Some of that info came from my posts. Here's what I've found since then:
JetBeam knows about the dark center spot with SMO reflectors and claims all current R5 lights with SMO reflectors exhibit the same dark spot. [Repeating what JetBeam told me directly - I missed the prior Fenix thread discussing this issue.]
The R5 reflector is, indeed, different. The small end of the cone is tapered differently (on the OD) and has a smaller LED hole than the other JetBeam lights with a similar reflector. The taper matches a new plastic "cup" in the LED retainer and this is what keeps the reflector secure and centered - it is the lens and this cup that mechanically secure the reflector. This implies you can NOT simply loosen the bezel to adjust the beam because the lens end of the reflector is only held loosely by the o-ring.
I tried one of the older OP reflectors and there was a decent center spot (somewhat unfocused and ringy), followed by a wide dark spot, and fairly even spill beyond that. Not an improvement, IMHO. I expect something like my Ti Quark R5 beam - which is basically flawless. Also, the bezel ring wouldn't screw down sufficiently: the reflector sat higher because the small end taper didn't seat in the LED cup as deep. I even machined the cone a little to get it to sit deeper and the beam got worse.
The good news:
JetBeam told me (via emial) they were going to produce an OP reflector for the RRT-O R5 and ship one to BOG for me when they're available. I hope they follow through and BOG and the other vendors carry this new OP reflector; the dark center spot is a deal-killer for me.
BTW, JetBeam was very receptive to direct communication and product feedback; though a little slow and I never got a real name from "engineering".
