Yes you can swap an XM-L for an XR-E. But depending on the driver in the light you might need to change it too, but you might not. Some lights come apart easier than others, so again it’s dependent on the specific light.
For my beamshots the torches are from the left:
Small Sun ZY-T16 this has a T6 binned XM-L in it and is considered a good “thrower” for the money ($24). It offers up a lot of light and throws quite well IMO.
-Next is a 2D cell Tesco CREE torch (£15 in Tesco’s if you can find them). Less light than the Small Sun and a smaller hot spot and less bright spill, but amazingly will throw as far (maybe a tad further). Pretty sure it’s an XP-E emitter (similar to an XR-E).
-Next and the one I think you are asking about is a D cell MagLite with an XP-E drop in from the The Torch Site.co.uk due to the focusable head on the MagLite you can get a really tight hot spot. This throws very well and is currently my champ of reflector equipped lights
-On the far right is another D Cell MagLite this time with an XP-G R5 drop in and a DX aspheric lens. This is my current throw king.
If you want to see some great beamshots have a look at this thread, it’ll give you an idea of what different emitters and lenses can offer up.
