Hi, I'm looking for my first 'premium' flashlight and have a few gaps in my research.
Where in the technology cycle are we? Most high-end compacts are using Cree XP-E R2s but some are starting to use XP-Gs. Are G's likely to become the 'standard' and if so how quickly do manufacturers typically upgrade their lights? Essentially I'm wondering if now is the time to buy or not.
I like the new Fenix PD30 R4 (XP-G) apart from its advertised effective throwing distance (115m) relative to the advertised distance of lights with less output; TK11 R2 (>200m), older PD30 R2 (145m). Might Fenix have revised their measurement / estimation methodology or is this really a spill-biased flashlight?
I'm also (noobishly) floundering over power options. Am I correct in thinking that rechargeable 18650 cells hold an ultimate runtime advantage, even over 2xAA and 2xCR123A primary cells?
Lastly, a more subjective question. To those who own both PD30 / LD20 / D20 style lights and tactical flashlights akin to the TK11 / Nitecore Extreme, which are you more fond of and which do you find yourself grabbing most often when heading out?
Thanks.
Where in the technology cycle are we? Most high-end compacts are using Cree XP-E R2s but some are starting to use XP-Gs. Are G's likely to become the 'standard' and if so how quickly do manufacturers typically upgrade their lights? Essentially I'm wondering if now is the time to buy or not.
I like the new Fenix PD30 R4 (XP-G) apart from its advertised effective throwing distance (115m) relative to the advertised distance of lights with less output; TK11 R2 (>200m), older PD30 R2 (145m). Might Fenix have revised their measurement / estimation methodology or is this really a spill-biased flashlight?
I'm also (noobishly) floundering over power options. Am I correct in thinking that rechargeable 18650 cells hold an ultimate runtime advantage, even over 2xAA and 2xCR123A primary cells?
Lastly, a more subjective question. To those who own both PD30 / LD20 / D20 style lights and tactical flashlights akin to the TK11 / Nitecore Extreme, which are you more fond of and which do you find yourself grabbing most often when heading out?
Thanks.