I agree with weiser701: Both lights have their strengths and weaknesses, but I like them equally. Earlier I liked Xeno more, but now I have noticed that I use Balder more often. Depends on my mood, I guess..
When it comes to output, beam and tint, I would say that they are separated at birth. I can't see much difference in them, really.
Quality in Xeno might be a bit better, but I don't have anything bad to say about my Balder either.
Main differences:
Balder SE-1
Xeno E03
Clicky
Forward
Reverse
Mode order
H-M-L
M-L-H
Low mode with 14500
Low
"Quite high"
Clip included
Yes
No
All of these can be considered as pro or con (based on your needs), so there's no clear winner.
I agree that it's a tough call to make depending on what you want to use it for and what features are priorities. Also, are you planning on running primarily on 14500 or will you be all nimh and alkaline?
I don't have Balder, but looks like a very nice light. I like my Xeno... but can someone post beamshots on MAX with 14500? Want to see those beam profiles. Thanks in advance.
Love my xeno, had it for about 4-5 months now. I liked it so much I bought a second one and haven't even opened it up, just keeping it as a spare. I do agree the switch should be higher quality, but thats really the only downside.
Did you guys forget to mention the xeno has square threads? or does the balder have square threads also?
Xeno E03 does not use PWM, not even 5kHz. I wasn't able to measure any. That is a major issue for quite a few flashaholics, and usually for 30 bucks lights you definitely get visible PWM.
Thanks man :) I just got mine a few days ago and I'm loving it so far. Got my 14500's today and I'm charging them. Can't wait to see how bright this thing can get!
Just for the hell of it... I went outside and threw my xeno about 50 feet into the air, and let it land on gravely/grassy area, works perfect and didn't flicker at all..