OK, I would consider myself in the non-flashlight friend category. After lots of research, and the desire for a good flashlight to carry with my keys, I bought the new ARC flashlight.

Can't argue that it is on the $$ side with a backorder wait. Having said that -- after 8 weeks of daily use -- I still smile everytime I grab for my keys.

The flashlight is bright, the knurling and feel is perfect, has yet to show ANY surface damage and I would never complain that a AAA flashlight didn't burn for >5 hours. Beyond a major screw-up on my part, why would I need a AAA flashlight to burn >5 hours before a battery change?

Still a very happy customer.