EDC Light Builder FAQ
What makes EDC Light Builder flashlights different?
Compared to the vast majority of commercially-available flashlights, every EDC Light Builder model is purpose built.|Our Personal Security models are built with a very specific feature set intended for this use. These features include (1) an extremely high output in relation to the size of the flashlight; (2) a simple UI that is easy and intuitive to use under stress and (3) a tail cap switch that is optimized for momentary operation.|Our EDC Utility models are also purpose built. We include recommended uses and applications in the product description. While these models are purpose built with specific uses in mind, they do lend themselves better to general use than the Personal Security models.
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Every EDCLB flashlight is hand assembled and tested to ensure 100% reliable operation.
Are EDCLB flashlights waterproof?
All EDCLB flashlights are fully O-ring sealed and assembled to meet the IPX-7 water proofing standard: submergence up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.
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Though EDCLB flashlights meet or exceed IPX-7 standards and can be used in all outdoor weather condtions with confidence, they are not intended for underwater use.
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Water Tightness Maintenance||
There are four possible ingress points for water; (1) past the tailcap boot; (2) between the tailcap and body; (3) past the bezel lens and (4) between the head and body.
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Since the head must be removed to charge/change the battery, the O-ring under the head must be inspected and lightly lubricated (we recommend SuperLube synthetic grease) each time the head is removed to maintain a good seal against water ingress. Worn or damaged O-rings should be replaced to maintain water tightness. Contact EDC Light Builder for replacement O-rings.
What is the difference between the bezel lens options?
E2HT Dagger, BGV2 Bodyguard and E2XTD Fat Boy models come standard with a replaceable hard coated, shatter resistant acrylic lens. This lens offers a light transmission rate of 95%. Though it is more shatter resistant than a glass lens, it is also more prone to surface scatches and scuffing.
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A UCL™ v3 Lens - AR Coated Borofloat® glass lens is offered as an option to the standard acrylic lens. This is a high quality lens that has a light transmission rate of 98 to 99% and is less prone to scratching and scuffing. However, it is not as shatter resistant as the acrylic lens.
What is the difference between the tailcap options?
The Z57 style McClicky is offered as an E-series upgrade option. It uses the industry standard McClicky switch that can handle up to 5 amps. The tailcap offers momentary operation with a partial press, while a full press can be used to latch ("click") the switch to constant-on operation.
The E2T is used with the personal security models. It features a semi-shrouded design that uses the industry-standard McClicky switch. The tailcap offers momentary operation with a partial press, while a full press can be used to latch ("click") the switch to constant-on operation. This tailcap is upgraded by EDCLB with a low profile, medium press boot to provide precise control of momentary operation while minimizing unintended latching of the switch to constant-on.
Two versions of the E2T are offered: one with a deep carry pocket clip and one with a lanyard and grip ring kit. The pocket clip version provides a means of carry for those who prefer pocket clips.
The Lanyard with Grip Ring Kit emulates the old Z2 Combat Lights that are intended for use with the Rogers-Surefire technique. This option provides the best in-hand ergonomics for control of the light, and the ability to go hands-free while still retaining the light. The lanyard is attached to the light with a small split ring which serves as a breakaway link. The split ring will uncoil and allow the light and lanyard will separate with a forceful tug. Both the lanyard and grip ring kit are removeable so they can be used independently of each other. The Grip Ring Kit includes a silicone grip ring and four O-rings that anchor the grip ring from sliding rearward.
What is a beam pattern?
The beam is the “cone of light” emitted by the flashlight.
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On one side of the flashlight beam spectrum are flood patterns, which are wide and even. On the other side of the spectrum are spot patterns, which are narrow and more intense due to the tight focus of the light. |Flashlight beam patterns are typically a mix of the two. The center of the beam is usually brighter, creating a spot-like “hot spot” while the rest of the beam is lower intensity and referred to as “spill.” The blend of center hot spot and spill can greatly differentiate one model from another, even models with an identical lumen ratings.
What is the beam pattern of the different EDCLB models?
The beam characteristics of each model are best described as follows;
The E2HT Dagger models (500 lumens) have an intense, 35,000 cd spot beam with a low intensity spill surrounding it. This beam can not only reach greater distances, but due to the high candela will appear brighter (and more blinding) to anyone looking directly into the beam. The wide spill area of the beam is still bright enough to see detail at close range, making it a top choice for personal security applications.
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The E2XTD Fat Boy (650 lumens) is the E2HT Dagger on steroids. Its beam pattern is nearly identical to the Dagger, but at 70,000 cd the center hot spot is twice as bright. Fat Boy can reach way out into the darkness, and is debilitatingly bright to anyone who looks directly into the beam at close range.
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The BGV2 Bodyguard (1,000 lumens) has a useful blend of spot and spill with a center hot spot of 12,000 cd, which is brighter than many comparable models on the market. The spill is wide, even and bright making it a favorite for personal security and other outdoor applications.
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The E1 PSE (500 lumens / 6,265 cd with 16340 Li-ion battery) is a mix of moderate spot and wide, even spill. It's an effective beam for personal security and useful for everyday tasks.
The E1 Inspector HF and E1 Admin (500 lumens on high setting, 16340 Li-ion battery) have a broad flood pattern. The wide, low-intensity 2,100 cd center hot spot diffuses gradually into the spill making for a wide and diffuse beam. The easy-on-the-eyes beam pattern and 4,000k high CRI emitter makes these models excellent for everyday arm's length tasks on the low setting while providing enough output on the high setting to illuminate large areas indoors or out. Excellent for a wide range of EDC tasks, both the E1 Inspector HF and E1 Admin are also superb for professional uses such as law enforcement, product quality control, mechanical inspections of equipment or aircraft, construction trades, etc.
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See the Beam Shots page for comparisons.
What is the difference between lumens and candela?
Lumens, or luminous flux, is the total amount of light the flashlight can produce. This amount of light (measured in lumens) is distributed across the entire beam.|Candela, or luminous intensity, is how the lumens are focused, and how bright the beam appears as a point source. The more focused the lumens are, the higher the candela and the brighter the beam appears at distance.|In flashlights, the ratio of candela-to-lumens is a good indicator of the beam pattern characteristics. The higher the ratio, the more “spot like” the pattern will be, and vice versa. A flashlight rated at 500 lumens and 35,000 candela will have a more intense, tightly focused beam compared to a flashlight rated at 500 lumens and 6,000 candela.