Earlier in this thread i saw some pictures of the driver board, but no real details—has anyone done a deep dive into the boost and controller circuits? Is it using Torex Semiconductors?
So what is the long term verdict on the unanodized version? Its the only one I haven’t got.
What do you want to know about it? It’s a C01S without anodization, just pure aluminum.
Doesn’t a anodization also act as a surface hardener?
Yes, it does.
Got together another order and gonna try one unanodized.
I’ve had a non-anodized (raw) C01S since May 2019 and it’s actually still looking pretty nice. Granted, I take pretty good care of my lights. But I have been carrying it in my shorts every evening for the past nearly 2 years, using it daily. I really like the no-nonsense 2 mode driver and I’ve outfitted it with a trit and magnet.
Looks good can’t wait for mine.
Got my order from the 7th. Pretty fast. The unanodized one has sharper knurling. Think will order more unanodized.
There was a question which inexpensive honeycomb TIRs would fit:
Left: Original optics, right: ‘AE’ optics
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32989679045.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.41c64c4d20RAz0
$1.18 incl. s&h, 5 pcs.
It is not the quality of those TIRs someone found in Bulgaria (artifacts at the white wall), but you’ll see no artifacts in real situations. Much, much better than the original optics with its rings. Can recommend them.
45°
@Unheard: how did you manage to open the head and hence swap the optics?
It seemed to me it was glued and therefore impossible to open.
There’s red threadlock. Brute force and maybe heat helps.
Disappointing. 
It’s very little threadlock. Sofirn just made sure the pill won’t stuck in the battery tube when loosen the head. This problem has been reported a few times.
The pill doesn't seem to be screwed in the head, but force fit (judging from the two notches).
So you need to pull it out with a tiny screwdriver tip, correct?
Pictures of the process would be helpful 
What you see in the picture is the shell which holds and protects the optic. You have to grab the head at the threads and then unscrew the bezel.
No, it is screwed.
Don’t touch the PCB. The threaded part is actually part of the pill.
Thanks SammyHP and Unheard, it's clearer to me now. So the way to go is to:
- Remove the O-ring,
- Gently heat with a hairdryer (hot enough?) or a cigarette lighter (not too close),
- Grab the thread with plyers, inserting e.g. a rubber sheet to protect them,
- Same for the bezel.
Correct?