutouts, also the Oring is having to do its job after everything had entered the chassis and not before like all other Orings”

Edit: and why is there an Oring in the tail cap, it might slow down crap entering the tail cap area but it seems too little compared to all those cutouts - I say this because I have had 4 piston drive nitecore lights 2x EX10 1x D11 and 1x D11.2 and if the piston wasn’t lubed well it would be a pig to use - even if the lubricant was too thick or got cold the piston would become stiff and that was with no grit in the barrel……

No offence meant but I just wonder if you get a light for free or at a considerably cheap price to review, are you scared to “really” put it through its paces and tell it how it is and not fear never being offered the same deal again??? I wonder……… I know I would get hung drawn and quartered over at CPF as that seems what happens if you have your opinion out loud (if its slightly offensive) or crocheting on their $ income.

Just a thought.

Good post. I never had thought about the lint, lubing and waterproofness issues before.

Oh well, no light is perfect!

O ring is not overly tight as with nitecore !

Having said that , my O ring broke , so no longer a concern …

Balder is sending me a 3 mode driver [ the new one ] and I think I have a XP-G S2 emitter also …
Hmm , upgrade in the wind !

Placed an order with FancyFlashlights a few days ago but still haven’t received a confirmation email and now can’t access the site; anybody any ideas if there are problems?

Glenn7, you're point raises a valid concern. No problem bringing it up here on BLF, there are no sacred cows. I would expect two of the three reviewers to respond to your observation - old has already.

FF seems to be down - haven't been able to access today. CNQG/FF are usually slow to post updates to orders but always seem to get around to shipping stuff out. Give it another day.

FF is back up…and the HD-1 is $2 cheaper! Now $31 with free shipping; why couldn’t I just have waited a few days?!? :wink: Hopefully will get confirmation/shipping info shortly.

I wouldn’t hold your breath - you’ll get the light OK, but I’ve not had confirmation on either of the lights I bought from them. No problem though, just a bit strange.

Well, my HD-1 turned up today but I’m having real trouble with it; it turns on and changes modes absolutely fine but it’s taking me a dozen attempts to turn it off. Tried everything from the suggested two seconds up to 10 seconds but most of the time it just cycles mode. Tried pressing the piston more on one side than the other, used different fingers, tried cleaning the end of the piston and the bottom of the pill, tried swearing at it, still no joy. Anyone else had any problems?

CB,

did you get the on-off problem solved? Just like to know before I place an order for the light.

Well, I posted the light back to Balder today; they’ve promised to replace it so we’ll see how it goes. Really is a nice little light in terms of build quality, just hope they can get the UI nailed as it seems there are others out there with a similar problem.

Will update you when the replacement comes through, but credit to Balder, they do seem keen to iron out the problems.