Arrived now D1S gray, 3 minutes in my hands. :heart_eyes:
Wow, wow, nice!!
Joe, I was referring to the smooth mirror finished reflector cups in the Q8. 
The flat sides of the XP-L are due to the fact that the die is XM-L sized on an XP substrate, so the dome had to be flat sided to fit. These flat sides cause 4 “petals” in the beam profile of a mirror finished reflector. It’s a reflection of the emitter in the shiny coating.
My gray D1S just shipped from Mountain Electronics. I should have it in a couple of days 
Can we get some more D1 vs D1S beam shots?
Sure, you have to take a look in the German Flashlight Forum (TLF)
A review from Wiestom with Beamshots from Underground
http://www.taschenlampen-forum.de/threads/emisar-d1s-pocketthrower-review.59797/
Or you can have a look at Bluzies Beamshot Series in his garden center (in alphabetical order) for comparison
http://www.taschenlampen-forum.de/threads/lampenliste.53366/
Go ahead…… twist the knife, will soon be a month since I ordered from Neal and shipping only says “has been processed through a facility in China” :disappointed:
I know its not Neal’s fault but it would be nice to have better updates from the shipping………… like “its on the boat” ……. surely they dont use air freight or it would already be here.
My overseas packages are almost always 13-15 days. My D1S was delivered in14 days. It was 9 days between “has been processed through a facility in China” to “Processed Through Facility
ISC LOS ANGELES CA”
Mine was shipped on the 15th.
When was your shipped/accepted?
My D1S from Neal was Nov6 first tracking in China and it took 20 days to show up with a Chicago entry to US and finally it should be in your neck of the woods (“Gulf Coast”) by tomorrow (via USPS). I know DB Custom is having a similarly long experience and also from TX. I think it’s just taking longer than usual right now.
Purchased on the 4th - Processed on the 12th.
I think the wait is worse than normal because I ordered both D4 & D1s.
Everything is copacetic :smiling_imp:
You’d have to cut the head in half to do that, the head is all one single piece.
Finally received mine yesterday, 20 days to hit Chicago, 3 more days for delivery once stateside.
Cutting the head in separate sections and threading each section to accept the copper is completely within the plan. 
The more difficult the plan, the greater the challenge. Thus, the higher reward for a successful mod.
Got my D1S finally. My first emisar with the new coating that was talked about in this thread. A more accurate texture description is like a smooth ceramic garden pot or a gun cerakote. It takes some getting used to for sure but ultimately i think i prefer regular smooth anno.
The beam and throw are nothing short of excellent. If they come out with an anodized one id probably pick it up in 4000k just to have a 2nd tint but the 5000k is nice and matches my D1
That is spot on, didn’t even think about it like that. Compared to my other anodized lights, the D1S does offer noticeable more grip. It’s different but I like it.
I just received my D1S 10 minutes ago. I love how it works, but… I HATE the texture of the finish. It feels like a chalkboard. I think I going to have to coat it with something.
I got mine today as well. I love the way it feels and looks. To each his own I guess.
My hands feel dirty after I put it down. Anyone know what type of clear paint to try?
I wouldn’t coat it, would try sanding with a 2000 grit or something, maybe 1500, if you just have to smooth it down.
I like em myself, adds to the grip factor.
Edit: The reason is any coating you put on it will be peeling off almost immediately.
As rough as it feels you would think most paints would stick well.
Might stick, but won’t wear well. Wear and tear will quickly have the coating in tatters.
Well, de-anodizing in drain cleaner maybe ?
It will give you the naked alu finish, that you could re-anodizing in clear maybe ?