Due to the influence of numerous threads regarding the Arc AAA and Arc AAA Premium I got uncontrollably curious (as I often do) and purchased one. I searched high and low and found an Arc AAA *Premium* on Ebay for $40. I already own several Photon II lights ($15 at REI or on the Photon website) so naturally the first thing I did was go in to a pitch black room and compare the two. What I found was a bit shocking.

The Photon II was significantly brighter and maybe even slightly whiter too! <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Both lights had brand new batteries. The Photon II had whatever battery they come with new and I put a brand new Duracell coppertop in the Arc AAA Premium. The Photon II had a brand new LED and the Arc AAA *Premium* did not. I don't know how old the Arc AAA Premium's LED is since I bought it used. With this in mind, the only advantage I can see with the Arc AAA Premium is that it uses a standard battery, it is waterproof and it is also more durable than the Photon II. However, since the Photon II is a lot smaller, lighter, brighter, whiter and cheaper too I'm not really sure which is the best light overall. Of course it cost me $40 so I'm carrying the darn thing anyway! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Any thoughts on this? Is this Arc AAA Premium defective in some way? Should I try a different type/brand of battery? Or is this just the way it is? Thanks in advance for the input. I'm not a member of the CandlePower forums but maybe I should join and see what those guys think as well.