My friend is introducing a cool flashlight via kickstarter…

[Silver Lexus]

Justin Strader of Eagle Beam flashlights is introducing his Evo flashlight via kickstarter and I thought members here might find it of interest.

1,400 lumens, uv light, red laser, magnetic base, etc. all for $69!

I would appreciate your consideration.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eaglebeam/eagle-beam-evolution-the-flashlight-reimagined

 

[zendriver]

It's the "Swiss Army Knife" of flashlights, lol

Pretty cool, but I'd lose a $70 flashlight the next day.

Wish him great success.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Seems very cool - I almost need to have both white and blacklight capabilities in a flashlight.
My issue is like Zen said - I would lose that gem quicker than you could say hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia...

But it sure is pretty - and small enough to be an EDC. Good luck!!

 

[Stevettt]

Looks like a cool light, but the KS offer is confusing.
The $69 dollar level says you get two items: free shipping and a future 20% discount.
It does not say you get one of the the lights.
If that's correct, you're paying $69 for a $23 discount plus free shipping,
making the cost of the light to you $161 (shipped) on a $115 retail item.
If the light's included, your friend needs to specify that.

 

[RTM]

Apparently your friend did not see this thread.

Am I the only one who hates multi-mode flashlights?

Seems like almost every compact flashlight (read: 2 or 3 AA cell size) on Amazon has multiple modes. Strobe, SOS flashing, all sorts of stupid stuff. My requirements for a flashlight are simple: emit light when I turn it on, stop emitting light when I turn it off. I don't want to cycle...

www.garagejournal.com

Unfortunately for me, when I'm needing the red light, I really don't want to shuffle thru 6 modes to get there, my night vision will be shot by then.

Looks nice, but not for me. Plus, like several up thread, worry about losing it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Unfortunately, that is quite similar to the Coast flashlights I already have.

 

[Glemon]

Add flashlights to the list of things I am learning about on GJ that some people would spend a lot more on than I ever would. I am sure there is a market, and if it is well made and people perceive it as such it will sell.

 

[zendriver]

I was wondering if there was a new factory going up in Ohio.

https://warsun.com/products/t9-pro-edc-flashlight?variant=47534567522534&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24084426139&gbraid=0AAAABEMw8KAHr8rTGq6Kh9T6HkEHc04a7&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm8bTBhDWARIsAC9Hi8kpFMQORIKCMKsYRUZCOrJj1V-VzSG0qzRt6nWF1IVC6earrrkVuAgaAqvhEALw_wcB

 

[Kurt V]

I’ve got a couple of flashlights that do more than one thing and they both cost me more than $20. Oddly enough, the flashlight, I grab most often is the one that Harbor freight used to give away for free on sale days and I think still sells for $1.50. The downside is that it takes three AAA batteries.

 

[d.mcfarland]

What problem does it solve?

 

[Old Man Roger]

hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

Long words scare me.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Unfortunately for me, when I'm needing the red light, I really don't want to shuffle thru 6 modes to get there, my night vision will be shot by then.

This is my honest straightup thoughts on the flashlight... Compared to my EDC.

I just watched the video, and yeah, if you're jumping through 8 modes to get to where you want to be back to where you were, then no, it's not an effective tool for me. I had assumed it had multiple settings/switches that you could activate seperate from the on/off, which would be a boon. That you have to rotate through each mode every time you use it makes it a no-go for me, sorry.

My EDC is a Streamlight Tactical 4 mode - Bright, Low, UV, and Safety Off (keeps it from turning on). Selector is rotary, it has a push on off switch on the **** that also has a "flash" feature. But the thing is if I'm using it on UV mode so I can see around the house at night and not wake everyone up, or look over a hotel room before I sit on something, every time I turn it on it's there - I don't have to cycle through 3 different white light modes (including a strobe) to get there. While it's not rechargeable, I get almost a year out of it's pair of 123 cells.

 

[seber]

For me there are two problems. One is the same as every flashlight on the market. That stupid useless flash mode that you have to go through to turn it off every time. But I would really like the UV if it were not combined with visible light. That makes the UV pretty much useless.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Thinking more about this:

Why does a company need $20,000 to place the first order? IF they don't have that relatively low sum on money, they don't believe in the product or can't get a loan. The profit margin on this is probably 60%+. Take out a loan or sell part ownership of the company. Not rocket science.

Something is fishy here.

 

[Basskiller]

Add flashlights to the list of things I am learning about on GJ that some people would spend a lot more on than I ever would. I am sure there is a market, and if it is well made and people perceive it as such it will sell.

They even have their own GJ like forum. https://www.candlepowerforums.com/

 

[Rinspeed]

Add flashlights to the list of things I am learning about on GJ that some people would spend a lot more on than I ever would.

Own the light, own the night. Many times I will have a $1200+ pistol on me so spending $80-100 on a light is not a big deal. It's just another tool to me, high-quality tools are better than low-quality tools.

 

[purplezr2]

I wish more light manufactures would look to wireless charging, I have an Olight with wireless charging. I don't love the light by love the wireless charging part.

 

[Lassen Forge]

My Streamlite unit cost me about $90, and I;m not about to replace it with this... Sorry, but no....

 

[JunkBonds]

I thought it was cool. I guess I am fortunate the Kickstarter processing is messed up. I tried 4 times and it failed to check out each time.

 

[logical]

Thinking more about this:

Why does a company need $20,000 to place the first order? IF they don't have that relatively low sum on money, they don't believe in the product or can't get a loan. The profit margin on this is probably 60%+. Take out a loan or sell part ownership of the company. Not rocket science.

Something is fishy here.

It's really not fishy, it's just maybe a new (really not that new at all) and unconventional way for a start up to...err start up.

It allows them to gage interest, engage with customers, and if they don't raise the target amount then they know it isn't a viable venture, those who pledge don't lose their money if it stalls.

How much an "inventor" believes in his product is one of the worst ways to evaluate the market. Nobody thinks they have an ugly baby, but there are plenty out there.

 

[d.mcfarland]

It's really not fishy, it's just maybe a new (really not that new at all) and unconventional way for a start up to...err start up.

See the below quote from the kickstarter campaign:

"We've been in business since 2016 and have brought 8 different LED lighting products to life!"

10 year old company isn't a start up.

Their website has dates back to 2012.

 

[logical]

See the below quote from the kickstarter campaign:

"We've been in business since 2016 and have brought 8 different LED lighting products to life!"

10 year old company isn't a start up.

Their website has dates back to 2012.

OK, that doesn't change my thoughts. They are simply going a different route for this product. It's a tool a company, new or old, uses for a product where they want to get a read on the market and engage with customers in a different way.

We aren't going to agree on it being "fishy", I don't see it as that and I suspect you always will.

 

[rust in the eye]

Scrolling through modes (mostly un-needed by me) is a hard no, esp at the price.
Me thinks the market will limited to flashlight geeks.
If he has been doing this for quite a while and still no capital for the next project that speaks volumes.
Good luck to your pal but I won't be buying or investing.

 

[Silver Lexus]

Thinking more about this:

Why does a company need $20,000 to place the first order? IF they don't have that relatively low sum on money, they don't believe in the product or can't get a loan. The profit margin on this is probably 60%+. Take out a loan or sell part ownership of the company. Not rocket science.

Something is fishy here.

Eagle Beam is a very small business. As such they can only borrow money at relatively high rates. The clever part of a kickstarter campaign is that it pre-funds production. The company typically gets revenue from participating in gun and knife trade shows. Justin was seeking a way to get more capital in the business while not giving up equity.

 

[runit]

Many companies use 'crowd funding/input' to design and launch new products
not weird at all in this day and age

 

[aka Larry]

If it had the Snap-On name on it, I'd wager more than one person here would pay $200+ for it.

 

[Silver Lexus]

Apparently your friend did not see this thread.

Am I the only one who hates multi-mode flashlights?

Seems like almost every compact flashlight (read: 2 or 3 AA cell size) on Amazon has multiple modes. Strobe, SOS flashing, all sorts of stupid stuff. My requirements for a flashlight are simple: emit light when I turn it on, stop emitting light when I turn it off. I don't want to cycle...

www.garagejournal.com

Unfortunately for me, when I'm needing the red light, I really don't want to shuffle thru 6 modes to get there, my night vision will be shot by then.

Looks nice, but not for me. Plus, like several up thread, worry about losing it.

Justin attends a lot of trade shows every year so I presume he is basing this on showgoer and regular customer feedback.

 

[Silver Lexus]

I wish more light manufactures would look to wireless charging, I have an Olight with wireless charging. I don't love the light by love the wireless charging part.

Justin says most people want usb-C charging since the have chargers already.

 

[Silver Lexus]

This is my honest straightup thoughts on the flashlight... Compared to my EDC.

I just watched the video, and yeah, if you're jumping through 8 modes to get to where you want to be back to where you were, then no, it's not an effective tool for me. I had assumed it had multiple settings/switches that you could activate seperate from the on/off, which would be a boon. That you have to rotate through each mode every time you use it makes it a no-go for me, sorry.

My EDC is a Streamlight Tactical 4 mode - Bright, Low, UV, and Safety Off (keeps it from turning on). Selector is rotary, it has a push on off switch on the **** that also has a "flash" feature. But the thing is if I'm using it on UV mode so I can see around the house at night and not wake everyone up, or look over a hotel room before I sit on something, every time I turn it on it's there - I don't have to cycle through 3 different white light modes (including a strobe) to get there. While it's not rechargeable, I get almost a year out of it's pair of 123 cells.

So played with the prototype and its really easy to go through the modes. I have an O-Light Arkfeld Ultra and it has rotating bezel and is very complicated.

 

[Silver Lexus]

Looks like a cool light, but the KS offer is confusing.
The $69 dollar level says you get two items: free shipping and a future 20% discount.
It does not say you get one of the the lights.
If that's correct, you're paying $69 for a $23 discount plus free shipping,
making the cost of the light to you $161 (shipped) on a $115 retail item.
If the light's included, your friend needs to specify that.

It is confusing. I just spoke to Justin and Tier 2 gets you TWO Evo flashlights and the penlight. So it is an even better deal. He is working with kickstarter to fix that.

 

[Lorydr]

I was wondering if there was a new factory going up in Ohio.

https://warsun.com/products/t9-pro-edc-flashlight?variant=47534567522534&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24084426139&gbraid=0AAAABEMw8KAHr8rTGq6Kh9T6HkEHc04a7&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm8bTBhDWARIsAC9Hi8kpFMQORIKCMKsYRUZCOrJj1V-VzSG0qzRt6nWF1IVC6earrrkVuAgaAqvhEALw_wcB

If I needed one, this would do it for $30. 3 separate buttons for different modes.

I usually don't good luck with my led flashlights lasting. Because they're so cheap. Although my company gave everyone a nice, heavy, powerful LED flashlight. It could signal to the moon it seems.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I was wondering if there was a new factory going up in Ohio.

https://warsun.com/products/t9-pro-edc-flashlight?variant=47534567522534&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24084426139&gbraid=0AAAABEMw8KAHr8rTGq6Kh9T6HkEHc04a7&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm8bTBhDWARIsAC9Hi8kpFMQORIKCMKsYRUZCOrJj1V-VzSG0qzRt6nWF1IVC6earrrkVuAgaAqvhEALw_wcB

Why would you think that, website says California.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

See the below quote from the kickstarter campaign:

"We've been in business since 2016 and have brought 8 different LED lighting products to life!"

10 year old company isn't a start up.

Their website has dates back to 2012.

Just because they claim all those things does not make any/all of them true.
Plus, the claim/s could mean all sorts of things differing from the "normal" meaning of those words.
For example, what exactly does "brought 8 different LED lighting products to life" mean?
What are the 8 different products?
But the discussion here on the thread is invigorating.

 

[Higgins]

Justin says most people want usb-C charging since the have chargers already.

A couple of yrs ago i purchased a set of 3 nice
LED flashlight! Recharge via USB and loved them. Then last yr a purched another set of 3. Have them all over the house, garages, and on every metal appliance in the house. They are indestructible!

 

[coldh2o]

What problem does it solve?

Darkness?

 

[Silver Lexus]

Just because they claim all those things does not make any/all of them true.
Plus, the claim/s could mean all sorts of things differing from the "normal" meaning of those words.
For example, what exactly does "brought 8 different LED lighting products to life" mean?
What are the 8 different products?
But the discussion here on the thread is invigorating.

Justin has been selling them at trade shows every year. Most of the flashlights are on his website and I have seen them in real life.

 

[Silver Lexus]

Seems very cool - I almost need to have both white and blacklight capabilities in a flashlight.
My issue is like Zen said - I would lose that gem quicker than you could say hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia...

But it sure is pretty - and small enough to be an EDC. Good luck!!

You need the E-Cannon then. I have one and it is super bright.

E-Cannon | Eagle Beam

10,000 Lumens (H) - 3000 Lumens (M) - 60 Lumens (L) - 18000 Lumens (Turbo) Rotating Zoom 150 Yard Focused Beam Four modes (High, Med, Low, Turbo) 3 Hour continuous run time (High), 9.5 Hours (Med), 50 Hours (Low), 30 sec. (Turbo) IPX6 Water Resistant Includes one (5000 mAh 2x26650) Lithium...

www.eaglebeamlights.com

 

[GTO]

I don't understand the Kickstarter deal.
I thought that was for new (start up) companies....

 

[Dave455]

Justin Strader of Eagle Beam flashlights is introducing his Evo flashlight via kickstarter and I thought members here might find it of interest.

1,400 lumens, uv light, red laser, magnetic base, etc. all for $69!

I would appreciate your consideration.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eaglebeam/eagle-beam-evolution-the-flashlight-reimagined

A few thoughts, contributed in a positive way.

First off, it’s really not that different from any number of other similar lights.

All the modes? No, far too complicated. While I might like red light, or a couple of different light levels, there’s just far too much there. And as the guys here correctly point out, having to cycle through them all is borderline unviable.

Laser? No, that pretty much precludes me taking it on an aircraft, which eliminates about 50% of it’s utility for me.

Generally the switching on these multi mode things is dreadful, and never actually turns the light properly off. The residual current draw tends to be horrendous, pretty much guaranteeing a dead battery.

Rechargeable? No. I know most of these high output lights are, but it’s not a bonus. If a light uses a regular 123A battery, it will work when I go to use it. Most rechargeables will be dead, even without the residual draw described above.

And, if it uses a built in / unique battery, then the life of the product is limited to the life of the battery, so I’m not spending big money on that.

Where is it made? My guess is China. My experience of Chinese made lights is that they can be o.k. but do tend to be variable in quality, and many have a short life.

So if your friend really wants to do something unique, especially one that has appeal on a tool forum, make a proper “tool” light.

For a start, make it good quality. Country of origin could be one of many (first world would be nice) but ensure the quality can be controlled.

Secondly, non rechargeable batteries - AA or CR123A. The Chinese hate offering these, because I have yet to see a Chinese made AA battery that doesn’t leak, but that’s their problem. Make what the customer wants, not what’s easy,

Thirdly, simple controls. On / Off would be nice, but a proper switch, not a push button operating a circuit board, is essential. Critically, a proper “Off” that isolates the battery.

Do all that, make it a useful shape, give it a durable finish (please not black, I need to be able to find it) and we’re getting somewhere.

 

[liliysdad]

I’ve spent every amount for. $5 to $500 for flashlights. My requirements are simple to list, yet hard to find.

123a or AA Batteries
Single mode On/Off
Tailcap switch with lockout
Tough enough to survive.

After 20+!years of chasing lights, i found that if it doesn’t say Surefire, Cloud, Modlite, and to a lesser extent Streamlight, it’s just not worth messing with for me.

There exists a whole world that geeks out to flashlights, and dig all the modes and various phases of retina burning power. They spend their nights arguing Candela vs Lumen, and can tell you their favorite color temp. Good for them…I just need a light to work.