The state of the flashlight market, and the qualities which the current flashlight buyer is looking for, is disturbing. How many time have you seen "Looking for light, highest lumens"? What happened to "Looking for light, highest quality"? The market is a race to get the highest lumens rating, even if it means cheating, and lumens are all that the consumer cares about. Because of this, American flashlights are left in the ditch by most flashaholics. But, many of the long time addicts praise Surefire, HDS, Malkoff, and other top-of-the line manufactures. But, the latest Fenix lights advertise 300 lumens from two 123s. How can the American makers be still in business? The market outside a few solid manufactures is a rat-race for more lumens. The few, however, design, build, and warrant lights that are timeless. If you just want to have the greatest wow-factor, go Chinese. But, if you plan on using your lights on a regular basis for many years to come, go American. The American manufactures don't keep up with racing companies lumens wise, they just build solid, dependable lights that will last a lifetime and often warrant them to last that long too. American lights are tools, not toys. Please consider this as you decide on your next light.