The new models are made in China. They are different in several important aspects:
-They use cheaper materials.
-They are only Anodizing II, not Hard Anodizing III, thus are easier to scratch, and generally not as wear resistant.
-A lot of people who have bought the new models have complained about quality... They believe quality, and quality control is almost non existent in the Chinese plants.
They appear to use the same electronic components as the US made versions, but according to one guy who was attempting to modify his, his had electronic circuitry around the LED, which shows an extreme change in design... Sorry, but I'm too lazy to look up that particular thread now...