Firstly, rechargeable AA cells are fine. They actually put out 1.2v compared to 1.5v from single-use cells. Many of us use duraloops or eneloops to take advantage of the Low Self Discharge feature. PM me for details and links or search CPF and the marketplace. I usually expect to pay about $2 each for these cells when I can find them online; I've heard of better deals, but haven't chanced upon them yet.
Now, about the beamshots that alvinyhwong posted and have been commented upon by several: Let's remember that although the DEFT is a great light, there are other models with much higher output...
Have you seen the L35? [
Also some beamshots here...] It is
huge, as are most HID spotlights. Comparatively, I can put the DEFT in my coat pocket if I need both hands or if I need to periodically store it---a feat that could never be accomplished with a pseudo-portable ball&chain HID setup. I can carry several sets of spare batteries for my DEFT easily, also; another deal breaker against monster lights. And lastly, I can stand to hold a DEFT for hours and travel
easily with it...something that is not possible when wearing a backpack for extra batteries and lugging a 15lb light around...
Of course an L35 puts out more light with a brighter spot than the DEFT...so do Maxabeams, Barnburners and Polarions, [just check out the great reviews by
Lux and
Patriot] but HIDs are less portable and cost magnitudes more to acquire and operate. Keep in mind that HIDs still use bulbs...bulbs that will last a thousand hours or so under good conditions, but that cost
A LOT to replace. I replaced the bulb in my 10w WolfEyes for about $65 recently, and it's beam still looks like it came from a toy compared to my DEFT.
In my opinion, the best part about these points is that practically no one except a fellow flashaholic would have any HID handheld, let alone one of the $2,000 models capable of out-throwing my DEFT :naughty: