[UPDATED M4D deal] Manker “EDC Muscle Combo – BLF Limited”

I tested a CULNM1 for Hank a couple of months ago and compared it to a CULNM1 from led4power.com. I did not post the tests on BLF because Hank asked me not to do that (I think that he wanted to try to get a higher bin than he sent me, so that a posted test would not be valid anymore for his leds) The two CULNM1 leds from the different sources performed similar, and they kept their output at a higher current than the CSLNM1 that I tested earlier, but the maximum output was just about 5% higher.
So to get more performance from the 4040 version compared to the 3030 version may have as much to do with the output bin as with the better heat path.

Yes I agree totally, I have no issue with ‘BLF xxxxxx’ being on it, since it is a unique 1 off BLF negotiated deal/pack via Max/Manker - just not the ‘special edition’ bit - again, it is just my opinion :slight_smile:

Fair points. I won’t claim to know all the reasons why many are disgruntled toward Manker. One dealt with them being openly frustrated about other brands making blatant ripoffs of their designs. Another had something to do with a flashlight that frequently developed switch problems and warranties might not have been honored (as I say, I’m not really familiar with the situation though).

Regarding companies using the “BLF” name on products… I agree. I don’t want just anyone slapping “BLF” on a product to act like it was heavily influenced by BLF members. I have a feeling that that’s not what Manker was going for here. Maybe just a poor choice of words? Something like “BLF Limited” or “BLF Ltd Run” would be more accurate?

you have valid points - thanks for speaking up!


i did not see it that way. Manker came up with the design in i just liked it ;)
i forward your input to them!


God, I so thought I was going to be shot to pieces……and more so worried I’d upset friends :slight_smile: which is not a good thing.
I only commented because it is important to me lol , and it would seem you guys too.
I think for sure a compromise could be easily reached where everyone would be happy - and, in fact, going into the future could add another ‘brand’ to the BLF specially reserved for exactly this type of deal, it is in no way a bad thing. The opposite I’d say.
Thank you guys for being cool, that is why this place is so special. :+1:

So here is the actual math as far as I understand it (I could be reading it wrong).

“Retail” Purchase

MC13 (with 18350 tube + battery) 52.95

E14 III (with 18350 tube + battery) 54.95

So MC13 + E14 + 2 18350 Tubes + 2 18350 Batteries = $107.90

+ 18650 Tube = $119.90

Combo Deal

MC13 + E14 + 18650 Tube + 18350 Tube = $75

+ Batteries = $85

Don’t have the option for another 18350 Tube, but lets call it $12 (basically the same part just shorter, so probably the same price)

We will call it a wash on the 18650 vs 18350 since they are going to be about the same price too….

So total the Combo deal “value” vs the Retail is…

Combo = ~$97
“Retail” = $117

So about $20ish

I really like this idea. :+1: BLF Limited

Hey Martin, Can we have something like BLF Limited - XXX (serial number)?
Each person in the group buy can have a different serial number on the combo (the two light will have matching #). I think that would make this a real limited edition. Thanks :smiley:

Manker designed the hosts and UI. I’m not sure about the details, but it seems to be inspired by the FW3A. At least, tail e-switch lights started appearing from several companies shortly after the FW3A got popular.

The “BLF Special Edition” logo was created by people on BLF years ago, for use on the BLF EE X6-SE by EagleEyes. It was mostly a stock light, but with some small modifications to upgrade it.

The logo was later sent to Manker for the X6v2 / X5 lights. The X6v2 was heavily customized, and the X5 was brand new. BLF provided the driver, firmware, lighted tailcap design, and general specs. Manker cloned the X6 host from EagleEyes, designed a scaled-down version for the X5, and added some nice upgrades like screw-in reflectors (those reflectors were very nice). Banggood handled the retail tasks. I’m not sure which company was hired to do the actual manufacturing… that detail wasn’t shared. Eventually though, manufacturing went to Mateminco and I think Manker may have been cut out of the deal.

I forget if the logo has been used on other items.

Anyway, the past drama involved at least four companies, if I understand correctly, and at least two community forums. About a dozen products were involved, ranging from huge successes to epic failures. Lots of people got angry at lots of other people. It was a complicated mess for a few years, and everyone involved got screwed at least once or twice.

Should these lights be added to the BLF Special Edition Lights thread?
I hope emarkd can update it :+1:

The BLF X6v2+X5 steel+copper lights did that. It was very complicated and went badly. Would not recommend attempting it again.

However, Manker could perhaps use “BLF Limited Edition” instead of “BLF Special Edition”. A “limited edition” logo was created years ago and Manker should already have a copy.

Of course, the last time it was used, the limited edition ended up not actually being limited. It was meant to be an exclusive one-time limited run which would never be produced again… but instead, Banggood just changed the name to Astrolux and kept selling the same item under their store brand. It was an unpleasant surprise, especially after being told “Astrolux” was nothing to be concerned about, just a printing test to make sure the engraving machine worked.

But that’s a whole different story… and doesn’t really matter here. The only “limited” parts about this item are the price and the logo. And that’s okay… it’s a group buy. People can still get the light later… but for a higher price and without the logo.

Aaaaand another bump.

Reading all this i’m glad Manker came back to the folks at BLF and willing to help them in their request.

Now i want this package even more :)

Hello, In my plan, the special part is we only offer the combo to BLFers via this deal. In fact, we didn't think much about it because we are far away from the forum for long time. we got many group buy request from BLFers, So we just make a try. Any way, I think we can change the the logo or cancel the deal.

No, Manker - please do not cancel the deal.

I don't mean to interrupt this whole idea here but what about just selling this combo without any "BLF" logo at all? Would this arouse any bad feelings on anyone's side? I mean, Manker could save some efforts/costs by not branding these lights with "BLF" and everyone else here is happy to get a great deal for these two lights in a bundle. As much as I agree with the opinions stated in this thread, I am afraid talking about mistakes in the past is highly sensitive, at least for Manker. How long ago did all this happen? IMHO, opening up old wounds will do no good. Let's just start over. :-)

Thanks Martin and Manker for negotiating this interesting combo deal.

As we told, we didn't plan to sell the combo to other customers, so we make it as a special combo to BLFers, or it will arouse our dealers unhappy. You know there are price reason. Any way, We just want to show friendly to BLFers.

UPDATED Aug 8 2020
(changed the OP - will send a notification email to all participants asap)

Hello my dear friends!

Manker allowed me to collect a list for a special groupbuy:
Many people contacted them and me to restart the cooperation and Manker decided to create a special set for the BLF members.
The final name was decided to be “EDC Muscle Combo – BLF Limited” to make the Set unique (i try to get updated pictures)
-> This is a one time only groupbuy and this Set will not be offered later or be available from other shops


Below you find the updated rules and whats in the box!

Rules:

  • please check the Set that Manker offers for the community below
    (i linked to their shop for detailed product specs)
  • last night we reached 75 participants so Manker changed the price to 69.95 USD
  • If you want to purchase for the price:
    just leave your contact email in the form at the end!
  • You will receive a email confirming you are on the waiting list
    (please give it a few minutes and check your spam before entering a second time)
  • the list is open until Aug 20 2020 - then i send the email with the purchase information.
  • the orders need to be placed between Aug 21 to Aug 30 2020
  • Manker then produces the exact amount of sets and adds a unique Serial Number
  • shipping is expected to start week 1 or 2 in September
  • dates and times are CEST ;)
  • more information can be added when needed

That all sounds good to me, I’m always happy with a good deal, excited to get my hands on them.

Question though, is the serial numbers to be printed on the torches along with the “logo” or like a certificate in the packaging?

@Lux and everyone else “concerned”, have a beer or two and relax (no hard feelings please)...:)

Thx M&M!

Deal just became AMAZING!!

the SN will be lasered on the Heads

That’s great!

thats cool, will give me a real limited edition feeling :smiley: