HaikeLite - What anodizing finish would you prefer for the two new models (big thrower/ big flooder)

You can see the archived poll results on the Wayback Machine:

https://web.archive.org/web/20221220093741/https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/72754

I was asked to post a poll, given these two choices, for the anodizing finish of the two new HaikeLite models being worked on. Threads can be found here:

XHP70 Thrower: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/41589

MINI Triple XHP70 (flooder): https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/41587

Unfortunately there's only these two choices at this time, understanding that clear or silver/metal color anodized finishes have gotten popular here as of late.

Would the “Z1” style also be what is on the L2 and L6?

My vote goes to Carbon black.

Carbon Black !

I like the matte black from the convoy C8 v3, matte enough to be grippy but not super flat like the M2 or BD series.

Ahhh, good question. Think so, I'd say they are both in the flat (carbon) black category but I'm so expert on finishes. Generally the flat black finished are gripier but tend to show finger prints (oils, stains) easier.

As will34 pointed out, there's differences of flat black (and shiny/gloss) finishes out there, while they may be all of equal quality (hardening, penetration depth, etc.). I'm sure it depends a lot on the exact process and ingredients, including the exact aluminum alloy.

I like the “matte” look on Solarforce L2T, C8 or similar lights - I am assuming that is meant with “flat black”?

Yes - I have the Z1, X1, and even the Cometas, plus a Convoy L2 and L6, all I'd consider some level of "flat" black. I could be wrong, but the HA III term is often mis-used. Actually it's technically incorrect - there's Type II and Type III, where Type III is considered "Hard Anodized".

For some good reference reading on anodizing, try:

http://flashlightwiki.com/Materials and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing

Funny Mr. MILSPEC -- you should be the expert because there are Mil specs on anodizing: MIL-A-8625 Type III

Thanks for the explanation Tom E!

My milspec skills are limited to airsoft excursions though :wink:

Guess I’ll have to read up on all of this.

Without having seen either, I’d definitely like to see the carbon flat black version. Can’t wait to see your review Tom, and hope Haikelite is going to give us more details and pictures :slight_smile:

I voted flat black but I like the convoy grey finish a lot :sunglasses:

My choice is losing immensely, so I have to call bias in the presentation of the poll :face_with_monocle:

Please amend the descriptions to say:

“HAIII Carbon black (the feel of a dirty chalkboard, looks dirty the instant you touch it)”

and

“HAIII classic black (the normal flat/eggshell black that everyone loves)”

:wink:

Yes, It’s ture. Carbon black finish show finger prints easy and you have to clean it. The grip feel is super nice and it’s not too hard to make it clean.

Will show some pictures for HaikeLite with Carbon black anodizing tomorrow.

HAIII classic black is nice too, Grip feel is not that good. The prototypes you saw in the OP’s pictures was made by HAIII Classic black finish.

Oh man, the flat blacks are an issue with a lot/large smooth surfaces, but the Z1, X1, L2, L6 lights have a good amount of knurling, fins, and other features with not many open flat surfaces. I think the new HaikeLites are similar, with not much flat surfacing.

Well dunno - it certainly helps breaking up the surfaces, but I'm sure things still do show.

I've been told the sample/proto sent (or to be sent) for the XHP70 thrower is in the flat black finish, so I'll be able to a get a good impression how it marks up, uhhh, holds up

Good to know, thanks

Is it an option to offer both finishes? It’s always nice to have options when it comes to lights, just like CW and NW…

Only one choice for this batch.

Any chance of getting one with no finish. Bare aluminum? I’d like to Cerakote one to my own color

PM me if you want bare aluminum alloy :slight_smile: