Just what I was thinking. To many unanswered questions on this one. Plus in a month or two the price will be on a holiday clearance for $20 anyway.
Well, the way I see it, instead of spending $20+ for a new pair of protected 18650s I can spend around the same amount for a new 16340 light and batteries. That way I can diversify my flashlight collection to different types of batteries. 
But I might still order this light if the reviews state it does handle 70mm protected batteries.
It does specify an optic instead of a reflector along with the form factor, not sure a reflector would fit(unless it’s a Zebralight type floody) , I think we should assume it will get warm on high, and color is negligible to me as I just didn’t want black.
$5 is worth a gamble, we still end up with a light not much bigger than its gas tank of a battery.
Well put^ 
I don’t regret pulling the trigger at all. Eager to receive this badboy and see what its all about. 
Don’t have to wait that long, still 314 available at $35 each. But delivery would likely happen only from April 8 onwards cos it’s Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qing Ming Festival) from April 4 to 6, with April 7 (Sunday) as a working day for businesses that work on a weekend in China.
I don’t regret it either - gold, gray, somewhere between - really not an issue. I wanted it for the size of it and if it isnt exactly what I had hoped, you can bet a driver swap and optics swap will follow shortly.
do not count too much on that, inside that short body there may only be space for TIR-optics, and a driver upgrade (being BLF-infested I assume you want more) might produce too much heat for the (probably plastic) TIR.
What about a super shallow op reflector? Are glass tir available?
i have to say i’m a little nervous as this is a bit of a blind leap…as a newb, will my dd (and limited but slowly growing understanding) i’m going on the decision based on this being BLF (which is a great community!)… fingers crossed…!
That (the “blind leap” part) makes at least two of us… or maybe three, depending on if you’re counting lights vs. people :)!
Jim
Has anyone heard any updates on when these are shipping out? It’s not that I mind waiting, but the lack of info is a bit annoying. I recall reading they should ship out on the 5th, well it’s now the 8th and I’ve not heard anything.
I honestly don’t mind if they don’t ship out for another week - but I’d at least like to know that is the case.
Hi,
I’ve been wondering/asking about this also, but things have been pretty quiet. Hopefully that is a good sign :(…
I’ve seen posts that there was/is a 3-day holiday, but it would’ve been nice if someone said something “official”!
Jim
Emailed Ric. He emailed back with a ship date of 4/11. Won’t be long now.
Ditto
Just got my shipping address confirmation from Ric… ready to ship ‘asap’!!
Can’t wait!!
Thanks Ric!!
Hi,
Thanks for reporting…. First of many (of us), hopefully!
Jim
I haven’t gotten one yet 
Where did you stand on that list of names on the fancylights page? Guessing it may just take a little time with all those, but no one else here reported back.
They say” Don’t shipping until all products on deck. ” in my order page
First 100 pieces has been shipped out today. Singapore Registered post
Will inform the tracking number soon.
The rest back orders will be shipped on Sunday or Monday.
Thanks
RIC
RIC,
THANKS for the update!!
Jim