I can bear to beat up a $500+ light. Unless it's a true collectible, I've never understood why would anyone would want to own an expensive and superior flashlight, built to withstand the harshest conditions the planet can serve up, only to baby it like it's make out of eggshell. Take it outside, skid it down the sidewalk and then put it back in your pocket. :thumbsup: All of my lights look like what they are -- well used tools that have been through it and back. No problem! This whole obsessive collector culture really cuts down on a lot of use and enjoyment. Look at how many kids today keep their toys mint in original packaging. They're toys!!!
Yeah, I winced the first time my U2 kissed granite (1 day after I bought it). I didn't wince the tenth time though. Use those lights!!!
OT: wasn't there a picture floating around a while ago that showed a D cell Maglite that had been sawed in half by an M4? That was one of the things that sold me on the M4 as my first "real" light.