AS EDC, I carry 2 Photon3 (white and red) and a Surefire 6P.

Mainly, I agree with Stargazer analyzis.
I would just add the following points :

- basically, yes, it's an expensive light.

- it is supposed to be very rugged, but I have been very disappointed when the bulb died after a (less than) 2 inches drop !!! And a replacement head assy is not cheap !

- some years ago, I bought a Maglite (3 cells) to put in my rucksack. I rapidly leave at home, because it was so heavy. The 6P is much brighter and lighter to carry. Hence, my EDC carry. On the waist belt of my rucksack, I have another Surefire, the G2 Nitrolon, along with a - mandatory -spare carrier (bulb assy + batteries).

- rechargeable models : could be nice to save batteries price if you REALLY use it long enough, every day. BUT ..... I also bought several 8NX, for myself and as gifts .... Big disappointement ! <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
--- First, because it was a bad choice, not having a REAL use for those.
--- Second, because of the questionnable quality of the rechargeable Surefire batteries. <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Yes, Surefire send me two replacement B90 (free ! .. but the Customs fees were as expensive as the batteries themselves !!!), wich proved to be marginally better than the original ones ... Among 6 or more batteries I have, only one is as good (runtime wise) as it is supposed to be. And they don't keep the charge very long (a few days).
So, you have to be lucky and get good rechargeable batteries (or buy special "clones", made by KLK) and you have to REALLY use them on a daily basis, emptying one battery while another one is charging.
--- if your use is more something like "I need to have a pocket spotlight at hand, and be sure it will light up when I need it - which is not very often", then stick with the CR123 models (6P, G2 etc..). You should be able to buy (may be bulk) batteries for a much better price (1.25$ on Surefire web site .... and you can find better prices) ;
--- Most friends I gave an 8NX, I took it back and replaced it with a Stinger Scorpion :
------ first, because they didn't REALLY needed the rechargeable models ; what they occasionnally needed, was a bright light, with long life lithium batteries.
------ second, because, the prefocused beam was NOT necessary for them ; it was even an hindrance : for close work, the ability to adjust the focus (and so lessen the illumination) is nice ; and the Scorpion has it. I personnaly prefer to keep the prefocused beam of the 6P, and use my Photon3 for really close work.

- If you want to lessen the Price Impact on your wallet, the G2 Nitrolon may be a good choice. Or the Scorpion, with its own specifications (spare bulb included, NO prefocused beam).


My 2 cents ......

Alain

P.S. : may be the quality problem with Surefire rechargeable batteries is solved, by now.... I don't know. Visit specialised forums ....
_________________________
Alain