I have obtained some info.
The FX40:
- Is Constant Output. (they should really plaster that all over the product page. Or at least mention it once.
- The batteries are 3 X individual 21700 cells, not made into any kind of proprietary pack. So, they *can* be changed by the user if an individual cell dies - or they all get old and have lost capacity. But, changing them is a process that was not designed or intended to be done between dives or anything like that. Changing them has the risk of losing small parts (e.g. if you were trying to do it on a boat or at a dive site). And, if you do it too often, you'll be at risk for eventually wearing out/stripping some threaded holes.
They could have designed it like the LX20, where there is a cartridge (if you will) holding the cells, to make it really easy to change them out. But, the light body would have had to be even fatter to accommodate that and they decided the tradeoff should go in favor of smaller size to the light body.
I would call it user repairable. Not "readily user-swappable". No problem if you have average skills with normal hand tools. If you are Hand Tool Special Needs, take it to the shop where you bought it and have them swap in new cells.
- The cells themselves are 6000 mAh. Not the more common 5000.
- It takes a well-timed double-tap to turn the light on. They tested it a bunch with things like putting one in a bag full of gear and shaking it for a while and other things. They were never able to get it to turn on by accident. I will still be a bit reluctant to trust that and am hoping they come out with some kind of simple snap-on plastic cover (like my UWLD light heads have) to protect the on/off button when you have it stored (or clipped to your harness).
I think 4 hours (240 minutes) of burntime at a constant 1200 lumens, with a 4 degree beam is going to be very nice. Having 3 x 21700 cells means it's not going to be as fat/bulky as I originally thought (when I was expecting 4 cells).
I have added the FX40 to my order where I already had ordered a CX3. I also ordered a hard Goodman handle, with a thumb loop, and a QRM striker plate for the CX3.
I strongly prefer a hard Goodman to a soft handle. I think it could be handy to have lights where the primary and backup will both snap onto the hard handle, so if my primary goes out, I can stow it without that bulky handle on it, then attach my backup to the hard handle, so I don't have to actually hold the light itself in my hand while I'm using it.
All in all, this seems like it should be a very nice light package to have and use for every kind of open water diving (including long tech dives), and including cave dives with up to a max of 160 minutes planned run time (80 minutes in, 80 out, and 80 reserve). The QRM thing is okay by itself, but it seems like it will really shine (pun intended lol) when you have multiple lights with QRM that can take advantage of shared parts, like the hard and soft Goodman handles.
) and it looks like they have discounted the LX20+ pretty significantly. Definitely seems like it will be discontinued altogether going forward.
