Re: New Lemax LX70. Killer Polarion PH50.
How are you supposed to maximize battery life, by letting the battery fully drain before a recharge or by topping off the charge in shorter charge cycles? And also, does the brightness level degrade when the battery gets low or is it more of a 'Totally on or totally off' deal?
Three isuues here to discuss. I will let the experts here comment (detailed) on the best practices, for
maximizing Battery life (years), and number of useful life charging cycles. I believe, topping off is good and an occasional, like once a month, a full drain and full recharge.
Again, there are many people here who can answer that question better than me.
The brightness does not change based on battery condition (output voltage). The internal HID ballast is a voltage regulating device and provides consistent output over the battery condition range. Also to optimize run time, use the lower power setting as much as possible (based on need) because the ballast is drawing less amps in this "low" mode. Please read, the downloadable (from the website) operational manual for more details about low battery level operation and behavior. The short answer is, the light either works (adequate charge) or will not work (very low battery) depending on available battery charge, it does not dim on a low level battery charge.
Man I want this light!! I have enough money for this or a Maxabeam but not both, very tough decision
This light and the Maxabeam are very different products (different technologies), with very different visible optical characteristics. You should buy whichever one fits more closely with your intended application needs and likes. The question is, what is your goal in this purchase and how will you use the light once you buy it. There is no "fair" comparison between the 2 lights (Maxabeam and XV-LX70) when it comes to Lumens out the front and I believe true utility as well. The XV-LX70 blows it away in that department. Others in this forum can do a better and more objective comparison, to help you decide which is the best choice for you. I believe our light is far more useful in real life and emergency situations. Others here can and likely will expound on these points of comparison.