I got the XPL HD version in today. I have to say I have a different impression - it's gorgeous! Way improved design over the old one, and I'm comparing them side by side, one in each hand.
What I like:
- crazy stock power in lumens: 1,282 @30 secs on one cell (LK) and 3.44A tail on clamp DMM, 1,550 @30 secs on 2 cells (EVVA protected) and 2.55A tail on clamp DMM
- shorter overall length than the old M12 (thanks to the e-switches), more stable tailstanding with 3 points rather than 2
- nicely done SS bezel
- I like the finish and grip - feels grippier than the old M12, and the etchings look fine to me
- switch UI is fine with me. Really like the feel of the metal SS switches - nothing cheap here
- the head feels like one mass of metal. Didn't put it on the scale but you can feel it and see it. They must have added weight to better balance it with two cells, because it does balance very well with the extension.
- really like the added tripod mount. Can be used for other accessories as well.
What is so-so or don't like:
- throw is under-performing from the specs. I measured 101 kcd at 5m (636m) on one cell, 128 kcd at 5m (716m) on two cells. Close as I could measure the I.D. is the same as the old M12, though the head is measured wider. These are still decent throw #'s for a 63-66 mm class head diameter light. Since I measured throw at 5 meters, you may get 5% or possible as high as 10% improvement outdoors at 10+ meters.
- the SS bezel is deep, deeper than the old M12 or Manker U21 for example. Not sure if there's an impact, but usually there is - loss of lumens or maybe it effected the throw, not sure.
Just a word about the ano type III finish. I got a U21 in for upgrade/repair and it's finish was pretty beat up - scratches show raw shiny aliuminum, etc. With these Maxtochs, the ano embeds deeper into the metal, hardens the metal so it's harder to scratch and show. The Manker though has the look of better quality, but if you compare smooth surfaces, the M12 is definitely grippier, though is shinier.