Beam comparison, HDS and TS10

LED Flashlights – General Info
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both lights at 20 lumens

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Beam shapes:

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some pros and cons:

the single LED in a reflector of the HDS, produces a narrow throwy beam of 15 candela per lumen within the defined hotspot, lots of glare if looking at a painting, but brighter within a smaller target

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the triple LEDs in a Tir of the TS10, produces a wide floody beam with 2 candela per lumen spread more evenly across the beam, no defined hotspot, no glare if looking at a painting, but not as bright on center of target, as a reflector

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low modes:

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Very nice comparison.

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Jon,

The HDS Rotary, particularly the 219B SW45K version has been on my wish list for a very long time. Despite the steep cost the limitation of the 16340 cell has kept me from pulling the trigger. I dont care for the 18650 form factor. It seems too long. I have heard mention of 18350 and 18500 bodies offered in the past but i consider them unobtanium. An 18350 body Rotary would have me throwing money at it but i cant justify over $500 for any light, its just impractical.

As an alternative i would consider a Jetbeam RRT01 modded with a 219B SW45K. Just have to find one.

My first “real” flashlight was an HDS Ultimate 60 almost 20 years ago. I was crazy bonkers happy with that thing and lamenting its long ago loss is what drives my desire for a Rotary.

What do you think I should do?

BTW: thanks to you i have and absolutely love my 4000K CuTiTS-10 and BlueTiTS-10. Your Anduril2 flowchart with the green customization highlights is incredible and i have forwarded it to many new TS-10 users. Its invaluable and i so appreciate your helpfulness. Sincere thanks to you!

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Ocelot, thanks for your kind words. Credit for the Anduril flow chart goes to containerfan. Im glad the marked up version I use for myself, is useful to you and others as well :wink:

Until you find an HDS at a price you are less uncomfortable with, I would suggest an RRT-01. Maybe ask Skylumen if he can put an sw45k into one for you.

fwiw, 16340 works fine at the low outputs an HDS is intended for, but if small battery size works as an excuse to help you avoid opening your wallet, I support you in resisting.

fwiw, HDS is planning a new model that will be 18350 by default, but I have no idea if it will happen in Henry’s lifetime. So your wallet may remain safe for the foreseeable future. lol

another option is to buy the 18650 HDS on ebay, and ask Andy Zhu to put an sw45k into it for you ;-). You could probably resell or trade the 18650 tube for a stock 16340 tube… or even try to find someone who would trade you an 18350 tube…

fwiw, I just checked the price of a Rotary w sw45k and it is not $500, it is “just” $393 :wink:

maybe also try placing WTB ads… for an HDS w sw45k

forewarning, eventually you will open your wallet for an HDS… you could skip the expense of an RRT-01 by treating yourself to the HDS of your dreams, sooner than later :wink:

The RRT-01 is a nice light in its own right, it might not stop you from wanting an HDS, but it could delay the impact on your wallet :wink:

another option to consider… The TS10 in the above photos is modded to sw45k. I actually use the TS10 more than the HDS in the pics, which has an sw45k also.

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[accidentally posted in the wrong thread, apologies]

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