Yes, it's expensive, but it's worth every penny. I completely depend on this flashlight for work and for seeing deep into woods on the darkest night AND for being a self defense companion to my primary defensive tool. The tactical dual setting switch is great. The first slight push gives a blinding 1000 lumen punch which you can maintain by pushing harder on the switch to engage the constant on mode. Press lightly and rapidly twice on the switch and you're in 5 lumen mode. To hold the 5 lumens just push harder to engage constant on. It is hard for anything to hide from this light, yet at 5 lumens it is harder for you to be detected. It lights first time every time and won't let you down. I spent more on dozens of cheaper flashlights than just buying this one time. Clips into front pocket without drawing attention and is light, comfortable and POWERFUL. This is the 4th, maybe 5th Surefire flashlight I have purchased and all of them still work like new after many years of service. This one, however, is the pinnacle of functionality and power in a pocket stowable edc light. I would recommend the rechargeable batteries and charging cradle. As an aside, I carry spare batteries in my pocket. They fit great in the pocket watch pocket of jeans or in a plastic case in a cargo pocket.