Remembering when EDC was ARC

In 2003 I became interested in flashlights (and found CPF), more from the standpoint of hunting and camping. I never became a full fledged flashaholic, although I bought a fair number out of curiosity.
At that time the rave for an EDC was an ARC AAA light. I don’t remember what it cost, but I am thinking around $24. I never thought that they were that great, and contrary to conventional wisdom I did have a couple fail. They were replaced at no cost, and a few years ago I had another fail. They charged me $7 postage, and I paid the postage to them.
By the time I had replaced it I could have bought a better light, in my estimation, and I still had a light that only put out 5 lumens, I think.

I had bought several to give away, and still have a couple left. I use one to determine when a light I am testing becomes unusable from my standpoint.

I lost interest for a few years and when I returned I was almost amazed at the improvements in LED lights. One can buy better light at much less cost than the 2003-2005 time frame.

I also found BLF and it is a much more relaxed and friendly forum, although I never had a problem with or from the CPF staff. That was when Greta was Shasha.

I have never warmed up to 18650 lights, but prefer for my use AAA, AA and CR 123 lights as more useful to me. But to each his own. Just reminiscing.

Regards,
Jerry