I have to say that 850mW should be doing a much better job than that of lighting matches, popping balloons and making you remove your hand from the beam!
It may have done the ~30% drop thing if you've had it on for a while I guess, or the batteries may be letting you down there.
What host or company/supplier did you get it from? Do you have an LPM?
It must be a battery thing AND the 30% drop then! :evil:
I guess 600mW would be struggling more. If Dave says 850mW then you can be sure that's just what it is fully charged and fresh. I was just surprised to see a Sharpie needed for a balloon pop. :thinking: