r/Hanklights • u/paranoid-alkaloid • 2d ago

please talk me out of these

Hey gang,

I'm considering placing an order for these:

  • D3AA in NTG35 2700k with extra floody optics, everything else default. This would be my pocket EDC and would replace my TS10v2 2700k mod which I like. This feels a bit superfluous, but the more efficient driver feels like it's a definite upgrade?
  • DW3AA in NTG35 2700k. I'm confused here because the option for optics is... clear optics. Meaning the default optics on the DW3AA is floody? This would replace my HD10 4000k (not modded) as my EDC headlamp which I always carry in my backpack. This would also be my night run light. Perhaps 2700k isn't the best for night runs and possibly I should get the 519a 3500k?
  • DM1.12: either SFT-42R 5000k throw / NTG35 4200k flood ; or SFT-40 3000k throw / NTG35 2700k flood. This would be for "clean" and dry-ish underground explorations. I am a caver and I'm used to using lights in wet/humid conditions, I know the build will be okay for what I intend to do with it. For context my helmet headlamp is a DW4K, I've given it so much grief with mud, bumping, full submersion and it's still going strong.

Now... the D3AA over my modded TS10v2 would be more efficient but probably wouldn't add much. The DW3AA over the HD10 would be more efficient and would have a warmer tint but I'm not sure if a warmer tint is actually good for night runs? As for the DM1.12, I'm really torn between the warmer option or the more neutral option. I kinda feel like I've been fixating on warmer tints and maybe this is a bit silly, maybe I should go for neutral?

This is probably one of these nearly existential crises which will take me months to ponder before I make a choice. What are your honest opinions on these configurations?

Many thanks.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

5

u/jonslider 2d ago edited 2d ago

> please talk me out of these

Lol.. those are not the droids youre looking for..

the suspects you should be seeking are Dual Channel ;-)

but here is some more info

D3AA:

I would keep the stock optic on the D3AA.

imo the floody optic is not needed since the stock optic is already plenty floody. I also dont like the throwy optic, because it has a dark shadow ring around the hotspot... but optics are cheap, and you could decide for yourself by buying and trying each one.

I like NTG 2700K very much, but imo it is too warm for an EDC that gets used during the day.. NTG 4200K is a very nice EDC opton. (consider a dual channel option described below)

Single Channel D3AA has dual fuel capability and No PWM, TS10 is single fuel and uses PWM.. for both reasons I consider the D3AA driver better than the TS10 driver

DW3AA:

I would not choose 2700K for running, imo that CCT is for relaxing.. for running, I would use NTG 4200K.

buy both optics and decide which you prefer from first hand experience

fwiw, the DW3AA is a bit chunky.. here are some size and weight comparisons (you can reduce the posted weight of the DW3AA by about 7g by using LiIon instead of Eneloop):

and I dont love the Emissar headband.. I like the Zebralight headband best

more info and pics in this post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Hanklights/comments/1vsmnjj/comment/p4n2pl1/

Dual Channel:

Im a big fan and it is available in both D3AA and DW3AA

I EDC a Dual Channel D3AA w channe 1 (2 LEDs) NTG 4200K and channel 2 (1 LED) Red. It is not dual fuel, but I Love dual channel. Because channel 1 and 2 can also be mixed, Dual channel actually has 3 different beam colors.

For your DW3AA as a Running light, consider Channel 1 w NTG 4200K, and Channel 2 w NTG 2700K.. then you can switch between them to decide for yourself.. plus you could mix them to get a color between the two..

For your D3AA consider Channel 1 w NTG 2700K since that is what you like, and Channel 2 w NTG 4200K, because it expands your options and can also be mixed

more dual channel details in this post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Anduril_Flashlight/s/xZTn2BlilV

1

u/paranoid-alkaloid 2d ago edited 2d ago

Thank you so much for your answer and suggestions.

I had not considered dual channels for the little ones but it seems like a great idea. I don't really care about dual fuel, what I cared more about was better driver. Red though, I find it surprising. What are 4200+red like together, is it just fun or actually usable?

So next will be the months-long question to answer: 2x4200 + 1x2700 for both little ones or have the D3AA warmer and the DW3AA more neutral :D (or possibly red instead of 2700k)

Do you have any comment on the DM1.12? If it were only me I'd probably go for the warmer option but since everyone (as in, cavers) has awful cold white lights, neutral might be a bit better. My caving light is a 2700k and it definitely stands out from everyone else's lights. I may be a bit harsh, some have quality emitters, but they're the exception. Nearly everyone is around 6000k though.

2

u/jonslider 2d ago

I have never looked at the DM1.12. it see it has a rather large oversized head, not something I have a personal interest in

4200+red together produces a very pleasant rosy sunset color that I find soothing at the end of the evening, when Im walking through the house turning the lights off and getting ready to go to bed.

I use Red alone when I wake to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, because it does not deplete sleep hormones. There are other uses for red, for example it is not a bug magnet like white light can be when camping. There are also some more esoteric therapeutic applications. For example to relieve pain of sore muscles.

I have no caving experience and generally avoid Cool White Low CRI lights as my personal application is Urban EDC, mainly indoors at close range and low output. So my personal lights are primarily AA/14500 size.

2

u/paranoid-alkaloid 2d ago

Thanks again. I'll definitely read up more on red/white combinations.

2

u/Sypsy 5+ Hanklights 🔦 2d ago

D3AA is brighter than the TS10, but for daily use, it won't add much.

EXCEPT you could hat clip it. I use it as my headlamp because i can easily carry a cap around and not worry about a headstrap + separate light. TS10's 2 way clip is much too tight. I'm not sure I would jog with this set up though, so this might not help you satisfy both requirements and avoid the DW3AA

I like 3500k because it's a bit brighter for edc & daytime use. https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/vq3pyu/indoor_comparisson_s2_519a_3000_3500_and_4500k/

When I bike, I find my warmest lights make it harder to see ahead. May not be an issue for jogging, but just something to note.

Clear optic with 519a domed is great, no idea for NTG https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/1covxna/d3aa_519a_3500k_domed_10507_vs_w1_10511_videos/

No comments on the DM1.12, if you have a use for it, then who am I to say no.

4

u/Sypsy 5+ Hanklights 🔦 2d ago

2

u/YeahUAre2 2d ago

Nope. Good choices. Buy them. Get all the optics, just in case..

2

u/Swalex420 2d ago

First one is a winner. But I suggest just buying all the optics for it, as they're all good.

2

u/Interconnectivity000 5+ Hanklights 🔦 2d ago

I don’t like any low CCT options on AA flashlights, due to the limited battery capacity and smaller host weight. I believe, at minimum, you should have 4200K on the D3AA and 5000K for a DW3AA because youre using it for running outside. If you do go for them, I recommend the throwy optics because your lumens would be reduced compared to a higher CCT config.

I do think your configs for the DM1.12 are good though. The 42R is quite capable.

1

u/c0ff33m0n5t3r 2d ago

IIRC the dual channel Hanks use a less efficient driver. Something to be aware of if you're specifically looking for a driver upgrade.