I own both the new (EF-30A-1) and older versions of this strobe. I can without a doubt say it is the brightest strobe currently on the market per its size - it is the only one nearing bright enough to truly be called an electronic flare, minus a laser that requires handheld operation. I’ve owned many others made by the big companies and they don’t come close. It’s not the cheapest, but do you really want the cheapest survival gear? It’s clear to me that other strobe brands are selling to make a profit; N. American Survival is selling to make the brightest and best light they can.
I keep my strobe to the top of my PFD so I can use it hands free in the worst case scenario I am swimming and away from my boat at night. That said it sometimes takes a little beating and is frequently submerged. I’ve had zero issues. My only want for this light is a better attachment point, possibly a different form factor that places the LEDs in the center of a housing. That said, this strobe is an essential piece of my kit and I’d never buy a different brand.
