ive been loyal to streamlight for basicly two reasons... i love the recharging cradle, dont have to pull the batterys at all. i just hang it up when i get home and it trickle charges all night. then in the morning i know im good to go no matter what my day throws at me.
also the local "cop shop", striechers is very close to me and they are an authourized dealer. exellent customer service. over the last 16 years that ive carried a streamlight whenever ive needed service my light is repaired on the spot. do this during my lunch break, no problem
i agrre however i havent yet found a better beam quality than in my surefires.
as far as lumen output the LED industry has now exceeded the " how much light do you really need?" yeah its fun to scorch the night but right now im after quality light. my SF gsx is great on high (200 lm) but on low (15 lm) the light is a nice light level but has a pukey green hue that i hate.
so my search for a natural light, perfect beam, long runtime r123 or a cradle charge type light continues