Got my black VLOP today. Initial impressions are very good. The fitment is perfect, both between the unit itself and the head and also between the unit and the bezel. Color match is also very good and the luster is only slightly more matte than the stock mag head, which is ever so slightly more glossy in comparison. The difference here is very subtle and only visible upon close inspection.
The following observations are based upon the ROP high and low bulbs (Pelican Big D 3854) powered by 2 AW black label li-ion "C" cells.
It is easy to see that the center hotspot is tightened up compared to my previous reflector, a FM MOP. At narrowest focus, this deep reflector produces a very small round hotspot (yes, round!) with a generously bright corona. When I say small, I mean it. The hotspot is smaller than that of the MG RX-1 Cree XR-E Q5 (which itself is comparable to the more well-known Dereelight DBS). If you have a LED thrower then you will know how small the hotspot is. However, unlike the corona of the LED light which is almost non-existant, the ROP has a bright corona that blends into the spill. The spill diameter of this deep reflector is less than that of a conventionally shaped reflector.
The reflector surface is indeed very light orange peel. Compared to my Fivemega MOP, it is much smoother. It's actually quite close to smooth. Mine has a single blemish in the reflective finish (a piece of dust perhaps), but it does not affect the beam. I'm glad I chose the VLOP finish.
Overall, I like it a lot. The beam quality, which is the most important factor with this type of product, is excellent even by my strict standards.
