You are aware that according to most sources the X4 parts were built and ready to assemble before production was halted. As it stands now the parts are in limbo, waiting for the order to be made or sold off. A real shame too because the head looked like it was going to be larger than the KT4 by at least a 1/4" of so. Why would the X4 not have been as bright as the M4? (Assuming we compared the proper lamp assemblies) My X3 compares nicely in terms of brightness and whiteness to the LOLA of my M3T, Just as the X2 LA compared favorably to the P60?
I do read quite a bit of your posts about a lack of aftermarket support for Pentagonlight and cannot help but chuckle. If you are so concerned about the subject why do you not buy into another company that has more strength in this area? I have yet to wish for any sort of aftermarket item for any of my Pentagonlights, when I wanted a turbohead, I went ahead and bought a Surefire instead of bemoaning the fact that no one made one for the Pentagonlight.
Aftermarket support is not really something I am concerned with, if the company makes a quality product, as they do, there is little need for items from other companies. It would have been prudent of you to do your research ahead of time about upgrades to these lights before purchasing, perhaps you should have bought an M3 instead? Of course, then you'd have paid at least 100-150$ more for the same level of stock brightness. Pentagonlight has only be around for a fraction of the time that Surefire has, their support base can only grow in the future.
Perhaps it's an issue of how the naked eye sees lumen output. But my X3 isn't as bright as an M3 with the HOLA.
After-market support means that other companies have recognized your products as being some of the best out there. Your products are so popular and so well-received, that outside companies are making money by catering to
your customer base. You can chuckle all you want, but perhaps now you can see why a lack of after-market support is indeed an issue. I bought the X3, along with a Night-Ops Gladius, to help out a Dealer aquaintence of mine. Long story short, the NYPD and the City is trying to put him in jail, to make an example of him. His crime, selling regular folding knives that they claim are illegal gravity knives. I bought those lights to help him out since he's not the type to take money, as a loan or as a gift. Then, I realized just how good the X3 is that I bought.... and how sad that it could not be made better.
Normally, I do buy Surefire lights. But since I generally hate Surefire's business practices, I've been looking for a good substitute. PL comes very close. More so than other companies, and yet they fall short in a couple of key areas. Despite making great lights, many CPFers use after-market parts in their Surefires. Lumens Factory lamps, so they can use rechargeable cells in their favorite Surefire model, as one example. And I'm sure you've seen the many threads about converting an M6 into a rechargeable model. And of course, the popularity of Leef bodies for Surefire lights.
When I first saw a PL light at my favorite B&M shop, I had no clue what it was. Came on CPF, did some research, dano was very helpful in putting things into perspective. Bought it mainly to help out the Dealer, but was glad I wasn't buying junk. You are correct though, if performance and upgrade-ability were high on my list, I should have bought a 3-cell Surefire; despite the higher price tag.
I have to disagree with the last part of your post. PL's support base can either grow, in the future.... or the company could go out of business, based on demand for competitors products and other market issues. I wish PL a great deal of success. They clearly make quality products..... that very few people know about, compared to Surefire. Ever gone a full day without seeing at least a few Surefire topics on CPF? It's rare to find a PentagonLights topic over the course of a few weeks.
And to top it off, Fenix is now stepping up to the plate; to take on Surefire. Their T1 model is not perfect. But it shows that the company is serious about taking at least a small piece of Surefire's civilian market-share by making a light just as tough, more runtime, but brighter. Sadly, I don't see PL doing that.
