Your experience trying to help muggles.....

Jack_Kellar · 2019-03-15T17:09:43.000Z

I have two rules when talking to muggles about my lights:

1. Let them ask the questions. Info dumps are not fun for anyone, let alone about an, in their minds, “simple ‘make-the-dark-bright’ stick”.
2. If asked about how do you know so much about lights or why you have more than one torch on your person, never, NEVER say you’re an “enthusiast”. Instead tell them you’re a collector. It gives you way more leeway than you may think at first, believe me - everyone I said this to went “alright, cool” at most, no funny stares.

carpmon43 · 2019-03-15T17:07:00.000Z

yup… lol

yu cant help cause people else where make it that way. it’s an answer…with why’s…no ones interested in sorting the problem are they? there’s more value in whining about.

so…we have to be very careful trying to help folks or just not bother. wow every body want’s a community like that.

teacher · 2019-03-15T17:08:08.000Z

I think you nailed it KB.

Lightbringer · 2019-03-15T17:32:08.000Z

I just say/summarise it as, “You want to light up what’s close-up, you want a wider beam. You want to spot owls in trees, you want a narrow beam. You just use the right tool for the job.”.

At that point, they should “get” that while you can use pliers to remove a nut, it’ll chew it up and it’s better to use The Right Tool, ie, a wrench. You could use the sharp end of a chisel to undo a screw, but it’s better to use a screwdriver.

So whatever you want to use the light for, that’s the light you pick. They’re not all the same.

(And then they go out and buy an Atomic Beam… :person_facepalming: )

But eventually the lightbulb over their head turns on, and they “get” it, why you have 20 different types of lights.

Same reason whenever anyone asks, “What’s the best light I should get?”, my first question is always, “What are you going to use it for?”.

Lightbringer · 2019-03-15T17:38:05.000Z

One more point, whether you say you’re a “collector” or “enthusiast”, whatever, they’re still hung up on them being flashlights, and give you a look like you’ve got a foot-fetish or something weird like that.

Keep it to “using the right tool for the job” and why you have so many different tools, each of which has a specific function, and they (hopefully, but don’t count on it) won’t give you as weird a look.

xevious · 2019-03-15T17:42:12.000Z

I hope carpmon43 got the hint that what he wrote was the equivalent of gibberish… but also, being littered with political contention could send this topic to the dust bin.

STOP IT NOW.

Spartan · 2019-03-15T18:45:27.000Z

I created another thread where there appears to be a lot of heavy drinking and posting….

flightless22 · 2019-03-15T19:36:26.000Z

xevious:

I don’t know…

Couldn’t get past “I was in Home Depot. Obviously passing by the flashlight section is a religious thing.”

The HOME DEPOT flashlight section? :disappointed:

I was in Home Depot last month and while wandering through various isles I suddenly realized I was in front of some basic LED flashlights. Yeah, the flashlight section. Knowing what we all know here, I didn’t see anything inspiring. The only light from above was a super cold warehouse LED light fixture. :innocent:

6 or 7 years ago they had an entire isle dedicated for flashlights, it was like a candy store for those who didn’t buy online. Now days the flashlight section shares a card board stand at the far corner of the store.

Jack_Kellar · 2019-03-15T19:36:50.000Z

Lightbringer:

One more point, whether you say you’re a “collector” or “enthusiast”, whatever, they’re still hung up on them being flashlights, and give you a look like you’ve got a foot-fetish or something weird like that.

Keep it to “using the right tool for the job” and why you have so many different tools, each of which has a specific function, and they (hopefully, but don’t count on it) won’t give you as weird a look.

Maybe for you, Bringer. Using the word ‘collector’ has never earned me an odd look thus far. (If that changes, I’ll keep you posted )

teacher · 2019-03-15T19:40:17.000Z

Spartan:

I created another thread where there appears to be a lot of heavy drinking and posting….

I think a couple posts went far beyond “heavy drinking”…

Lightbringer · 2019-03-15T20:29:02.000Z

Jack Kellar:

Lightbringer:

One more point, whether you say you’re a “collector” or “enthusiast”, whatever, they’re still hung up on them being flashlights, and give you a look like you’ve got a foot-fetish or something weird like that.

Keep it to “using the right tool for the job” and why you have so many different tools, each of which has a specific function, and they (hopefully, but don’t count on it) won’t give you as weird a look.

Maybe for you, Bringer. Using the word ‘collector’ has never earned me an odd look thus far. (If that changes, I’ll keep you posted )

Mmmm, that’s “Light” or “Mr Bringer”, just not “Bringer”. Urg… :smiling_imp:

I’ve said “collector” before, got The Look™, and had to add, “Hey, some people collect Hummels…”.

carpmon43 · 2019-03-15T21:15:49.000Z

xevious:

I hope carpmon43 got the hint that what he wrote was the equivalent of gibberish… but also, being littered with political contention could send this topic to the dust bin.

STOP IT NOW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9t-slLl30E

yup no problem….

xevious · 2019-03-15T22:21:48.000Z

flightless22:

6 or 7 years ago they had an entire isle dedicated for flashlights, it was like a candy store for those who didn’t buy online. Now days the flashlight section shares a card board stand at the far corner of the store.

At my local Home Depot, the flashlight rack is nestled between two other sections… I think one is the tools pouches, or something like that. So, not so minimal as a cardboard stand, but not nearly as present as a full rack.

Spartan · 2019-03-15T22:35:55.000Z

carpmon43:

can anybody define why you cant even help some one in need yet?

None that I can think off.

If someone needs help, I will help them. Always have. Always will.

As I’m getting older, it may be me that needs it……

Spartan · 2019-03-15T22:39:59.000Z

xevious:

flightless22:

6 or 7 years ago they had an entire isle dedicated for flashlights, it was like a candy store for those who didn’t buy online. Now days the flashlight section shares a card board stand at the far corner of the store.

At my local Home Depot, the flashlight rack is nestled between two other sections… I think one is the tools pouches, or something like that. So, not so minimal as a cardboard stand, but not nearly as present as a full rack.

Mine has a 10’ full rack. Most of the lights they offer, particularly from Coast are “very good” for non -enthusiasts. For us, they are overpriced and a decade behind but then, we are what? A fraction of 1% of the market?

xevious · 2019-03-15T23:23:12.000Z

Spartan:

xevious:

flightless22:

6 or 7 years ago they had an entire isle dedicated for flashlights, it was like a candy store for those who didn’t buy online. Now days the flashlight section shares a card board stand at the far corner of the store.

At my local Home Depot, the flashlight rack is nestled between two other sections… I think one is the tools pouches, or something like that. So, not so minimal as a cardboard stand, but not nearly as present as a full rack.

Mine has a 10’ full rack. Most of the lights they offer, particularly from Coast are “very good” for non -enthusiasts. For us, they are overpriced and a decade behind but then, we are what? A fraction of 1% of the market?

Coast / LED Lenser used to be a pretty decent brand, although a bit overpriced—good deals on sale. But no lithium powered lights (all NiMH). I didn’t realize their names were regionally split — Coast in USA and LED Lenser in Europe. It looks like they’re separate now, as LED Lenser is showing as part of the Leatherman group. At this point, seems they’re still good but quite overpriced for what you get. I do wonder if there are some gems in the LED Lenser lineup somewhere, though.

Sometimes you can find good deals on older Coast/LED Lenser lights. Anyone here familiar with the V2 Moon?

Spartan · 2019-03-15T23:51:57.000Z

xevious:

Coast / LED Lenser used to be a pretty decent brand, although a bit overpriced—good deals on sale. But no lithium powered lights (all NiMH). I didn’t realize their names were regionally split — Coast in USA and LED Lenser in Europe. It looks like they’re separate now, as LED Lenser is showing as part of the Leatherman group. At this point, seems they’re still good but quite overpriced for what you get. I do wonder if there are some gems in the LED Lenser lineup somewhere, though.

Sometimes you can find good deals on older Coast/LED Lenser lights. Anyone here familiar with the V2 Moon?

Over priced for people like us, but for people walking off the street and know nothing about flashlights, they are a safe and reasonable good quality product. I think I have about a total of 8-10 of them between the cars, house and plant.

Only ni-mh is deliberate. HD does not want mishandled li-ion batteries and houses burning down. No matter whose at fault, they know they will be the first target.

I’m replacing all of them with my current hunt for the “perfect” EDC’s, but I’m not throwing them away.

LouieAtienza · 2019-03-16T04:59:04.000Z

Lightbringer:

Jack Kellar:

Lightbringer:

One more point, whether you say you’re a “collector” or “enthusiast”, whatever, they’re still hung up on them being flashlights, and give you a look like you’ve got a foot-fetish or something weird like that.

Keep it to “using the right tool for the job” and why you have so many different tools, each of which has a specific function, and they (hopefully, but don’t count on it) won’t give you as weird a look.

Maybe for you, Bringer. Using the word ‘collector’ has never earned me an odd look thus far. (If that changes, I’ll keep you posted )

Mmmm, that’s “Light” or “Mr Bringer”, just not “Bringer”. Urg… :smiling_imp:

I’ve said “collector” before, got The Look™, and had to add, “Hey, some people collect Hummels…”.

My approach is to say something like, “Flashlights are one of my interests, and I have a small collection of them, as well as mod and build them for myself and friends.” So I’m not directly saying I’m a collector, nor am I directly saying I’m an enthusiast; but at the same time I have identified myself as someone with working knowledge of flashlights. I think not putting a label to what I do makes others a bit more comfortable, as it’s just a little hobby of mine, not some kind of cult or underground thing. And as many folk have some kind of hobby or pastime, they may be more apt to relate.

xevious · 2019-03-16T06:00:09.000Z

Spartan:

xevious:

Coast / LED Lenser used to be a pretty decent brand, although a bit overpriced—good deals on sale. But no lithium powered lights (all NiMH). I didn’t realize their names were regionally split — Coast in USA and LED Lenser in Europe. It looks like they’re separate now, as LED Lenser is showing as part of the Leatherman group. At this point, seems they’re still good but quite overpriced for what you get. I do wonder if there are some gems in the LED Lenser lineup somewhere, though.

Sometimes you can find good deals on older Coast/LED Lenser lights. Anyone here familiar with the V2 Moon?

Over priced for people like us, but for people walking off the street and know nothing about flashlights, they are a safe and reasonable good quality product. I think I have about a total of 8-10 of them between the cars, house and plant.

Only ni-mh is deliberate. HD does not want mishandled li-ion batteries and houses burning down. No matter whose at fault, they know they will be the first target.

I’m replacing all of them with my current hunt for the “perfect” EDC’s, but I’m not throwing them away.

If you already have them, there’s no real need to replace. They’ll do the job. Incidentally, seems they’re past the NiMH only phase. Some newer models support lithium cells, like their top end rechargeable ones.

Spartan · 2019-03-16T06:30:46.000Z

xevious:

If you already have them, there’s no real need to replace. They’ll do the job. Incidentally, seems they’re past the NiMH only phase. Some newer models support lithium cells, like their top end rechargeable ones.

Up here, they are still none. I see one in store on HD.com. Rechargeable that appears to have li-ion. And of course online.

No real need to replace them? TRAITOR! :confounded:

My wife reminds me about that when I buy another one. But then, how do I go through life without the hunt for that perfect, floody EDC?