CTS,
I mostly just run the FFs the last few years and usually don't turn them on until I sit down in a spot, then turn it back off while I'm walking around. I had one big tom catch me cat napping one afternoon while the sight was off. He gobbled at about 25yds and like to have scared the daylights out of me. I waited until I could see him, then turned the sight on as I was bringing the gun to shoulder when he stepped behind a big oak tree.
I'm at 3 years on some of my FFs with the same battery. Probably should change them out, but they seem to last for quite some time. IIRC I read where some guy forgot to turn his FF off and two weeks later it was still glowing strong. That's quite a few turkey setups.
As for durability, I've been pleased with the FFs. I don't run the protector attachments on mine and haven't busted one yet. I did drop one of mine a couple years ago and it landed right on the FF. I figured it would be toast, but the glass was fine and it was still zeroed.
