Re: Spotlight or Floodlight???
You will hear quite a few complaints about the X1 due to the total lack of sidespill. I've found that the functional range of the X1 in semi- to near-total darkness is about the same as the X5 - which has all that nice sidespill for close up work.
The beam quality on the X1 is phenomenal, with the only consistent "artifact" being a distinct shadow of the lead wires at about 6." It does seem a waste to put all that effort into a single 5mm light source. If you've seen the PALLight, the output is simiar.
An unmentioned benefit of the X1 is its use of a single alkaline AA battery instead of costly lithium 123s. If you go with the X5, you can buy 123s for $1 each from the
Battery Station for $1 each. I think Botach Tactical is still running a special on Sanyo 123s - 20 for $20.
If you appreciate somewhat dim lights that aren't overpowering and have use for a limited-range spotlight, the X1 might be for you.