I guess the effectiveness of the NightStar II depends on what you are using it for. I use mine all the time around the house and like it. The lower light level is even a plus when checking on sleeping children. On the other hand, it is not bright enough for illuminating something across the yard. In that regard it is about as effective as a flashlight with low batteries, so I'm in the same boat 50% of the time <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

A few more points... It is MUCH brighter the first minutes after charging it fully. There is a strong magnet in there -- I'm paranoid about keeping it away from camcorder tapes, etc. Lastly, the clear model is cool but you have to put up with glare from the flashlight body. I'd get a black one next time.

Steve