[daz]

I think to the rason why they will not sell direct is beacause they want to build up regional distribution which does make sense from the point of returns and support etc.

With regard to the other comment regarding pencil or flood, there are other HID torches that are focussable such as the greenforce units.

I have heard recently of issues with the supplies of FA&MI torches and I think I might have discovered the reason behind it...  They are rumoured to have some new units in production that are quite different from the older ones (I guess that is the multistar range ??) and offer user replaceble reflectors etc for different flood patterns.  

I think they are winding down the old production and subsequently some units are difficult to get hold of.  Also it is worth noting John that the old slim units were not user changable on the flood as the reflector was a one piece unit with the bulb.  So your choice of 18%, 90% etc is pretty fixed for the ownership.

If you are still interested in the FA&MI torches I should have more info in the next week or so when the UK distributer returns from a trip to the factory.  I will post my findings and see whether they can supply to meet your requirements  John.

Daz