Which host is your favorite?

[Mohrenberg]

Which host is your favorite?
I'm planning on making kits out of one, or two of these.

(Refer to picture attachment names to know which host is which on the poll)

 

[ThunderBird89]

I like the first on most, then 2-1, 3-1, 2, 3

 

[k1kb0t]

I like the look of number 3 best.

 

[Deleted member 8382]

Number one for it's simplicity. Number 3 looks somehow strange to me

 

[robjdixon]

I like 2, then 3 then 1, but I also think you can get nicer hosts from DX. If a 1 x AA battery size is what you are going for, then there are hundreds of options, probably for cheaper:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1993

And for this one, I know Igor sells the compete lasers, but no-one sells kits AFAIK. I'm not sure if that would be a problem though. This is my favourite host of all time:
Clicky

 

[Ash]

I would go with a completely waterproof host, personally.
If it were me building kit's, I would use the blank host qualifound used to have for $16:

But, not everybody has a use for a waterproof laser.

 

[boosted_4cyl]

13245

 

[primary]

i like the 2 in robjdixon's reply

 

[Mohrenberg]

i ordered a couple of the hosts you see in the last two pictures (host 3)
and i ordered one of Host 1

 

[LarryDFW]

This is the host I like:

1. It is Hard Anodized Type III for exterior durability.
2. It uses a #18650 Li-Ion battery for long cycles between charging.
3. It has a larger front area exposed for heatsinking high-power diodes
4. It has room for a driver in an aluminum pill.
(LM317, MosFet, or switcher)
5. It is substantial and has good machining
6. It has a durable switch

The quality does cost a little more...

LarryDFW

P.S. For some reason I didn't see the 5 photos initially.
Of those, I would choose #1, then #5

 

[Jimmymcjimthejim]

#1. I like sleeker, simpler lasers.

 

[Deleted member 8382]

You think like me.

 

[BrewCityMusic]

Flashlight, ugly flashlight, flashlight, flashlight, and UBER-UGLY flashlight .....

Sorry Amigo, I just really hate the "flashlight" look - are you SURE the original O-ring host project couldn't be ressurected? The other option, why not do a conversion kit for something everyone can get locally, like those $4 Home Depot "Husky" flashlights, less hassles for you and lower investment....

Just my 2 pennies, Amigo

 

[Mohrenberg]

the o-ring host would just cost too much to make and people don't want to pay for them...

 

[Mohrenberg]

found a 4th host.

these would be made into complete kits (excluding diode)
They would basicly come with appropriate batteries, flex drive and custom heatsink, with the two wire coming out for the module to be soldered on.

would prob sell them for around $60

This 4th host is only 2.9 inches long, and takes 1 AAA sized battery.

 

[BrewCityMusic]

Careful with designing a host kit around the 10440 battery, though - newbies and forgetful people often overcharge and ruin them as they aren't protected... That and the 350-500mA limitations (really short runtimes)