>>Also, the Photon takes expensive button cells, and requires a screwdriver to change the batteries. The ARC takes an "AAA," and installs just like a Mag light.<<<br><br>I think a large part of the attraction that the Photon has, especially for folks on this forum, is it's size and weight. Both are critical for a pocket survival kit.<br><br>As for the screwdriver needed for battery changes, that's true only of the Photon 2. The Photon 1 and Photon 3 do not require one, and are also more water-resistant than the 2.<br><br>>>As far as durability, I do not know what the Photon is made out of, but it looks like plastic to me. The ARC is a solid chunk of aluminum.<<<br><br>Manufacturer says it's glass filled polyurethane- call it plastic if you want, but it's very durable. Again, size and weight can be important, and a "solid chunk of aluminum" is less than desirable if you're counting fractions of ounces. The ARC lights have gotten favorable reviews, and it might be ideal if you need something like this often, so that the cost of button cells becomes a factor.. but they both have advantages. No need to slam the Photon to promote the other.<br><br>Not only survival kit builders concentrate on weight. Several articles from the ultralight backpacking movement (Ray Jardine et al) have pointed out that for the weight penalty of one AAA flashlight, you can carry two or even three Photons. Having a complete spare, ready to go, when the first is lost, damaged, or the batteries just run out in the dark could be worth a lot.<br><br><br>