The original titanium clicky went for $650 in 2009 which would equate to about $740 2018 dollars. The standard clicky sold for about $199. Even with the price increase 3 years ago, the cost of just the basic manufacture has gone up considerably in part to using only the best basic materials we can source.
As an example, two weeks ago we sent out 4 purchase orders for some custom circuit boards to one of our vendors. Come to find out today, that this vendor, who is more of a broker, moved our order to a Chinese manufacturer. We were supposed to get those boards at the end of this week. As soon as we found out what they did... well, you think I was nasty in my OP? That was tame. Order was concealed immediately and we demanded they use the U.S. vendor with whom we have worked with for several years who has always gotten it right and is known to make the best boards. Their excuse was they thought we wanted the "best price". Basically we asked when have we EVER wanted the best price? We want the best QUALITY... and now we want it sooner! The delay is not a problem production wise as I made sure these were ordered BEFORE we ran out and with enough lead time for just this sort of tomfoolery.
This is one of the reasons a titanium run would be so costly. We won't skimp. Generally speaking, the more that can be made, the lower the price, but the simple production cost of doing a titanium run in the U.S. is quite exorbitant. Remember the Surefire Titan? Surefire lost hundreds of dollars with each light that went out the door. Yes, I'm evil enough that I laughed when I heard it... from a Surefire employee.
Anyway, from previous quotes and looking at production costs, we "think" we "might" be able to get a run done for the 1k price tag. Would be great if it could be lower, but I simply don't see it happening unless we skimp or go overseas, neither of which we will do.
I would expect if this were to come to fruition, they wouldn't be ready until Christmas (Hogo timeframe).