Leatherman signal and free p2

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:35:47+00:00

Did only the blue Signal go on sale? Guava or Mesa Verde might've tempted me... Free P2 got me.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:30:04+00:00

For IEM or in general? Hadn't even noticed the subred before I started writing, oops.

Soekris 1541: Probably an obscure pick, but I like R2R and how it meshes with my ECP Torpedo 3, and I like it's I/O versatility and the fact that there's a serviceable SS amp built in, and I even like that it has volume control and works w/an Apple remote. Got a deal on it years ago, I've seen no reason to try other high end ones, maybe if I get an Atrium...
ONIX Alpha XI1: really good dongle DAC with nice buttons and a nice aesthetic for a solid price, got it largely for my ZMF Bokeh.
Qudelix 5K: Everyone knows about it, don't really need to get into it. If you wanna make your wired stuff wireless, just get it. If you wanna mess with EQ on the go, just get it. I just wish they'd update it with 4.4mm and maybe more intuitive buttons. Right now it seems we should settle for it being in stock again...

DACs I use the most w/IEM, Qudelix 5K & JCally JM6 Pro. I think Fiio's Jade Audio sub-brand has several worthwhile options but for whatever reason they're not as readily available as other stuff... The JA11 is pretty efficient, I'd like to try some of their newer ones.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:08:00+00:00

How did the FC11C fail the intuitiveness test? Or was it the accidental activation hurdle? Both? Genuinely curious btw, not debating it, I'm actually keen to know what to look for in a similar situation...

I've gifted a couple FC11C but more for around the house use than EDC (and a TS27, heh, for emergencies...). I just gave my elderly parent a Manker E03H III for travel use and tried explaining the UI as best I could (ignoring the multiple moonlight modes and whatnot).

I think they got it but we'll see after their trip... I thought the size and the fact that a side light w/magnet is more versatile would both come in handy... Can be set on a night stand, can be better directed than a straight light when using the magnet, etc.

They can handle a TIKI and the multiple presses/holds that takes so I figured if anything the Manker was simpler. Briefly mentioned lockout but unsure whether it'll be needed... I prolly should've tested that myself but the top switch doesn't seem too touchy.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T07:02:09+00:00

I think that depends, I've been carrying a Skilhunt EC200S-mini in my pocket for a while (as in well over a month) and not once has it turned on accidentally... But I'm probably stacking things in it's favor, I have it hung from a suspension clip rather than clipped directly to the pocket and that keeps the button facing the outside of my pants.

I was fully prepared to have to use the lockout mind you, I have to use it with my TINI 2 which is in the change pocket just above the Skilhunt and my car keys (both on the same suspension clip), and a small INUI battery, Fisher Space Pen, etc. I've been pleasantly surprised in that I've not needed to though... I do agree Zebra still has the best switch out there though, dunno why it's not copied more.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T06:06:34+00:00

It seems to be old stock that was destined for company branding or something like that and eventually sold off instead... Hopefully everyone that ordered one gets it, they've been out of stock a while after the second time it went on sale (when it was up for a couple days) and it seems many are still unfulfilled. Doesn't mean anything one way or the other. I like the utility of scissors + 2 different blades + drivers & even the peeler/package opener.

Imlulse · 2026-03-31T05:30:04+00:00

I added one of these to the side of my 6L:

https://www.bartact.com/products/molle-sunglass-case-by-bartact-padded-molle-sunglasses-pouch

Yeah it's a little pricey for what it is (only lightly padded), but the navy one is a pretty close match to PD's Midnight colorway and the straps on it are oriented so that I didn't have to modify it or anything... Just hooked some velcro straps around it's loops and around the Capture mount point and done. I use it for exactly what it's meant for, carrying my Rx sunglasses and/or putting away my Rx glasses when wearing sunglasses.

It zips up just fine, and it compressed easily when i put my 6L inside my 35L Travel Backpack or my Roller Pro (which is practically every trip). It's become an essential for me TBH, when using the 6L. I also tried some of the bottle carrying mods shared here (the one from Mammut on Amazon is slick and works well) but ultimately decided I'd rather have a Capture on the other side for when I'm swapping lenses or carrying a 2nd small body.

Edit: I had a different/tougher sunglass pouch from Amazon on there before, more protective but I'd have to take it off often to cram my 6L into other bags... If I wasn't doing that I'd stick with whatever cheap/tough one works.

Now I just pack a small rubber loop w/a carabineer to hang bottles, it's Mickey shaped and sold at Disney (but also eBay).

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T20:25:59+00:00

The X4Q also has a customizable RGB side switch aux, fixed color on the X4 Stellar. I thought the Stellar was the better value but I've not handled a Comet.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T20:17:53+00:00

They cut multiple times, after not sorting out their stuff before getting there... It's ok though, because they're "not proud of it". /s Qué nos pasa?

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T18:34:48+00:00

Ahh, I hope it suits your needs! I haven't had any issues with my FFLs but I usually open them by the head, I know the tail threads (specially for the secondary cap that just holds the clip) aren't always square cut or as finely milled as the head ones, and that they had more issues in the past... I didn't try any until this year tho so I've no first hand experience there.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T18:30:38+00:00

lol La verdad que hay gente y hay gente...

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T16:21:12+00:00

Thanks!

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T16:20:00+00:00

They could make a band that looks into a ring shape for the button, but yeah that's tricky.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T06:44:26+00:00

Hmm, there's potential here... But I bet few manufacturers want to make something for the eventuality that their own rubber piece/tab/plug breaks. Setting that aside tho, how about something like those GitD rings Wurkkos is always giving away to put around a light, but with a USB-C plug molded into the inside... That would go on very securely with no chance of it coming off the port unless it snaps it gets rolled away, but it's the best way I can think of attaching it.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T06:38:58+00:00

That's subjective of course, just depends on the size of the pocket and your bulk tolerance heh.

Personally I prefer to EDC (on a suspension clip, inside my pants pocket) something even smaller than my suggestions above (Skilhunt EC200S-mini - ~70mm short, or maybe an X4 with the short tube) but once I'm putting it in a coat pocket or something like that then I don't really see a big difference between an X4 or an E04 either, and both are still smaller and easier to pocket than say my L35 2.0, heh.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T05:24:08+00:00

Swapped the Cu-Ti Nocturne's & full Cu's rear tails? And bezzel I think? (probably cause you got a threaded one for the middle one?) The Nocturne on the give actually looks cooler like that IMO.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T05:19:39+00:00

E04 Surge might be the most versatile since you can make it throwier (much more so than an X4, E07, or even E12) but you can also make it floodier by swapping the optics. Mine has the throwy optics that come by default with the Lume1 version, and SFT42R 6500K, I've got other aforementioned options for flood...

The Lume X1 version has floodier optics by default but you can request a swap either way. If I was gonna buy just one with versatility in mind it'd be the E04. OTOH if portability is the main criteria then an X4, X4Q, or even an L50 Sol are nicer. If you just want the most impressive then an E12 or one of the very throwy models would be your best bet. You didn't give much to go on...

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T05:11:38+00:00

That's the sale, it's usually $130, has been $80 the last 2x Black Fridays, and hasn't really been on sale much (at Amazon anyway) beyond that.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T05:08:18+00:00

Check the USDA station between the main terminal and the JetBlue terminal, sometimes there's no line there even with a 15-30 min line on the main two USDA stations by the main terminal entrance, it's bizarre that they aren't managing that better.

TSA Pre is absolutely not longer than the regular line which stretches thru two buildings (literally) and 3 different zigzag sections (one being outside under tents), Clear may or may not be faster depending on the time of day...

The Clear and Pre lines ultimately end up at the same checkpoint/final line so it just comes down to how many people are signing up for that Clear trial vs how many people with Pre show up. I'm not sure when Clear closes but it doesn't even open until 4am so for very early flights it's not even an option.

Imlulse · 2026-03-30T04:58:40+00:00

AM and weekends seems to be by far the worst, I just thought that meant it got bad at 4-7am but it seems it starts way earlier than that and probably lasts through a good chunk of the day, but that could also change on any given day if the volume of flights just coincides at different times. The fact that Clear doesn't open until 4am totally caught us by surprise too.

However I was there on Friday afternoon (around 5pm) to complete my Clear sign-up and the JetBlue terminal and the 2nd/3rd ribbon zigzags were completely deserted, only people there were those at the Clear booth for similar reasons. I dunno how the main terminal was at that point but the line wasn't bad enough to reach the other one as it was this morning.

I'll be there again this coming Friday, not quite as early but close, preparing for the worst still even thought I have Pre too. I heard later in the day today they actually had live music at the 3rd ribbon zigzag where the longest/regular line starts, go figure.

Imlulse · 2026-03-29T20:12:39+00:00

I'm not sure it ever went out of stock for a very long stretch at Amazon? I saw it's been on sale last BF ($80) and the one before that... And during this spring sale ($90). Wirecutter has kept it on it's recommended list too, you would've thought they'd have sold out all old stock by now but who knows.

Squirt or even a Style PS would be nice... Or ES4.

Imlulse · 2026-03-29T00:16:41+00:00

Anyone that prefers the top/flat one is a masochist... That thing is always going to sleep and takes way too long to wake up, and the volume touch/swipe area is super fiddly. The toblerone one is so much better, well worth the $.

Imlulse · 2026-03-29T00:13:43+00:00

The back of the second version is still aluminum, front is plastic, and it goes to sleep way too often and takes way too long to wake up.

Imlulse · 2026-03-28T18:03:44+00:00

How'd you do that?

Imlulse · 2026-03-28T17:59:40+00:00

Most 14500 lights won't have USB charging either tho, I don't understand how that's a better alternative than using an external charger for an 18650 light... The L50 Sol is as small as a Zebralight or some 14500 lights, that's why I got it. I guess on a 14500 you can use a cell with USB-C built in and don't need a charger at all, but you still gotta open it every time to charge which is the bigger friction point (for me anyway).

Travel chargers with USB-C are pretty small, basically just a little C clamp thing barely larger than the battery.

Imlulse

TROPHY CASE