Ordered my D40A from BG, expecting NW but a cool white version showed up. Not too thrilled, but not too upset either, it’s a very nice light. However, I soon realized two issues, at least with mine:
1) Hairline scratches on the OP reflector, only visible when the light is on. Doesn’t seem to affect the beam, but still slightly annoying for a light in this price bracket. Here is a quick cut/paste to show what it looks like:
There was also a really greasy foggy sheen on the AR glass that was impossible to wipe off with a microfiber cloth or anything, but eventually got it clean with windex and a paper towel.
2) Slight flicker only in low mode (not moonlight, not turbo or high/med). Not the fast PWM type, but rather a slow subtle flicker, maybe 5 times a second. Almost certain this just developed recently, had it tailstanding in a room on low and suddenly the flicker started.
Does anyone else have these issues, or am I expecting too much of this light?
No issues here, and most people seem to love theirs. Mine came from Edison Bright on Amazon. That’s one of the niceties of Prime. If I get a bad flashlight, then Amazon cross ships it and I have a new one in 2 days. But no problems with my D40A. I would’t settle with those issues if it were me. Definitely not for a higher end light like this.
They were there before, at first I thought it was the AR glass or some odd reflections, took off the glass front and found the scratches still there. Tried to gently rub them with a moistened cotton swab, nope hard scratches.
Magically got a reply from BG after posting this thread, going to send them pics and I’ll update everyone on the outcome.
Agreed. Avoid touching the reflector at all costs.
I typically use a compressed air canister to blow debris off reflectors. I’ve never needed anything beyond that. However, if I did, I might try swishing it around a sink full of water then rinsing it in alcohol. But I wouldn’t scrub the surface of the reflector.
I never buy anything expensive from China because of possible problems which will end up causing me grief and added expense sending it back for replacement. I bought mine from Illumination Supply for a decent price, although not as cheap as you. Mine thankfully came in perfect condition. Any issues would have been resolved without question from Calvin or Craig at very low, or no cost to me. Plus, I'm guaranteed that any item I buy from them is real, not fake. Who knows what you got? Are you 100% sure you didn't get a fake D40A?
Reasonably confident it’s not a fake, although if it is, it’s a really good one. I don’t have my friend’s D40A to compare side by side, but the UI works as it should, threads are square (and predictably dry out of the box), anodizing and texture feels good, has the updated wider spring inside, and the output is definitely there. Haven’t checked the serial with SWM though, thanks for reminding me - I should do that just to remove any doubt.
Just seems one slipped through the QC. The reflector actually has quite a big gash on the outside non-reflective portion, anodizing had a small ding right at the base of the lanyard hole, and the battery carrier has what looks like excess solder near one positive terminal. It’s actual function as a light appears unaffected, I realize this isn’t custom hand-made jewelry after all
