I've dropped mine several times too. My ITP has been pretty solid, but I have had some glitchy contacts with one of my Maratac's causing flickering.
The EO1 gets 8 hours of regulation (8-10 lumen) and another 8 hours of dimming on a battery. This seems pretty good for ceiling bounce applications when the power is out, plus it will run a battery further down.
It's probably just measured differently. I think they have to use the included alkaline battery for the measurement according to ANSI, the old runtime test was made using 1000 mAh NiMH.
I think they just increased the brightness of the low mode on the Olight. It's 2.5 lumens compared to like 1.5 on ITP or 1.8 on the Upgrade Edition with an XP-G.
I think they also increased the low's output slightly, which make it easier for me to hold off getting one. If I remember correctly, the 50 hour runtime in low was a little exaggerated (35-40 hours on alkaline).
I have both, and the hotspot is very similar...almost UV purple and oblong in shape. The Coast light is noticeably brighter with more spill and a very ringy beam, plus a forward clicky. Of course, the EO1 is noticeably smaller and can tailstand and is a twisty. Both are nice quality small lights.
Im glad I got some of you interested in this light. Theres a lot of comparison questions raised and unfortunately I dont own any of the lights in question. Im not really into AAA lights as a feel AA is a far superior platform for just a little bit more size. I feel the E01 serves its intended purpose though.
I will say this, I dont own the ITP/Olight alternative but after using my A1 for quite a long time, Im not too fond of ITPs mode switching. I had constant problems trying to get to the right mode. It was very finicky. On top of that I also owned an SA1 (XPG) that I wasnt fond of at all. The quality was decent and you get a lot for your money but I probably wont buy any more ITPs.
For those interested in buying it, please remember... This is the furthest thing from a barn burner/pocket rocket you can possibly get. Do not buy this light to impress people. Buy this light because you want a rock solid backup.
All iTP/Maratac/Olight/4sevens lights are not equal, there is no problem at all with my iTP A3, it's mostly people with SS/Titanium/4sevens-lights that have had problems.
Olight have further improved the threading to avoid contact problems in the Olight i-series.
Here are some pics of the two together. To my surprise the A3 (15g) weighs a gram more than the E01(14g) even through it is smaller. Both weights without a cell in it and not on my small scales as I appear to have mislaid them but on the DX cheap kitchen scales with a low battery.
The EO1 is regulated for the first 5-8 hours and then has about the same of diminishing output.
I’m waiting on opinions of the new Nitecore AAA light. Hopefully the tint is better.