limited production :: hand crafted :: high performance :: rechargeable :: premium flashlights

This is my blog about creating a startup LED flashlight business. I'm a designer, fabricator, and strategist and I'm passionate about making ideas real. I believe that products are about people, that they should be built to last, deliver real value, and that we need to do a better job than we have in the recent past.

Most of my career has been contract or freelance work and I've crafted products and strategies for both big international companies and startups. I also used to work in the "industry" fabricating special effects for film and TV, along with the occasional hot rod. Bottom line, I love making things.

I'm starting this blog so you can follow along, from day one, and see what it's like to start a business, or fail in the process. Only time will tell, but I hope you find this interesting enough to stay tuned, comment, link, like, tweet, and (most importantly) participate in turning this idea into something tangible and valuable.

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Monday, May 9, 2011

Cheryl's Question: Answered!

Cheryl said...

"Do you have any plans for a smaller single cell CR123 light that would be more adaptable for EDC? The MC18-B has many things that I look for in a light - great design and beautiful looks, high quality build, premium components and American made. However, the MC18-B is just too big for my liking. 

I'm thinking there may be a large customer base for a smaller light. Just for kicks and giggles (and a little market research), maybe you could run a poll to see if there is any interest. Anyhoo, I'm so glad to see you've had quite a few sales and things appear to be moving alone nicely. I wish you continued good luck."

Hi Cheryl, first of all, thanks for staying tuned! :) Another great question...the "123 quandary" as I like to call it. I've deliberately stayed away from 123 (battery size) lights because these are quite common. Several custom builders already focus exclusively on this size EDC (Every Day Carry) type of light. Eventually I'd like to make a smaller light. Maybe 123 size or maybe AA size. So far there aren't too many customs in the AA size. Of course a small light means less output and perhaps less run time as well.

the 18650 battery (left) is twice the size of the CR123 size (right) 
However, in the interest of market research, here is a poll:

Would you be more inclined to buy the MC18-B if it was physically smaller?


This is a very specific question. The question is not, "do you like the idea of a smaller light." I want to know (specifically) if the size of the MC18-B is an obstacle to your purchasing.

Here is a scale shot from the store (just in case you haven't seen it)

2 comments:

  1. When I received the light, it was smaller than I thought it would be. It sits in my pocket fine. The pocket clip is a great addition. I would not buy a flashlight without one, at least one that I plan to EDC. That said, I could see using the same light with a smaller battery tube. One you could use the AW18350 battery. Same size as the CR123, but its 18mm in diameter.

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  2. The only thing holding me back from buying one of these is the price. I'm saving...and hoping they don't sell out in the meantime. There's still 4 left in the finish I want!

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