Sorry guys, wasnt getting any email notifications that there were replies here.
I think the XM-L is a nice improvement, maybe not enough to justify going and upgrading every one of your 4Sevens lights to, but still a nice step in the evolution.
Both the AA and 123 lights can be purchases in normal or tactical versions, these just happen to be the ones I was sent for review.
Over all I liked the Normal one better, but that all comes down to personal preference and use.
As far as the preflash, on the normal version, I am seeing a SLIGHT flicker once, before it lights up in the moonlight mode, but not a flash, nothing blinding or anything like that.
Its so slight, if no one pointed it out, you wouldnt even know its doing it.
Outdoor beamshots? Yea I need to get those done soon