The packaging is very well made, although I don’t understand why there are so many disposable elements (foils, rubber bands, papers, plugs, cartons), which later pollute the environment. The premium effect is achieved, but for me, this marketing approach is over the top. The case is cool but could be much smaller—there’s a lot of empty space inside. The flashlights themselves (this one, Marauder 2, and the mini—I have them all) are top-notch in workmanship, flawless. It’s worth considering whether you prefer a focused beam (the Javelot series, Javelot Turbo are better in this regard than the X9R, as the X9R doesn’t have this mode) or a wide one—here the Marauder 2 or X9R are better. Also, think about whether you need huge power for a few minutes, or equipment that can illuminate for longer—because at maximum power, the X9R’s usefulness is mainly demonstrative; it’s not suitable for SAR or tactical applications (which is why my favorite is the Marauder 2—it’s more practical and handy). With 25,000 lumens (or even half that), the air must be super clean, otherwise you’ll just see dust and water vapor, and the efficiency drops a lot. It’s also worth considering what color temperature is right, because it can be a limitation, especially in winter at our latitude. You shouldn’t just look at the lumens, but at the candela level—that translates to range. Marauder 2, for example, has twice as many candelas, so it shines farther. Before buying, it’s a good idea to hold something heavy in your hand, because the flashlight is massive, and after carrying it for a few kilometers, it may seem cumbersome despite the comfortable strap. For gadget lovers, it’s a super gadget and I’m very satisfied, but as a flashlight for continuous carry, it’s not very practical—it’s heavy and becomes more noticeable the longer you use it. In my opinion, it’s a bit of a gadget for the sake of being a gadget. It will be perfect, for example, for SAR operations from the air or in mountainous terrain, and also for night photography. On flat land and with a round beam, the illuminated area is very strongly overexposed, which causes glare and worse visibility farther away (that’s why in the advertising photos, the X9R light is aimed from rooftops or into the mountains). Raising the flashlight up so it shines less at your feet is not a solution.
