This comparison was inevitable. Both 1) are quality products, 2) exemplify functional simplicity, 3) allow ease of everyday carry, 4) provide a very usable product output to about 10-12 feet, and 5) have commonality of power supply with the incandescent lights I also carry.
The fit and finish of both products is first rate. The machining is purposeful and devoid of non-necessary tool marks. The "fluting" on the X5 and knurling on the LS provide a secure hold. The threading on each unit is even and smooth. The finish on both are business-like and "no-nonsense." The feel of both is solid as a monolith; no shakes or rattles. One very important consideration is that this light, in this carry location (pocket) should never activate merely from the physical activity I can engage in during the course of a typical day. There is nothing more dangerous that needing a light, finding it useless because it had been on for several hours, and the batteries are now dead because the light was activated accidentally. The design of each light is such that the operator has to purposefully turn the lamp assembly to activate it. No accidents here.
Each light "field strips" in to 2 sections; no little washers, rings, caps, shrouds, etc, to keep track of. The simpler the better. If I had to change batteries, it would be a simple, quick affair requiring very little thought. The best designed tools are that way. We pay engineers top-dollar to make them "no-brainers." They succeeded with both products.
Both products are just under 6 inches in length and less than 1 inch in diameter – perfect for trouser or suit/sportcoat carry. Edges are smooth and the surface allows a secure grip yet does not abrade the lining of my suit or the insides of my pockets. I tend to carry other things in my pockets so desire a light that does not abrade those items as well.
When I have my 9N "on-hand" and need to conduct "close-up" work, I use the lower 20-lumen lamp. The 9N is quite handy and small enough to carry around in my hand. Although I have a belt sheath for it, I frequently do not use it simply because I have other things on my belt. That is where a pocket-carried, LED light with an output good to about 12 feet is so useful. There many circumstances where the 9N might be viewed as aggressive – another reason why it stays in the briefcase. The X5 and LS can be carried, presented when needed, and returned to storage (pocket) and remain incognito and ready until needed again. The X5 and LS fills the need when the tactical light is just too much and the keychain, incidental light (ARC AAA HA LE) is not enough. I generally use them for searching in and underneath autos, and navigating through darkened corridors, hotel rooms, storage rooms, in "cleared," no-longer-tactical scenarios until I can find the room wall or table lamp light switch.
I use lithium batteries for the lights I EDC (on body as opposed to EDC briefcase, gearbag, or automobile) so commonality is very important. The X5 requires CR123 cells – common to the ASP Triad. When I replace the 123s out of the Triad, they can go in the X5, but usually do not because I want max product output in that light, too. The LS requires AA cells. This is an oddity in my EDC lights but one that I am willing to live with because all the LS' others traits are so good. I already have a long–term supply of them and carry an Otterbox filled with a set of Lithium AAs and at least 2 sets of CR123s. The X5 is in my pocket always but the LS manages to find it way there more frequently.
Whether primary EDC or backup, each unit fills the need quite nicely. Remember, backup is redundancy, not duality.
