I was initially incredibly impressed with the NDI. After EDCing it for a few weeks I've gradually experienced a certain lack of confidence in the torch. Mostly the issues are small but they add up over time. Basically I just don't like not being 100% certain that the NDI will do what I want. If I press for momentary, I want it to come on in momentary, not flicker. If I change modes, I don't want the light to occasionally start strobing, or the user mode to suddenly come on in max. When I turn the head, I don't want everyone in the room to hear it scratching.
I feel that a bit more care and attention to detail would help the NDI live up to its potential.
Here's what the NDI needs to elevate it to true 1xAA royalty (and to get me to ever buy another one):
1 - A decent click switch. Surely there's been enough negative feedback by now for edgetac to take notice and put in a reliable $5 switch instead of 2 flimsy 50c ones.
2 - Better machining. The light looks very nice and the nickel plated threads inspire confidence, right up until you put a battery in and feel how rough the action is. I have 2 NDIs, one is so hopelessly unfixably rough that it's gone back into the cupboard and will be given away. The other feels reasonably smooth but you can hear it hissing as the head it turned. No amount of cleaning and lubing can compensate for poor machining - nor should it have to for a $70 torch. My L1D-Q5 feels smooth and solid as a rock in comparison.
3 - Better beam. The tint is great, the raccoon eyes aren't. Even fenix, who used to specialise in beam rings, have worked out how to get a reasonable Cree beam profile.
A good torch, not a great one. Just because the torch turns on the factory should not mean it passes QC.