the 12.1 only has an xmax of 14.15mm whereas the vq is 16.75mm, so im sure this has alot to do with it. just doesnt seem like a whole lot of a difference, but im sure they must have beefed up some other internals as well (obviously just looking at the power handling.) Oh well, if i manage to blow this one i will just go for a vq or one of the other recommended ones. For now though I havent ran into any other issues with it, but its doubtful i will watch any action movies again without first turning down the gain a tad.