At 4.5A, an XPL HI would have an extremely high forward voltage of 3,75V.
A buck driver is almost useless for regulated output on turbo, which it will only do for a few minutes. To extend that regulated runtime on turbo, you would need to bypass springs, use a lower VF 4000k LED, use a better buck driver with a lower resistance.
Had it used a buck boost driver instead, I would have been fine paying 10-15$+ for the light. That would have made it the literally perfect pocket thrower of 2018.
On the other hand, I… for one… am happy about the driver change. I can simply flash Anduril and carry on. 
Since Narsil is so very different from Hanks IOS firmware, this isn’t much like a D1s at all. Much more refined, with a dramatically more advanced UI. Since I prefer Anduril and the IOS firmware is an abbreviated version of this, the ease of converting it to the firmware of my choice is a rare treat. Thanks Lumintop, nice upgrade. 
What a bummer.
For my part, I wasn’t planning to buy one of these — too many $ & I have an L2 — but the thing that had me considering it was the prospect of an eswitch buck driver @ >3A.
The L2’s driver is limited to 3A, but at least you have the option of running it 1s or 2s.
I added a notice to my blog pointing to that mistake
need to ask neal how that could have happened (I was not involved in the manual this time)
I am sorry if someone is upset :(
And now we all understand why I was concerned about being able to swap out drivers. 
Now I’m gonna have to mod it (already placed and order during the pre-order invite) to get the buck driver…. hmmm. I’ll probably not notice much of a difference for my usage needs….Decisions, decisions….
I’ll have to send out to someone who can flash Anduril for me then if I decide to do a “soft” mod…
(Edited)
@M4DM4X
If I order an extra diffuser how would I know if it’s included in my first order (with the flashlight) or if will be shipped separately? I haven’t had any notice of shipment yet
I think the buck had merit for lower modes but I agree that perfect solution would be what you’re talking about and I would pay more for it
Emailed to cancel order
I’m not too bummed at it being FET. I don’t ever use these thrower lights at lower modes anyway, usually just at turbo.
Maybe Lumintop can make up for it
BY NOT GLUING THE BATTERY TUBE!
+1 - My feelings exactly…. :+1:
No shipping notification yet.
shipping starts next week
Same here, they just share the information that they think is necessary, nothing about shipment!! Now the changing driver, I guess im out… depended on the answer i´ll get…
What’s to share about shipping if shipping has not started yet??
Since i have to justify myself for a simple question?
Each region n locals are different, and if it´s allowed I like to plan my post / parcels incoming…
Shipping starts next week i saw.
Nope, you do not “have to justify” your statement; that is/was your choice.
I was just curious. Your explanation satisified that curosity.
Looks to be top shelf components used in this driver, InfineonFET/ 7135/Atiny85 not bad at all… :+1: