Latest lights leaving me cold

[metasyntax]

Lots of lights coming out now seem to be using dedomed emitters like the Cree XP-L HI or super deep reflectors which produce a tight hotspot for big throw (e.g. Nitecore's GT lights). This is relatively new technology, and the lumen race is still alive and well, so I understand why there are new flashlights coming out that go with this trend. Unfortunately, I have zero interest in lights that can throw 300 meters or more. Instead, I wish we'd see more tint options and different interfaces. If somebody made an inexpensive, 500 lumen max, infinitely variable flashlight with a neutral tint and high CRI like a Nichia 219B or 219C, I'd be all over that. My favorite light right now is a Preon 2 w/ Nichia 219B I got from Illumination Supply. It's a beautiful light, just a bit small for some uses. I'd like to see more pen light options, too; seems like most companies only have one or maybe two of these (generally a 1xAAA and a 2xAAA). Personally, I like to keep a 1x18650 in my bag with my pliers MT, and a 2xAAA in my pocket with a SAK, traditional, or not-large modern folder.

Anyway, enough rambling. I'm curious what you guys think. Do you think big name flashlight companies are coming out with appealing lights this year, or are they getting too overpowered?

[Millhouse]

Can't say I find any of the current lights from Fenix, Nitecore etc that attractive.

Just don't see the point of some of the small lights being pushed to 1000 lumens. They can't handle the heat generation and have to step down after a couple of minutes. Just numbers for the marketing folk.

[enki_ck]

I had to go check, the last one I bought was the Thrunite T10S back in February last year. Considering I was buying flashlights like candy once, that speaks for something. Honestly, not a single one that I still regularly get emails about from GoingGear, Olight, Fenix, 47s, ... appeals to me. Nothing that makes me go: "Uuuu, I want that!"

I did buy a headlamp this month, Elspeleo Rescue, but that's a highly specialized one, and for a tidy sum, and I know that one will be with me for years to come.

[powernoodle]

18650 lights like the Fenix PD35 are insanely bright (1000 lumens), yet easily ride on your belt for EDC if you are into it.  Its not "new" per se, having been out for a while, but its killer.  Yeah, the turbo mode steps down after a while so it won't fry the emitter, but I can live with it.  So lights like that keep my interest up.  I agree that big throwers aren't generally that useful for most of us, but they are fun.

[PTRSAK]

Hmm, I have a vague feeling that I bought a(nother) flashlight recently, not sure what it was, who from or how much it cost... Better go have a look at my PayPal account and hope the fright isn't too big.
Late night, moonshine and eBay are a bad combination 

[enki_ck]

...
Late night, moonshine and eBay are a bad combination 

Been there, done that.

[Smashie]

...
Late night, moonshine and eBay are a bad combination 

Been there, done that.

Haven't we all 

[dks]

I do still buy the odd light, but I am waiting for a major improvement to happen, in performance/efficiency (I do have plenty to play with and so I can wait) I may still get something soon, but it will be more for a specific purpose, rather than because of any new technology.

After the XML LEDs there has not really been any major surge forward for what seems like 5 years - maybe there is no real need.
If anything, people seem to be happier with keychain lights of 40 to 100Lm.

XPL lights are now cheap and offer some advantages, but nothing that impressive.