Up til recently I've run a mix of different WMLs including Surefires, Malkoffs, Inforce and legos. Still running Inforce as Cloud Defensive doesn't make a pistol light. I'd been reluctant to try the Cloud Defensive products due to their core requirement of using 18650 batteries which I've always considered basically hobby batteries. But it does seem like an unprotected 18650 from a good maker like Samsung, Sanyo or Sony is pretty reliable. Basically manufacturers hit a wall where the limiting factor on output was the need to make it run on the 3v CR123a. The larger rechargeables have slightly higher voltage and up to 3500 mAH, about triple the power of the smaller CR123a.

I definitely don't think there's anything wrong with the legacy lights from Surefire and Streamlight. But Cloud Defensive has taken the durability up a few notches. They're about the only brand I know of that can compete with Elzetta, Malkoff and HDS for build quality.

But the main areas where they take things up a notch are ergonomics and output. The OWL is really a remarkable light, dispensing with the need to run a tape switch. There are good tape switches out there but there's always some downsides with having to manage the wire/cable. CD mitigates many of these with the LCS module on their REIN. Having four different angles to run the lead out of the light really helps to minimize cord tangle, and the LCS block lets you kind of wind the excess around the switch body and rails, further minimizing lose cord. The remaining amount of exposed wire can be tucked in tightly giving very little to get caught on things.

Their products are something of a game changer for me but I need to keep that in perspective. I've a chef, not a tip-of-the-spear door kicker! So I'm not engaging in gunfights every week, so this stuff is really overkill. And I'm certainly not saying that you need to toss your Surefire in the trash and get one of these lights. But I do think anyone that doesn't mind the expense should look into these lights if they're doing a new build or looking to upgrade.