I'd have to differ in opinion. I have the single mode TR-801 and it is a very good light, the xr-e Q5 that it comes with is plenty bright, in fact the difference between a Q5 and R2 is only 7 lumens, a fingerprint on the lens probably causes more light loss than the difference between Q5 and R2 which is not visible to the naked eye. Plus the tr-801 pushes it's led at 1 amp which will produce plenty of light, more than my R2 p60 modules run at only 750 ma. It is also all well sealed and built very rugged.
The x2000 is not a very bright light for multiple reasons, I have a similar flood to throw zooming light but runs on li-ion but even then it's not as bright as the tr-801, it only throws further. Running 3 AAA will never be as bright as a li-ion powered light because even though they may be higher voltage, but only when fresh, they can't push as much current into these high powered led's due to internal resistance and the battery holder's resistance itself. Even direct drive I find I could only get at most 800 ma or so to the led and only for the first 5 minutes before the battery voltage sagged then it dropped to about 500 ma. Also small aspheric setups waste a lot of light inside the flashlight.
Overall I think the tr-801 is a good choice of light, and as far as safety is concerned just make sure to warn the person of the dangers of lithium ion. And be sure to get a charger with proper termination when the charge is complete. Also charge the batteries somewhere safe where if on the very rare chance they vent with flame they won't catch stuff on fire, that's like a 1 in a million chance if the batteries are well cared for. I think as long as you get protected 18650's and run them in single cell lights without boost circuits, that's about as safe as you can get. I know I've gifted several people with 18650 lights and over the years they've never had a problem and they are all far from being into techy stuff. Besides we all carry li-ions in our pockets every day, it's called a cell phone battery. Properly taken care of they don't explode either, that;s what I told my friends too. Treat the flashlight like a cell phone. Don't let it die and the battery will last seemingly forever safely.
