well either way, i took two flashlights, same emitter (q5) and compared their outputs.
same drivers, same 18650 batteries (trustfires that both tested capable of producing over 3 amps) but different optics
one with a TIR and one with a reflector (had both OP and SMO)
the TIR had the BEST quality beam, but it wasnt as wide, and clearly not as bright
the OP had close to the quality, and much more light
the SMO had the MOST light, but as its a q5, was VERY ringy.
so now your saying, how do you know its the same? i swapped out the TIR and reflectors to the opposite flashlights to get the SAME results.
now i dont have a measuring tool, but when you have 2 side by side, you can tell which one has more usuable light.
the TIR i had (which was designed for a cree XR-E) just did not cut it. so i ended up selling that flashlight to a friend who was in love with it lol
i have only two TIR flashlights at the moment, the BLF Mr. Lite and an LED lenser awaiting me to upgrade it.
the BLF Mr.lite is a great flashlight, but again, compared to my Aurora V6 Q5, has a bit less light overall.
however tough to compare those as they are COMPLETELY different power sources and drivers (14500 vs 18650, multimode vs single mode)
and the BLF is an XR-E R2, not an XR-E Q5 (which is all heresay due to poor quality control from china)
we already have a TIR optic flashlight that uses a 14500/AA
time to either go bigger, or smaller
go AAA or go 18650, or even cr123!
if you go AAA or single CR123 - XPG-R5
if you go 18650 or dual Cr123 - XM-L T6 (neutral color would be awesome)
and as far as multimode, MAKE IT HAVE MEMORY! the last one is so annoying to click through uber low, low and med just to get to HIGH!
since this is the BLF, we should be making the CPF guys cry.
maybe a triple XM-L flashlight for under 40 bux?
that would be mint :-D
esp if it could accept 18650 OR C/D size cells lol
even better, 5x XM-L :-D