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

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:

No hard feelings on my side at all. All I wanted was to lower the tension that somehow results from things that went south in the past, so I was not "concerned" at all. ;-)

The updated price of $69.95 is very reasonable.

Personally I am not offended by the BLF logo - since the deal is exclusive for BLF members, comes in special packaging and was negotiated by Martin. And the BLF branding will be limited to one run, not available elsewhere.

Okay, it is not true BLF special edition since we had no involvement in design but I will not lose any sleep over that.

Woo…hoo… let’s grab a :beer: and a popcorn and cheer !!!

Very nice, this seems like the perfect solution!

When the group buy happens, will buyers be able to select between CW and NW?

you can choose the led types in the shop for both models

Just a curiosity, it will be in what shop? Mankerlight.com ?

Please read OP and other posts before asking questions.
If you already in the group buy the detail will be sent to you after the closing day.