So I was wondering if there were any major differences between the F42 and G42, all I can find is that the G42 has some more lumens (560 vs 605, both seem to be driven to the same power levels, so probably because of the different emitter bins) and the price (the G42 is significantly more expensive).
Yes, emitter bin/tint offerings differ. The drivers are exactly the same. Internals are the same (some dimensional differences, tailcap).
Other than slight cosmetic differences, the heads are the same (G42 is diamond knurled at shoulder, F42 is vertical knurled at bezel-- Note: Early F42 V1 and V2 lights came with the exact same head). The tailcaps are, however, different and not interchangeable. The body of the F42 is much more streamlined (it will fit most duty holsters from Surefire, Blackhawk, etc-- 1" bodies, the G42 will not). The G42's pocket clip is, I find obtrusive and, difficult to remove. The machining is top-notch on both. The G42's Stainless Steel bezel and tailcap ring are very nice (obviously provide more damage resistance than what anodized Aluminium can and a more capable tempered glass breaker). The F42's bezel is Aluminium. The body of the G42 sports an integral combat/cigar hold/ring which is quite low-profile. The F42 uses a square cut groove to accommodate a removable rubber combat/cigar hold/ring (quarter truncated, presumably to serve as an anti-roll). The G42 tailcap is single o-ring sealed. The F42 is double o-ring sealed. The G42 weighs, a noticeable bit, more than the F42). Generally, the F42 costs 25% less than the G42. The combination diffuser bezel wrench tool offered by XENO will work on both lights (as a wrench and as a diffuser, of course).
(I doubt XENO offers either the G42 or F42 in XP-G anymore but I know some retailers/users still have them-- and their throw, as the XP-G usage would suggest, is outstanding)
For me the pocket clip and the fact I could not use my existing duty holsters with the G42 meant it went back and the F42 stayed.
