Sean's Flashlight Site

HDS EDC Ultimate 85

This is the HDS EDC Ultimate 85 (U85) Luxeon 3-watt LED flashlight.  It is powered by
a single CR123A lithium battery and has multiple adjustable brightness settings.

The EDC Ultimate flashlights provides the following features:

• Your choice of 60 or 85 lumens maximum output - the world's smallest tactical brightness LED flashlight.  4 preset levels, 20 brightness levels with visually even spacing

• Fully regulated settings for constant brightness.  Gracefully steps down to lower brightness levels to extend dying batteries

• Simple, intuitive single-button interface allows single-click On/Off.  Additional brightness settings are quickly accessible.  Features fully programmable

• 10 hours constant output on the Primary setting (10 lumens) using a single lithium CR123A battery.  20 minute minimum runtime on Maximum setting

• Ultra clear coated glass lens for maximum light output and improved scratch resistance.  Optional polycarbonate lens

• Machined aerospace aluminum case with military hard anodize finish

• Will not damage rechargeable batteries

• Reverse battery protection without diode power penalty

• Intrinsically safe and explosion-proof configuration

• Full thermal management - cannot overheat or get excessively hot

• Waterproof to 2 atmospheres

• Pocket clip and optional lanyard ring

• Dimensions: Ø 25.4mm x 82mm (Ø 1" x 3.2")

• Weight: 86g (3oz)

• Configurable options: all brightness settings, emergency strobe signal, SOS emergency signal (46CFR161.013-7 compliant), flashing locator (so you can find the light in the dark), turn on to last or specific setting, automatic switch lock (prevent accidental turn-on during transport or storage), automatic turn-off and two forms of momentary operation

Documentation:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Flashlight and headlamp comparison chart

EDC Ultimate Flashlight User's Guide (PDF)

EDC Ultimate Flashlight Quick Start (PDF)

EDC Ultimate Flashlight Quick Reference Card

The reflector used is smooth and polished.  The lens is an ultra-clear coated glass lens that can be
replaced by an optional polycarbonate lens that comes with the HDS EDC Lens kit.  The EDC lens kit
comes with a lens nut removal tool (needed to remove the lens), a polycarbonate lens, an extra
ultra clear glass lens, mild diffuser (this is installed under the clear lens) and extra O-rings.



This is what the inside of the U85 bezel and tailcap look like.




Here are the results of run-time tests performed:
(note: these tests are to show run-time information, not overall brightness)

• Run-time on level 1 (the brightest level) (85 lumens) is about 23 minutes on a single Duracell CR123A lithium cell.
  The U85 then drops down two levels to brightness level 3 (42 lumens) and runs another 65 minutes and drops
  again, this time to level 5.  I stopped testing at this point. Remember that every unit's run-time will vary somewhat.

• Run-time on level 1 (the brightest level) (85 lumens) is a steady 21 minutes on a single MP R123A
  lithium-ion rechargeable cell.  The U85 then drops down two brightness levels to level 3.  I stopped testing at 25 minutes.

• Run-time on level 1 (the brightest level) (85 lumens) I also tested a 4 year old Duracell Ultra DL123A lithium cell
  to see how much capacity had been lost in 4 years.  It obviously didn't last as long.

• Run-time on level 1 (the brightest level) (85 lumens) I tested a BatteryStation CR123A lithium cell. It had a very hard time keeping the U85 in regulation and started dropping after 7-8 minutes.

• Run-time on level 2: This is a run-time test starting at level 2 using a Surefire SF123A cell.
  The U85 ran for 75 minutes on level #2 (60 lumen level) before dropping to level #4 were it ran
  another 15 minutes before dropping to level #6.  I stopped the test at that point.

• Run-time on level 2: This is a run-time test done starting at level 2 using an MP R123A.  Run-time was 53 minutes until dropping down two brightness levels to level 4.  I stopped the test at this point.

Zoomed in view from 1 to 24 minutes:

This is a zoomed in view of the run-time chart up to 24 minutes.  The orange line added is another Duracell DL123A.

More runtime tests:

This test shows the results of a 190 minute test performed at level 3 using a Dureacell DL123A cell.
Run-time was 168 minutes at level 3 followed by 20 more minutes are level 5, then another drop to level 7.
I ended the test at this point.


One more test at Level 1 with a Surefire SF123A.


This is a breakdown of the U85's light output at each of it's programmable 20 brightness levels:



Comparison shots of the Arc4+ and the EDC U85 both at full power:

The above shots are at a distance of ~50 feet.







These shots are about ~35 feet from the wall.



These are shots of the ceiling of a gym..  Distance unknown, maybe 30 feet?


More beamshots comparing the U85, Streamlight Scorpion and Surefire L4:

The above comparison shots are at about ~45 feet.



Here are some shots across my yard.  These shots are at about ~45 feet.


These shots are at about ~45 feet.



Here's a shot showing the brightness difference between the top four brightness levels.



Here's a close up shot about 6 feet from the wall between the U85 @ level 1 and the Surefire L4.
The U85's beam is more focused and more intense than the L4's beam.



Here is a size comparison between the Task Force 1W LED, Surefire L4 and E1L, Fenix L1P and HDS U85.


Overall the U85 delivers on being very bright for it's small size and very long running on it's lower levels.
It runs hot on it's brightest level and needs to be held to draw the heat away, otherwise it will drop
to level 2 and continue on at a more stable temperature.  Fit an finish are very good except for some
tool marks extending past the knurling.  The multiple brightness levels (4) are a click away.  Click on/off
as well as momentary are pretty straightforward.  When the light is on you can switch between primary
and secondary brightness by double clicking the tailswitch.  A triple click accesses the lowest level
for times when very extended run-times are needed or a brighter level of light would be inappropriate.
While the light is on, pressing and holding the tailswitch button gives you momentary full power until you
release the button.  You can also latch on full brightness from any level you are currently at by a
double-click then press and hold.  The light can also be set up to automatically lock out after 5 minutes
of non-use.  A ripple click unlocks the light.  A total of 20 brightness levels are accessible via
extended programming. 

The U85 doesn't seem quite as bright as I had hoped.  It seems a little shy of 85 lumens but it certainly might be.
(After more testing, output might indeed be close to 85 lumens but it has a hard time holding it for even 20 minutes)
It is about the same brightness as the Surefire L4 though, with the L4 being maybe one half of
one percent percent brighter overall.  The L4 spec is 60 lumens but has been known to be under-rated.
The brightness jump from level 3 to 2 is pretty big, but from level 2 to 1 is not as big.
Brightness on level 2 however is very good.  Not only bright but great run-time. 
75 minutes at 60 lumens from one CR123A cell!

Also, the light does emit some buzzing at some brightness levels, and high pitched noises at other levels.
I thought it would bother me more than it does but so far I don't mind.  The tailswitch responds very well
and all the functions are easy to access.  This light also works great with rechargeable R123 batteries.