2 more questions:

1. Do you find the shroud on the Photon Microlight is beneficial? I think this is the only thing I've ever disagreed with Doug Ritter about (believe me, I cringe when I say that--the man is phenomenal, and he's forgotten more about this stuff than I'll ever learn; just ask my wife, it's bordering on hero worship!). I find that the side scatter on a key chain light is a good thing.

2. How hard is it to become competent with a Kubotan? I've read a lot of good things about them.