Personally, I would rather have the standard Stinger than an 8X/AX/NX. I used to have a Stinger, and to me it was brighter, and whiter than the 8X. The beam wasn't as good, but except for close up, or against a wall it wasn't noticable. The Stinger can throw the beam almost as far as the 9N, just a little bit smaller. Not as bright or as big close up though.
The Stinger HP, seems to me, to be a better choice than the 8AX, and probably the 8AX with the turbohead. I haven't seen either though, so I can't say for sure.