Reserved
Great review . Looking forward to amp readings at tailcap .
Wow, amazing beam shot comparison :O That MF XML look pathetic :O
Nice! We have a winner here, it appears. XM-L continues to impress with copious quantities of lumens at a very reasonable price.
I don't like that switch design much either. I imagine they cut those diametrically opposed notches for ease of thumb access. But it's not worth it if it sacrifices tailstanding.
Great review! Thanks for the deal tip. Frontpage'd and Sticky'd.
Tempting. Very tempting.
Jonnymac does the led and driver unscrew from the heatsink?
Differences between SMO and OP reflector?
Outstanding review. Thanks, Johnny.
*added to wishlist*
Well, make that next month's wishlist because I'll probabably get murdered in my sleep if I buy anything that emits light for any reason whatsoever this month. :D
+1
Great review!
The review I have been waiting for! Thank you Johnny. I too am looking forward to amp readings and OP/SMO reflector comparison. In the meantime: which one has been used for the above beamshot? Also: does it always switch on on High?
I used the smooth in that beam shot. The OP is just a little smoother in the spread from hot spot to the flood and not as intense in the hot spot. I will get shots tonight or tomorow and post them.
Great review. I ordered this a few weeks ago, along with the SMO reflector, so it should be here soon from Manafont.
Curious to test it agains my Tk41!
The link to the SMO reflector is in the Light Output section of the OP.
Johnny, could you please also measure the SMO hotspot diameter at a given distance, so I can compare it to my Manta Ray C8.
Its got mode memory so starts where you left off last. I was getting 2.7amps on high and 0.6a on low.
Johnny-do you notice any flickering on lo when the battery runs low? seems mine does it on low once voltage drops significantly. ive taken the switch apart and all looks well. gotta fix the die to the pill with some thermal adhesive.
Excellent review there JohnnyMac! 
"...Not only does it kick it's ass in brightness, it gives it a parting kick to the nuts while it lays beaten and unconcious..."
Oh man , that's wrong .
The thing about those nice, big C8 reflectors is the focus of the beam and the throw it gives you. Even my R5 Palight with it's XP-G kicks an XM-L's light when you take a good look at the beam and throw.
Soooo . . . ya think this guy can hang with a 980L do ya? Hmmmm. Might be worth $25 so I can do a head-to-head . . . put this matter to rest.
Foy
Call me crazy but I just ordered this thing. I happen to think the 980L will put this flashlight to bed early with no dinner and a bright red bottom. 
By the way; enjoyed the review.
justhavingfunweareallfreindsFoy