Well, new or old, sounds like you got a lemon. My lights are near perfect. They are better quality then most of the offshore lights on the market imo. I was quite surprised, considering the price, when I tried my first recently.
No, I unfortunately don't have access to a hardness testing machine/durometer anymore. But, their anodizing doesn't chip, it only shows wear when the aluminum is dented unlike my Nitecore, Thrunite, Fenix, Eagletac, etc. lights that easily chip. Their anodizing grinds metal off things like keys and leaves metal impregnated in the finish appearing like a scratch. This sounds interesting, but the scratches on mine are here to stay. This might be fooling you but, it can be removed with a little work and the right chemical. It is quite matt/chalky(a trait of good quality real Type III) AFAIK, Type 3 HA can be glossy with polishing and bright anodizing. Matte finish doesn't necessarily equate to real or quality HA. so it does show scratching in the right light due to the changes in the sheen but, this is normal for quality anodizing. A real scratch will show the aluminum underneath. I have many examples of anodizing to compare to including other more costly lights, high end knives, and high end firearms. Their anodizing is the good stuff and is mainly held back by the aluminum hardness like many examples of anodized aluminum. But, if they used 7075 T651 these lights would not cost what they do and would be much more.
Lately you seem to only chime in with negative things in Armytek threads. But, by the sounds of it you just keep buying them. This puzzles me:thinking: Nope. Just bought enough to see that problems indeed run through several different lines. I have only a Dobermann Pro, which is the 2nd replacement for a failed 1st replacement, a Wizard Pro XHP 50, also a second replacement for a failed 1st replacement, and a Prime Pro A1. I think you had better check my post history. I have been agreeing and complaining about Armytek's inaccuracies and mistake filled website and specs quite a bit lately. I've been talking about their build quality in this current exchange with you, not about their specs or website. But, their quality is quite good in my opinion. And, I have formed that opinion based on a background in trades including manufacturing, metallurgy, machining and many other fields as well as many years of being into lights, knives, firearms, etc. I don't have a long term opinion on Armytek however, because I just bought my first recently but, so far, I am impressed.