This was something I've found.  I was looking for another drop-in that had some more throw/tighter hot-spot than a Malkoff M61W. Anyone used one? Thanks.

I don't have experience with the Elzetta dropins, but I can speak some what generally about the optics.  The TIR optics tend to give a more even beam pattern.  Typically they have less side spill/flood.  So in some cases they can be better throwers than those running on reflectors.  But it really depends on the design.

Is 8 degrees a tight beam pattern? Thanks.

For the most part, yes.  It also has to do with the size of the optic.  I have a "narrow" beam lens on a light I built.  The OD of the lens was like 15 or 18mm and that thing is far from a narrow beam.  But then again the light doesn't have a huge amount of space to get collimated (or whatever the proper term is) well so it tends to just flood out the front.  I don't think this is a problem for the larger diameter TIR optics.  Perhaps send a PM to Elzetta (they are an ind partner or sponsor on here and their CS seems pretty good.  I am sure they could give you the skinny.  They seem like nice enough folks.  Which reminds me, I need to start saving my pennies so I can get one of their new single cell lights.