Hi Guy,
I own 3 Elite-XRays and an Ergo. The Elites are *bright*! But I realized that this max brightness can only be realized when using lithium AAs. Alkalines just didn't produce the same output, let alone lower-voltage rechargeables.
Another thing that might discourage you from using rechargeables in any eternalight is the self-discharge rate of nimhs and the fact that battery changes on eternalights in general are more cumbersome than any regular twist-off/twist-on light.
You'll need a screwdriver to tackle the 4 small screws and some patience in taking it apart, replacing the cells and putting it back together again. The assembly bit needs your full attention because water-tightness depends a lot on putting it back together as the manufacturer intended. This light was not designed for you to have to change batteries frequently, for sure!
Battery changes on the Elites are more pleasant than on the earlier models, but its not something you'd want to do monthly(which you'd probably have to do if you're 'topping-off' the nimhs regularly as generally recommended). Otherwise, with lithiums, this light is maintenance-free!
Otherwise, my Elites are *the* benchmark against which I measure all other LED lights I buy/assemble. So far, my elites have proven to be very, very satisfying, even against bigger lights with more LEDs, practically matching my 7-LED LW3000, for instance. Just tonight, I matched an elite up against a bare Luxeon Star/w optics (running on 3xAA alks), and it did well indeed! I'm hoping to post pix soon.
As for the other qualities of the light, I like the way it feels in my hand, the quality of the build, that it floats with lithiums and the nightbeacon. Tough as boots too. Its the first light I grab everytime, and the one i always pack on a trip. Got one in my car and on my fridge door too.
Yes, I love my elites! It'll probably take some future new model elite with LS emitters to shift my current elites from their place of prime regard!
