MRV question

[VVR]

Im thinking of buying a Lumapower MRV and have been looking everywhere for the best price.
At battery juncion the MRV is sold for $138.00
http://www.batteryjunction.com/lumapower-mrv.html

But at Dealextreme you can get it for almost half the price - $78.00!
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5424

My questions is:
1.Is this the same flashlight? Is there any difference?

2.If I buy the MRV with an OP reflector, wil it become a good flood light to light up big rooms, hallways, gardens etc.?

 

[sysadmn]

My understanding is they are the same light, but the DX version is not "official", and Lumapower and its' dealers will not honor any warranty.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170697

 

[tomL]

I cannot offer a comparison, but I did receive my MRV from DX over the weekend. I am very impressed with the light in all respects. The fit and finish are first rate, quality of design and workmanship likewise.

And the beam is incredibly bright, with a very hot center spot surrounded by lots of spill.

At this point, I am still debating the OP reflector. Do I really need it or not?

I think the OP reflector would reduct the throw, but make the light more useful/practical in the real world.

 

[LukeA]

Specifically, this post in that thread.

 

[tomL]

Well, as I said above, I have no issues at all with the one I received.

I've dealt with DX before, and have always been pleased. When I paid a little for some cheapie lith, I got what I paid for. This time, I paid a lot, and feel I got very good value for the money.

Either...

I got one of the 78 real MRVs, and that explains the high quality.

or

I got one of the so-called "fake" MRVs made with reject parts, but LumaPower's quality-reject threashold is way-higher than mine.

 

[Daekar]

Unless you need it right this very second, I'd wait a little while. They're releasing a higher-binned M1 soon (with upgrade kits available) and in a relatively short span after that they're sure to offer upgraded M3s, MRVs, D-minis, etc. Unless you want to mod it anyway, then just go ahead and buy one of the ones out now and a Q5 emitter...

 

[sysadmn]

Unless you need it right this very second, I'd wait a little while. They're releasing a higher-binned M1 soon (with upgrade kits available) and in a relatively short span after that they're sure to offer upgraded M3s, MRVs, D-minis, etc. Unless you want to mod it anyway, then just go ahead and buy one of the ones out now and a Q5 emitter...

The current MRVs are on special at one CPF dealer already. Perhaps they're clearing stock for the new version. If you're a bargain hunter (that is, cheap like me), buy now and let someone else pay a 20% premium to have the latest and greatest.

 

[mikekoz]

Here is another thing to think about. If this light IS a "fake", why buy it? You are hurting the lights manufacturer by doing do. They are the ones that put all the time and money into it's development and QC. Do not shop by price alone! Isn't that detrimental to the hobby?? Just wanted to throw this in!

 

[tomL]

Why buy a "fake"?

Well, first off I do not think my MRV from DX is a fake. Gray market, maybe, fake, no.

Second, I bought it as a real LumaPower MRV, not as a fake. DX does not call it a fake, and for good reason. Everything I have read since buying the light leads me to think it was manufactured by LumaPower.

Third, the quality does not go along with thinking it is a "fake"

Fourth, I bought it as a genuine MRV for $78 shipped. A genuine bargain, one that I am very pleased with.

The "fake" designation appears to be not-true. I think it is just mud being slung by warring factions in the old/new LumaPower team.

 

[LukeA]

Why buy a "fake"?

Well, first off I do not think my MRV from DX is a fake. Gray market, maybe, fake, no.

Second, I bought it as a real LumaPower MRV, not as a fake. DX does not call it a fake, and for good reason. Everything I have read since buying the light leads me to think it was manufactured by LumaPower.

Third, the quality does not go along with thinking it is a "fake"

Fourth, I bought it as a genuine MRV for $78 shipped. A genuine bargain, one that I am very pleased with.

The "fake" designation appears to be not-true. I think it is just mud being slung by warring factions in the old/new LumaPower team.

Fakes the DX MRVs aren't, but dark-grey market they certainly are.

 

[mikekoz]

I guess fake was not the correct terminology! I guess that came out because I have seen several flashlights made by Ultrafire that look almost like a few other manufacturers lights. It would not surprise me if somebody actually DID duplicate a popular flashlight design and sell it as the same thing or close to it.

 

[mikekoz]

There is another thread with more information about this subject here.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170697

The posts by MattK at Batteryjunction are most informative!

Mike

 

[sysadmn]

Man, it's deja vu all over again
- Yogi Berri