ra clicky/twisty

[omarcomarco]

hello, i was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these lights? specifically im thinking about the edc ra clicky. they look well built but is the UI a bit complicated?

the ra twisty looks alot simpler to use but i cant find one in stock anywhere..

cheers

[Dogs]

UI is simple you'll pick it up within a couple of minutes of use, the number of clicks for each level is easy to remember and then it's just a case of timing, if you can double click your mouse you can use a clicky. I'm not sure what the EDC is, I bought a clicky when they were first released it's progammable and has the 10 second burst at 170 lumens then drops to 140. I think the newer ones have set levels. I don't think the twisty is made anymore, so CPF market place is the best place to pick up a used one. Whichever one you get hold of you'll love it, they're superb lights and they are well built

[Phil]

I have a Ra Twisty. The TR85, the one with the red LED on low, then low and high are white.
Well made, in fact it feels bulletproof really. Fit and finish is superb and I've heard of NO reliability issues so far.
The Clickie is one I don't have but I've had HDS system lights before and never had issues, including ARC (I still have my venerable LSHP), EDC85, and a Novotac 120P. All designed by the same chap, Peter. I think he sold Novotac, but it's his design they use AFAIK.
Not sure about UK stock, but I would comfortably buy used as there's a warranty back up, and they rarely go wrong anyway. Unless you like clickie gadgets, and you want to play, the twisty has the edge. It just works.
Batterystation.com are doing the lights, you might want to look there, and if you are a CPFer, there's a discount.
Or, try CPF classifieds mate. HTH, Phil.

[Noddy]

I am torn between a Ra and a Ti fenix ...I like that Ras are advertised as 'for the sophisticated flashlight user' and may get one just for that piece of wonderful cheek

[Phil]

I am torn between a Ra and a Ti fenix ...I like that Ras are advertised as 'for the sophisticated flashlight user' and may get one just for that piece of wonderful cheek

I couldn't possibly comment....

[Phil]

Here's an excellent review, this site has reviewed both types of Ra.

http://www.light-reviews.com/ra_clicky/

And the twisty that I use;

http://www.light-reviews.com/ra_twisty/

Hope that helps.

[Dogs]

The Clickie is one I don't have but I've had HDS system lights before and never had issues, including ARC (I still have my venerable LSHP), EDC85, and a Novotac 120P. All designed by the same chap, Peter. I think he sold Novotac, but it's his design they use AFAIK.

The clicky, HDS EDC85 and novatac were all designed by Henry D Schneiker (HDS) He also worked with Peter Gransee on the ARC series of lights up until the programmable ARC 4 I believe. There is no doubt looking at the subsequent lights from HDS who was the brains behind the ARC 4. Henry sold his EDC design to novatac and all of his tooling equipment and design rights, however after a short period of time they parted company and Henry was no longer able to produce the EDC series of lights. He then came up with Ra Lights. The twisty came first then later as Henry rebuilt his company the clicky came. They make surefires look flimsy, get one you won't be disappointed

[Phil]

Yes, Henry, well remembered that man. I couldn't recall Peter Gransee last name either, although I've swapped emails a time or two.
Both men well respected in their fields I think.
Thanks for the clarification.

One thing about the Ra lights, they take Surefire F04 etc beam shapers/filters readily. Not all the other 123 lights do.

[omarcomarco]

thanks for all the great info, its definitely gonna be one of them i just cant decide which! - the new clicky seems to be well... newer... but i prefer the twistys well... twisty :-)

[tx101]

I believe the production of the Twisty has now stopped and Ra is concentrating on the Clicky (I could be wrong here )

I would not be too concerned with mastering a "complex" UI. All you need to do is sit down for 10 minutes and just
play with it and you will get it in no time

[ArkAngel]

To save me starting a new thread, i'll continue this one.

These sound great (and i have a for trade advert currently looking for one).

I take it these will run quite happily on a AW rechargeable 123?

What's the beam pattern like? A bit like a fenix with a tight beam? or a good side spill too?

[tx101]

Yup, work fine with AWs

I have a Ra Clicky 170 custom jobbie, I tried really hard to like the beam but
in the end I just couldnt get on with it.
Yes, it does throw very well but on a white wall the hotspot was surrounded by
a green corna
It was not at all noticeable when I actually used the torch outside but the green
corna always stuck in my mind
I suppose Im getting really anal about beam quality nowadays

I also have a Novatac 120T that I swapped the LED out for a K2 TFFC emitter.
Its beam is vastly superior IMHO than the Ra Clicky both in beam characteristics
and output.

That was the straw that broke the camels back ..... I send the Ra Clicky off for
a LED swap. When it comes back it will have a Cree XPG R4 netural tint.


EDIT

I believe that the 120, 140 and 170 Clickies all use the same electronics
the difference is in the LED that each model uses. The 170 uses an
Osram Diamond Dragon+ , the 120 and 140 both use a different LED
making their beam characteristics and output different

[ArkAngel]

Cheers mate!

[NoFair]

The Seoul gives a smooth less throwy beam with very good spill. The ones that use the Osram have a tighter beam and I'm not too fond of Osrams.. I think the Executive ones use the Seouls while the tacticals use an Osram.

TX101: If the beam with a Cree xp-g is anything like my experience with them you will not be disappointed. I use a neutral white xp-e in my HDS (high CRI seoul in the other) since I prefer the tighter beam outdoors The Surefire F04 beamshaper will also make it an instant floodlight.

[andyross]

Have you seen the orange version .
http://www.oveready.com/hds/ra-flash.../prod_171.html
Just dont tell Danzo

Cheers Andy