The r5-a3 has always had a xpg. The light from the OP shows a xpe in the picture, and -coming from dx- it could be any bin, but more probably a q5 than a r3 (which is the top bin for xpe).
It depends on how you define performance: the (indeed in many flashlights widely used) lens has a larger diameter and longer focal length than the sk68 lens, it will have a bit more light loss than the sk68 when zoomed in, but also the (smaller) hotspot is a bit brighter than the sk68. Throw is highly appreciated here at BLF.
probably so if you place the light face down when it's on you can tell you left it on. A little bit of light will escape the holes . I'm not saying it's a brilliant design concept but thats my guess .
SK68s and #3 zoomies are down to $2 apiece nowadays, if you’re a bit patient and search eBay and AliExpress.
But they’re finding new and innovative ways to make them cheaper; lately I find the pills are made of old dried chewing gum, I mean, some cheap gray alloy …
Wow, I can not remember having this one, and it is not here anymore. I gave away a sizable box of flashlights a few years ago, it may have went into that.
The only thing I have for you is that if it was any better than a sk68 I’m sure I would remember it.