As far as heat goes, I've run tests about four times with two different battery configurations (8 runs in all) in order to get runtimes for my DBS with an MC-E pill (three stage):
2xRCR123: 47 minutes
2x18650: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Both tests were run with AWs rechargables straight from him. When I picked up the light at the end of each run, yes it was a bit too warm to hold. But those tests were run over two years ago and I've used my DBS just about every night since continuously without any kind of blue shift or reduction in output which is usually the symptom of LED damage. Additionally, I've never had a problem holding light while it wore down an entire charge for whatever configuration I was using.
That light was my first over $100 purchase and still the best money I've spent besides my McGizmos, though those serve an entirely different purpose as my EDC. If I got rid of all my other lights, I'd be left with one McGizmo Lunasol 20, my Lummi Wee, and my Dereelight DBS with an MC-E 3 stage pill and an OP reflector. There's really nothing else like it as far as power. I've read all sorts of reviews for other lights and there aren't that many beamshots or testimonials that move me enough to venture my money on other lights for power and reach as much as this light, especially if you consider that you can fit this guy in a jacket pocket, I have many times, without the extender for the two 18650s, of course.
On a personal note, you never forget your first love. This is the first light that made me feel like a god at night with the amount of output and reach (yes, throw) it has. No other light, not my DBS with an XR-E pill, not my 4sevens Quark Turbos (not even close!), not even my three DEFTs, give me the kind of feeling that this one does. Don't get me wrong, those other lights all have their strengths and I use them as tools for different purposes (the DEFTs throw like crazy!!!), but as far as pure fun, I always pack my MC-E DBS if I want to enjoy myself just like I used to back when I first started this hobby some 24-odd months ago!
Keep beam profiles in mind when you're shopping around. I have a nice little Elektrolumens EDC-MCE whose numbers should put my DBS to shame (at least at first, since it's a direct-drive light). The only problem is that the EDC-MCE puts out more lumens in a much more dispersed fashion. It's great if you're only trying to illuminate things about 10-15 feet in front of you. Any farther and you'd be better served by a single cell Quark, it has more throw! But like I said, the lumens are MUCH more spread out so EVERYTHING is illuminated. If you're pointing the light parallel to the ground everything from almost directly below the aperture to a 20 foot high building (as long as you're pretty close to it, that is) is illuminated. The DBS focuses that light much better and sends out the light much farther.
So Hessy, I'm not really sure what to recommend since you never mentioned if you want a thrower or a power light that can throw a little bit? If you're not sure, why not check out
this thread? It's got great info and can really help you nail down your usage. :candle:
Oh yes, and a big, South Florida :welcome: from me!
