Received my order from Manafont a couple of days ago, 2 bodies, 2 drop-ins, and a couple of 18650 cells (Ultrafire 2400mAh, protected). The 504 and 501 bodies are good, and the drop-ins work well, but the cells are a bit of a disappointment - they are described as protected, but they're not, no protection pcb to be seen.
Anyway, the cells are supposed to be 2400mAh, so I charged one to 4.2V on my Swallow 2, (cutoff at 0.05C) and gave it a discharge at 1 Amp - I got a whopping 201mAh out of it! Voltage started at 3.7V under discharge, so it was obvious something was wrong fairly soon. No wonder it looked a bit dodgy in one of my lights! I have a couple of Trustfires, 2500mAh (actually protected) which deliver very close to their rated capacity under a 1A load.
Well, I guess you can always get a faulty cell, but I'm a bit miffed that they don't have a protection pcb as advertised. I'll test the other one tomorrow and post results.
Edit: I forgot to mention, the drop-ins were very well packed - wrapped in bubble wrap and put back in their blister packs.
Well, I just finished testing that second cell - it returned 1207mAh. So it seems like these cells are junk! I definitely won't be buying any more.
I think I may have found the reason for the dismal performance of the first one. These cells have been "reclaimed" from battery packs, and have a plate spot-welded on to each end, to cover up the old spot-welds after the tabs have been ripped off.. There was a substantial dent, hidden underneath the plate on the negative end, which must have caused some damage inside the cell. Anyway, live and learn!
Manafont carries the Lumapower MRV SE for $18.65 shipped, which is a little cheaper than wsdeal ($20.26 shipped) if buying a single flashlight. I haven't tried Manafont yet, but it looks like the same flashlight.
It is bright, it throws remarkably well, it has a nice low which will run for around 36 hours from an 18650. It is smaller than anything else I have that throws that well - it fits in a holster used for a P60 light.
It was (briefly) available for $5 plus shipping. For the cost of a single cheap 18650 cell you got a very good light. See here for details. I will write up a review some day.
After my earlier posts (#13 & 14) Jim from Manafont emailed me directly, and said he'd learned from BLF about my incorrectly described and faulty cells, and offered a refund or exchange. I replied requesting a store credit for a future purchase, and a few hours later, it's been done.
Manafont is really putting effort to be the one of the best retailers if not the best.
I emailed them about the "write a review issue" which shows the reviewer with full name which actually bothers me a lot! I hope they can solve it or i believe there will be not much reviews going on.
I would never agree to post a review under my real name.
I never use my real name in the internet at all, exept for my personal email. I use an inkognito email account for logon to forums. In the one, I use for this forum for example, my alias name is Hans Meier, which is a very common german name as like John Smith would be in english locations. Also I never post pictures of myself ,my home or family members. My privacy is the most expensive thing I have.