Late to the party here, and don't have a Rotary but I DO have a Clicky that I've had for around 10 years if not more. 140 lumen output but it holds up to much more modern offerings well. I just recently picked up a Haley Strategic D3FT with a rated 500 lumens and while my Clicky isn't 'quite' as bright within any reasonable tactical difference, the Clicky holds it's own. Now that I'm retired I don't have the discretionary cash I used to have, but I'm putting away dollars here and there to buy myself a Rotary at my earliest possible time. For what it's worth, I have multiple Surefire lights, Streamlights, 4Sevens (original company), Fenix, and Olight flashlights. If I had to get rid of all but one, the HDS would be the only one I'd have.
This one is the best EDC flashlight made. Over built, doesn't get hot, perfect amount of light and rotary is the best design. Personally I like the no clip, sleek design that fits in the hand perfectly with no clip to get in the way. Sits on the bottom of my pocket everyday, ready to use. Simply, the best.
I own a HDS rotary. It is easily one of the best and most useful lights I own. I’ve taken this light with me on work trips out of the country many times and I have always been grateful for the level of quality and performance that HDS has put into this device. I also carry it in a holster made by Dan at Thor’s Hammer. Equally of great quality. Both company’s show tremendous integrity, innovation and design in their products.
Great review. Probably the best one on UA-cam. I’ve got a 325 NLT rotary on order. Would love to see a rotary vs Clicky comparison video. I almost went Clicky just because of the clip.
New to your channel amd great videos!! I am a flashaholic but never knew there where so many luxury lights out there!! Keep up the great work and ill share your channel with a flashlight enthusiasts facebook group!
Thanks for the review! I bought one, but due to where I live I won't receive it for another few months. Apparently you can use the clip from the YLP Unicorn on it which clips to the narrowest part of the light well.
Thankyou for your great review. I really enjoy all your videos, especially about flashlights! Do you have any plans to review the rotary extension, I have never seen it life and your opinion on it would really interest me. ps. just a quick hint, for my toughest flashlight. Take a look at the best german, flashlight manufactur --> lupine ;-)
Hi, great video ! but i don't really understand why all HDS systems flashlights reviews don't show how it works during the night It would be more interesting to make an idea of the product
It’s big for a CR123a flashlight, and there are some lights cramming 18650 in the same size. With that said, the ergonomics are great in hand. If it just had a decent pocket clip, this might be my favorite flashlight.
I can comment on the Zebralight. I have the latest Zebralight, and it is good, probably one of the best out there. But it isn't as good as the HDS, not by a landslide. I had an 18650 rotary for three years, one thing that the HDS light does that I have yet to see in any other light is the momentry function. The ability to turn the light on temporarily with a press and hold, and the ability to go instantly from a lower output light to max and then back down. This is extremely useful when in the dark, Indoors the lowest output is enough to see by at night, outdoors maybe a level 15-16 (~5-10 lumens) Just enough to not step in puddles without wrecking night vision. It is all fine and good to have a nice low level light, but if something spooks me I want that max output instantly. -The ability to set the light output BEFORE turning on (important while camping, don't want to accidentally wake everyone) -The REALLY low low mode makes a great nightlight / reading light -200+ lumens of high CRI easily shows more than 800+ lumens of low CRI light, think about trying to see things with single coloured light, all you can make out is shadows and edges, and since the light is coming from your hand, the shadows are not really visible like during the day. In the dark you really only have differences in colour to see things by, and with low CRI the colour is muted and everything is gray. I actually experinced this, 800 lumens of crap light in the desert just makes everything look flat and two dimensional, no depth perception, no ability to navigate. -This light seems to basically never run out of juice on an 18650 -This light can be run on high without overheating -This light can be programmed to automatically step down and shut off in 15 minutes so even if it is left on in your pocket you never run out of battery -This light is the real deal for military grade, I never had it not work right with three years of daily use. It is probable that the light will work fine for a decade or more of daily use -The controls are ideal and adaptable to any circumstance, Zebralight i'd call a second best and with the zebralight you can't switch from low to high instantly. Nothing else can compare in my book, I fully intend to buy another one.
-my zebralight is set up to go 1 click from off to low. from there, press+hold will automatically take me to max -zebralights max will also be way more useful than this lights max -zebralight used at a lower level to match the HDS, it will last forever as well without overheating -zebralight also has potted electronics and a great warranty -zebralight is smaller and lighter your arguments against the zebralight are pretty weak to be honest.
@@sicnarf6971 Hey I'm not arguing against the zebralight. I lost my HDS two years ago and I have been using the sc64LE for over a year now. It is definitely good enough for me, which is saying a lot considering that if a light fails even once I trash the whole brand. Like you said it is more compact and more lumens, it is also less than 1/4 the price of an 18650 HDS. I definitely have respect for the brand and I have lights from them going on over 5 years now that I still use. I have no problem relying on the zebralight. But if I had to choose one or the other to be my only light going into an absurd situation (say an off grid remote expedition) I'd pick the HDS. Price, max output, and compactness do play a factor and I would actually recommend the Zebra 18650 over the HDS if someone asked me for the best EDC flashlight. If someone absolutely needed the most overbuilt emergency flashlight in the world I'd tell them to spring for a custom HDS 18650. This would only be my recommendation for actual professionals going to literal warzones or far distant outposts. Anything short of that and the extra durability and UI speed is outweighed by the perks of the ZL. Either way the second light to get is high CRI Zebralight flood headlamp and the third light I'd recommend is a peak eiger lug on a clipped keychain with an eneloop. With these three basically any situation is covered and you will never be left in the dark. My rules for choosing an important EDC light are: 1. it must NEVER fail 2. It must have a potential runtime of at least several days at ~10 lumens 3. It must have a max output of at least 100 lumens and a min output of less than 1 lumen. 4. It must have a UI that allows the light to be turned directly on to high or low, and turned of instantly 5. It must be able to survive hard impacts and extended complete immersion 6. It must have good color rendering 7. It must have a single replaceable and rechargeable battery that is not prone to leaking or self discharging. Zebralight and HDS are the only two brands that have met all these checkboxes for me.
@@Tre3141 I have to say all your reasons for this light being better than Zebralight are way off. Especially the High CRI, my SC64LE will put out over 800 lumens of high CRI light with just as nice tint as any HDS (my ZL actually uses the LH351D emitter same as one of the Ltd edition HDS). It seems your preference for HDS just has to do with your lack of experience with other good lights. HDS had an awesome and unique light and all of the things that you mentioned made them rare and worth the premium in 2016, in 2020 I can think of 10 lights off the top of my head that offers everything the HDS does and more.
Hmm...SST 20 is a competent LED from what I’ve seen. I don’t have anything that uses one right now, but I think it had slightly better throw. Tint could be somewhat green on lower levels, just depends on what bin they’re using.
Hey, I do have one but there’s really nothing that the Executive can do that the Rotary can’t. Mine is also an older, 140 lumen iteration. I’ll consider it if I find the time!
Elzetta has the crown on being the toughest this time. And the modularity is a plus point. Aside from Elzetta and HDS, Malkoff and Modlite is a good option as well than Surefire. But I only own Elzetta Bravo and I absolutely love it, it replaces all of my favorite lights.
Late to the party here, and don't have a Rotary but I DO have a Clicky that I've had for around 10 years if not more. 140 lumen output but it holds up to much more modern offerings well. I just recently picked up a Haley Strategic D3FT with a rated 500 lumens and while my Clicky isn't 'quite' as bright within any reasonable tactical difference, the Clicky holds it's own. Now that I'm retired I don't have the discretionary cash I used to have, but I'm putting away dollars here and there to buy myself a Rotary at my earliest possible time. For what it's worth, I have multiple Surefire lights, Streamlights, 4Sevens (original company), Fenix, and Olight flashlights. If I had to get rid of all but one, the HDS would be the only one I'd have.
This one is the best EDC flashlight made. Over built, doesn't get hot, perfect amount of light and rotary is the best design. Personally I like the no clip, sleek design that fits in the hand perfectly with no clip to get in the way. Sits on the bottom of my pocket everyday, ready to use. Simply, the best.
I own a HDS rotary. It is easily one of the best and most useful lights I own. I’ve taken this light with me on work trips out of the country many times and I have always been grateful for the level of quality and performance that HDS has put into this device. I also carry it in a holster made by Dan at Thor’s Hammer. Equally of great quality. Both company’s show tremendous integrity, innovation and design in their products.
Great review. Probably the best one on UA-cam. I’ve got a 325 NLT rotary on order. Would love to see a rotary vs Clicky comparison video. I almost went Clicky just because of the clip.
New to your channel amd great videos!! I am a flashaholic but never knew there where so many luxury lights out there!! Keep up the great work and ill share your channel with a flashlight enthusiasts facebook group!
Haha, I’m pretty sure I’m in the group. Thanks for the kind words!
Nice review and yes they are great lights!
Thanks for the review! I bought one, but due to where I live I won't receive it for another few months. Apparently you can use the clip from the YLP Unicorn on it which clips to the narrowest part of the light well.
Thankyou for your great review. I really enjoy all your videos, especially about flashlights! Do you have any plans to review the rotary extension, I have never seen it life and your opinion on it would really interest me.
ps. just a quick hint, for my toughest flashlight. Take a look at the best german, flashlight manufactur --> lupine ;-)
No, I’m sorry! I’ve had the extension for the Executive Clicky and I didn’t like it very much; it’s makes the flashlight fairly long for an 18650.
Hi, great video ! but i don't really understand why all HDS systems flashlights reviews don't show how it works during the night
It would be more interesting to make an idea of the product
Hey! I also have a rotary that I purchased back in 2016, and mine doesn't have that strobe feature... That's strange
Very thorough review. tnx
Seriously thinking about buying one but now sure about the size of the thing.
It’s big for a CR123a flashlight, and there are some lights cramming 18650 in the same size. With that said, the ergonomics are great in hand. If it just had a decent pocket clip, this might be my favorite flashlight.
Trying to make out what flashlight you said is listed as the toughest flashlight.
Bezel diameter? Asking if I’d want to add a diffuser. Thanks
tajam bersinar
Do you have to tell them before you buy that you want beacon, strobe, etc.? Can you program these features in the light yourself? Thanks Theo
You can program the features in the light yourself, it has all of them :)
Precogvision thanks for the info! Is there somewhere I can go to get instructions?
Check out the HDS site, you should find the manual under the product page
I can comment on the Zebralight. I have the latest Zebralight, and it is good, probably one of the best out there. But it isn't as good as the HDS, not by a landslide. I had an 18650 rotary for three years, one thing that the HDS light does that I have yet to see in any other light is the momentry function. The ability to turn the light on temporarily with a press and hold, and the ability to go instantly from a lower output light to max and then back down. This is extremely useful when in the dark, Indoors the lowest output is enough to see by at night, outdoors maybe a level 15-16 (~5-10 lumens) Just enough to not step in puddles without wrecking night vision. It is all fine and good to have a nice low level light, but if something spooks me I want that max output instantly.
-The ability to set the light output BEFORE turning on (important while camping, don't want to accidentally wake everyone)
-The REALLY low low mode makes a great nightlight / reading light
-200+ lumens of high CRI easily shows more than 800+ lumens of low CRI light, think about trying to see things with single coloured light, all you can make out is shadows and edges, and since the light is coming from your hand, the shadows are not really visible like during the day. In the dark you really only have differences in colour to see things by, and with low CRI the colour is muted and everything is gray. I actually experinced this, 800 lumens of crap light in the desert just makes everything look flat and two dimensional, no depth perception, no ability to navigate.
-This light seems to basically never run out of juice on an 18650
-This light can be run on high without overheating
-This light can be programmed to automatically step down and shut off in 15 minutes so even if it is left on in your pocket you never run out of battery
-This light is the real deal for military grade, I never had it not work right with three years of daily use. It is probable that the light will work fine for a decade or more of daily use
-The controls are ideal and adaptable to any circumstance, Zebralight i'd call a second best and with the zebralight you can't switch from low to high instantly.
Nothing else can compare in my book, I fully intend to buy another one.
Quite the write-up. Thanks for your thoughts too!
-my zebralight is set up to go 1 click from off to low. from there, press+hold will automatically take me to max
-zebralights max will also be way more useful than this lights max
-zebralight used at a lower level to match the HDS, it will last forever as well without overheating
-zebralight also has potted electronics and a great warranty
-zebralight is smaller and lighter
your arguments against the zebralight are pretty weak to be honest.
i forgot to add that the zebralight is way easier to use one handed. not even close
@@sicnarf6971 Hey I'm not arguing against the zebralight. I lost my HDS two years ago and I have been using the sc64LE for over a year now. It is definitely good enough for me, which is saying a lot considering that if a light fails even once I trash the whole brand. Like you said it is more compact and more lumens, it is also less than 1/4 the price of an 18650 HDS. I definitely have respect for the brand and I have lights from them going on over 5 years now that I still use. I have no problem relying on the zebralight. But if I had to choose one or the other to be my only light going into an absurd situation (say an off grid remote expedition) I'd pick the HDS. Price, max output, and compactness do play a factor and I would actually recommend the Zebra 18650 over the HDS if someone asked me for the best EDC flashlight. If someone absolutely needed the most overbuilt emergency flashlight in the world I'd tell them to spring for a custom HDS 18650. This would only be my recommendation for actual professionals going to literal warzones or far distant outposts. Anything short of that and the extra durability and UI speed is outweighed by the perks of the ZL.
Either way the second light to get is high CRI Zebralight flood headlamp and the third light I'd recommend is a peak eiger lug on a clipped keychain with an eneloop. With these three basically any situation is covered and you will never be left in the dark.
My rules for choosing an important EDC light are:
1. it must NEVER fail
2. It must have a potential runtime of at least several days at ~10 lumens
3. It must have a max output of at least 100 lumens and a min output of less than 1 lumen.
4. It must have a UI that allows the light to be turned directly on to high or low, and turned of instantly
5. It must be able to survive hard impacts and extended complete immersion
6. It must have good color rendering
7. It must have a single replaceable and rechargeable battery that is not prone to leaking or self discharging.
Zebralight and HDS are the only two brands that have met all these checkboxes for me.
@@Tre3141 I have to say all your reasons for this light being better than Zebralight are way off. Especially the High CRI, my SC64LE will put out over 800 lumens of high CRI light with just as nice tint as any HDS (my ZL actually uses the LH351D emitter same as one of the Ltd edition HDS). It seems your preference for HDS just has to do with your lack of experience with other good lights. HDS had an awesome and unique light and all of the things that you mentioned made them rare and worth the premium in 2016, in 2020 I can think of 10 lights off the top of my head that offers everything the HDS does and more.
I've got the nichia clicky, looking to snag a rotary. You think the sst20 is worth it though?
Hmm...SST 20 is a competent LED from what I’ve seen. I don’t have anything that uses one right now, but I think it had slightly better throw. Tint could be somewhat green on lower levels, just depends on what bin they’re using.
No love for the clicky version?
Hey, I do have one but there’s really nothing that the Executive can do that the Rotary can’t. Mine is also an older, 140 lumen iteration. I’ll consider it if I find the time!
Was the price ever mentioned 😛🧐🤨
it has a great built quality and super useful functionality, no doubt, bu the price is well too high.
For me only Elzetta and HDS has the proofs of tests on being tough.
HDS needs to design a lightsaber!😃
Fun fact: there's an Easter egg. From off, click 9 times. You now have a candle.
Elzetta has the crown on being the toughest this time. And the modularity is a plus point. Aside from Elzetta and HDS, Malkoff and Modlite is a good option as well than Surefire.
But I only own Elzetta Bravo and I absolutely love it, it replaces all of my favorite lights.
wow amazing, can replace the battery in water😄
I own 22.
Wow man that's a lot. I envy your HDS merch just as much lol.
Darryl Young 22? You on cpf?
WAY over priced
BOOSTEDLASER These are actually quite fairly-priced relative to other custom torches on the market. You might be comparing to consumer-grade torches.