Massdrop Path Convertible CR123 Pocket Flashlight Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop Path Convertible CR123 Pocket Flashlight

FULL DISCUSSION

mike.j

300

Jan 22, 2019

Hey Everyone, We’re excited to share with you all a new flashlight. This flashlight is our next step in our evolution for every day carry (also known as EDC) pocket lights. The Path convertible flashlight is the result of community engagement and development, and represents a further evolution from our line of AAA flashlights. The Massdrop AAA flashlight is discreet, and at 110 lumens it provides more than enough utility to justify the minimal pocket space it takes up. However, we heard that many members were looking for more power - so we stepped it up with the Vega, which offers 220 lumens - twice the power as AAA lights - when running on AA alkaline batteries, but performs best with rechargeable 14500 Li-Ion cells, offering up to 650 lumens on Turbo mode. While this was a big step up from the alkaline-only AAA lights, we knew that many enthusiasts were still looking for bigger and brighter. And so began development of the Path. The goal was to develop a flashlight that offered 1000+ lumens in a pocketable body, which could be used with two CR123s for maximum runtime, or one CR123 to keep it smaller and lighter. Our first prototype of the Path was done in several milling options. The idea was to have an EDC flashlight with sections featuring different patterns that could be swapped around to make hundreds of possible combinations. The original design had thick enough walls to allow for multiple milling variations to improve grip all throughout each part of the flashlight. This lead to very interesting combinations of materials and milling patterns to mix and match but left us with a large and heavy flashlight. The trouble here was that we had a flashlight that was a good concept but had too much heft and was a bit too unpocketable. This is where the survey helped change the direction we had. Late last year we sent out a survey asking what features, weight, size, machining, and more that you’d all expect from a flashlight and we learned a few things. First, when offered the different patterns that were adding to the bulk of the light, members universally preferred the knurling pattern that is featured on the prior Massdrop AAA and AA lights. That led to an easy decision, so we reduced the diameter by over 11% and with it reduced the weight by about 30%. Working with our engineers, we further reduced the weight by milling out material from the inside of the tube on the portions between the threading, resulting in a total weight reduction of 46%! We’re very grateful for this community and the feedback we get from you all. Together we’re able to produce designs and products that meet and exceeds the expectations you all have. We’re hopeful you find this flashlight a key part of your everyday carry and we look forward to your future participation in design surveys. These help us make the product that you want. The Path is a flashlight for you to make your own - whether that be the need for a small compact carry, to a beam of light, or just a beautifully patinaed copper and/or brass EDC flashlight. The Path you choose is up to you.

(Edited)

Jan 22, 2019