I suppose that it is knowing that you are using a Lumileds part. If they are the same in flux (between the 0080 Rebel and Cree XR-E), then maybe it is the beam pattern. It seems like you have to get an orange peel reflector to get the smooth beam from the XR-E, while you can still use the old smooth reflectors for the Rebel. Rebels are still in development and I suppose you can mod it to use the new 0100 part, or even a better one when it is released. They are surely different than Crees and Seouls, and it is up to you to determine which is truly "better" for you. Each one has different beam patterns, flux, efficiency, availability of color, and packaging. It is very hard to compare them, really. I guess that you can compare facts. Try this thread by evan9162:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=169547
This thread is pretty promising. It shows how low of a Vf this Rebel has, and also the luminous flux. It is hard to tell how a brand new LED will do compared to a Cree or Seoul until we try them out in our lights and get some use out of them.
Well, this is Fenix moving quickly to adapt the latest LED, whether or not the LED is best suited for flashlights or not. I suppose that if it wasn't for this readiness for using new LED emitters, you may not even have a Cree in your Fenix lights by now. I do not know. I say that Rebels have some potential. I guess that it wouldn't hurt to wait for beamshots to see which is better. I can imagine that if the Rebel will be focused well, you will have a nice, smooth beam with good throw. Time will tell.
On a side note, I just wanted to tell yellow to stop being so harsh. It seems like you are trying to tell people that the Rebels are a load of pure crap, but that is your opinion. All I hear from you is criticism about the Rebel. This is not from just this one thread, either. I am not saying that the Rebel is the best LED for us flashaholics, but it is not that bad of an emitter. Ignore the packaging and ignore Lumiled's history (I sense that is the biggest part). It is here now and available, so all that is left to do is compare LEDs (which is a bit difficult to do correctly). You just have to consider that the Rebels are simply an alternative emitter to the Cree that is not too expensive, and is not too bad of a part in terms of brightness, color, and efficiency. It just seems like you are picking on the Rebel alone. It is unfair to do so, just because it is not even intended to be used in flashlights. I bet they are originally intended this Rebel to be used in fixed lighting, and in other special cases (such as cell phone camera flashes). I guess that you could be equally harsh on other LED manufacturers, such as Osram and Nichia, but you are not. I do not know. These is just my observations, and it has concerned me enough to say something.
Back on topic, I would say that it would be best to see some beamshots and hear some opinions after the light has seen some use by other members of the CPF. You could try it if you want, but if you do not like it, return it or sell it. It is like any other light. Keep us posted on your findings, and, if you would get the light, give us your some beamshots and your opinion. Well, good luck!
-Tony
