Define normal…
I think normal flashlights survive much better.
A crap light bought at quickpix likely survives a fall better than the BLF Q8.
Mass is an important factor.
My view is this: If a flashlight can’t survive a drop the build quality likely isn’t top notch. So it won’t live long with normal use either.
Any light where the manufacturer isn’t claiming tough and durable… ?? It’s just like I wouldn’t expect a flashlight that isn’t rated to be waterproof to actually be waterproof. It might, and great if it is, but I don’t expect it to be waterproof unless specified by the manufacturer.
I have dropped a few lights on hard surfaces. I’ve had one stop working and my reaction was that it was my fault, the others I considered myself lucky. I don’t remember exactly what lights they where, but certainly not one of those tough and durable things, I don’t have any such lights. Somehow I just feel responsible for my own actions. If I drop it and it breaks, I broke it…
I wouldn’t make a purchase decision on drop tests, maybe because I don’t use single lights for survival purposes. When ever my survival depends on light I bring multiple lights with me.