I just received mine last night. I decided on purchasing it after all the rave reviews here. My observations:
- had I not known about the rough threads issue I would have sent the light back since it is so gritty. I plan on polishing the threads at work on my dental lathe.
- no red button on mine.
- the switch is too soft for my likes( no defintive click)
- I had to play around with the light for a few minutes, after loading the batteries, to get it to turn on. The head had to be snugged down a bit.
- I could not snap my sheath closed without removing the plastic insert at the bottom( I am glad I was aware of this on forum readings).
- When I turn the tail cap to lock-out postion the o ring is exposed and the light not sealed. Very disconcerting.
*** now the best part:
- This is my first Lux III and the beam pattern and brightness is absolutely fantastic
! I don't have a comparison to make but I really like the white beam and it is a great thrower. I plan on using this light a bunch so I am ordering some 17670's for rechargeable usage.