Generally looking good, but the MSRP seems to be off. Astrolux has S41/S41S/S42/S42S, which (i know) is not accepting 21700, but can do a proper firefly mode, and is available almost every time in the range of $30-50 (depending exact version, and including 18650 tube price, too).
Lacking a proper firefly mode, and accepting the 21700 (ok, it is rechargeable too) battery bumps the price with additional $85+? LOL
I’d suggest $80-90, and it could be called a fair deal - but first, please add a proper firefly mode (and/or ramping) - and please support custom emitter choices by selling heads separately for DIY.
(Also, specs are missing that the XPL version is XPL or XPL-HI or XP-L2 or XP-L2 HI.)
This is true. The 21700 format gives this light a “next gen” status, with of course the added performance. However, from a manufacturer’s point of view this cell requires only the battery tube to have slightly different dimensions; there is absolutely no increase in production or development cost. The USB-C charger is also very nice and next gen, but I don’t think this feature should increase cost too much.
It is true that a flashlight is more than the sum of its components making this light far more superior than the D4 for many people, and hence the asking price can certainly be justified.
Its a nice light, but pricing should be $70-$80 tops imho, certainly not over near or over $100.
21700 tube wont cost anything more than an 18650(ok maybe a few cents more).
I will run 18650 and USB does not bother me, if anything its just something extra to fail anyway. Also adds an ingress risk/point. So for $40-$60 the D4 still makes more sense imo.
I think it was with the X45 how it was priced something like $210 or so. I thought it was not bad, and people also commented on CPF that the price was good (Acebeam X45 | Candle Power Flashlight Forum). Then Acebeam jacked up the price and is currently advertised on their website for $274. Not cool.
Their site doesn’t say much: USB -C is bi-directional charging?
Was a big “new” thing a couple years back and anything with C port was $$$.
And then, OTG charging is usually a fallback option - I prefer standard µUSB as always charger/cable laying about.
Doubt the UI would be better than Narsil (D4). But then, no strobe (personally, feel this may be going in the right direction).
Newer 21700 cell is ok, but not at jacked up price.
But they do optimize the capacity with outputs. And offering two emitter options for different uses is a positive. Doubt they would offer options for the DIY enthusiasts.
Acebeam has never been budget anyway…
However, this is a nice start, now let us see the true final product. You know, the one with a TRUE low mode that everyone ask on every flashlight for years (<1 lumen) and that half manufacturers don’t even bother to listen…