2 x 18650 wouldn't do justice to 5 XM-L LED's. Just not enough power to drive them, not close to what I think you're expecting. No real point to that, unless you want a not-extremely-bright, but very expensive and large, flashlight.
Just 1 XM-L can challenge a single 18650 quite well on its own. Good rule of thumb, with well-driven XM-L's anyway is: 1 18650 battery per emitter. Using 26650 could possibly mitigate/reduce the number of cells needed since they are larger and can produce more current safely, but an even bigger cell would do that better, like D size (32600/32650), but few want that battery option.. however it makes sense.
Regarding the 3-LED model:
The numbers for the 2-cell model of the 3-LED version being discussed here worry me a little bit. I calculated only about 16 watts used on High from the numbers given, anyone correct me? A well-driven XM-L in many single 18650 flashlights will be fed about 10-12 watts. If ~16 watts is true, that's less than 50% or less more watts. Might be a safety feature for the use of the 2-cell model, or maybe a heat management compromise. Safer to drive a single cell hard, than 2 cells. So, I would be interested in seeing if the 3-cell model feeds more energy. From what I've seen though, it might not, if it bucks all voltage down to the same level. And, 3 18650 cells is a fairly long flashlight. 26650 would be better a better options if the designers planned to drive the LED's hard. IMO, people are going to have to accept the reality that multi XM-L or extremely high-energy flashlights are going to need bigger cells. Techies on CPF have known this a long time, often using "D" sized cells, even lithium ones. Now those can deliver a lot of energy. And, with the wide head a 5-LED light would have, it might make sense ergonomically, but might not be appealing to some due to that.
Looking forward to numbers on the 3-cell/3-LED model....
Is this 3 battery version barell (tube) in several pieces so you can either run on two or three batteries? Does it looks like this one with 1 extension:
YouWantLED, please get us the electrical current information for the 3-battery model? How many amps on each mode? Please also give us the voltage? (I assume there is a buck circuit in the 3-battery version, like you mentioned on the 2-battery version.)
Actually, that Quasar 8 is not a bad deal on their site. The included batteries suck but you get a C8 size XM-L flashlight, two 18650 batteries and a two bay charger for $23. The Quasar 9 is a triple XM-L/3 x 18650 light (looks just like the BLF version) that comes with 3 batteries and a two bay charger for $48.44.
So, the BLF deal was $41.50 without batteries and charger . . . their regular price is just $7 more for 3 batteries and a charger?
I must say, I appreciate very much your efforts to keep us happy with this group buy. This kind of seller involvement/concern is great. If the actual flashlight is as good as your customer service, we're all in for a real treat.
I have received emails saying it should be working now but it is not working.
I do NOT receive the COOKIES error message - the site's registration says "SUCCESS" but I have not received the CONFIRMATION Message. I even logged on using credentials so the site would RESEND the confirmation email message.
It has not been received now 6 hours later.
1stopledshop.net Owner: please fix or offer suggestions to correct problems issuing COnfirmation meesages to allow access.