So, do their newest led model still use the emitter lumens?
The newer ones tend to. But the older, more common models, still use the old ratings. Honestly, brightness numbers aren't the most important thing to look for in a light. The M@glite MagCharger is a much brighter incandescent rechargeable light than the SL UltraStinger I mentioned above. Yet, the UltraStinger is more popular among law enforcement agencies across the board. Namely because it's a better light in every single other way. Beam profile, charging time vs. use before a recharge is needed, tint, overall construction, etc.
Another problem is that the human eye is a **** poor indicator of lumen output. It simply cannot register small increases in output. For example, a light putting out 45 OTF lumens will look the same as one putting out 60. In fact, the 45 will appear brighter if it has a concentrated hotspot compared to the 60 that has quite a bit more side-spill. So not only is the human eye incapable of determining precise output in lumens, but it can't even come close to doing so. Plus, it can be tricked. Use advertised output numbers as simply a very general guide in the specs. of a light. I'd much rather have a light with lower output but better tint and beam profile than one that is
advertised as a lot brighter by comparison.
It's why when I first started out I bought a Streamlight Scorpion and a SureFire G2 (incandescent versions). I had intended to use the SL Scorpion most of the time and save my SF G2 as a back-up. First time I fired both of them up, it was clear that the Streamlight Scorpion was going to be assigned the back-up role, instead. No comparison as far as which one had the far more pragmatic beam profile. Don't misunderstand, the SL Scorpion is far from a poor light. Quite a few years back, in a different decade, it was easily one of the best lights out there. And retained an old-timer's feature that I actually liked. A spare bulb housed in the tailcap section. With a G2, you need a bulky, special, SureFire carrier if you wanted the security of having a spare bulb (and attached reflector) on you. The SL Scorpion is now a classic. I still recall the day I first saw one. Years before I developed a serious interest in lights. It was in a tourist shop window display in Manhattan, right next to the theater where they record the Late Show with David Letterman. It was in a nice wooden presentation box. Just caught my eye for some reason. I'd like to think it was purchased by someone who needed a truly good light. Perhaps not by a flashaholic. But by someone who knows the value (not just the price-tag) of it, and still uses it today. Unfortunately reviews for the SL Scorpion on review sites tend to either be great or awful. The negative ones are always for the same reason ... "Batteries too expensive at nearly $10 each. Runtime only 60 minutes, and the light needs two of these special, hard-to-find batteries." The positive reviews are from those who understand that it's a classic light from a different time.