After some searching I found reference to “Manker upgraded driver, UI, switch…”
The UI has definitely changed, Turbo has moved to the blinky mode group. And it no longer allows you to choose 1,2,3 for each level. Can only configure moonlight level.
OLD:
NEW:
As for driver and switch upgrade, I can find no extra details. But indeed there were many reports of unreliability in 2016 so perhaps the changes were warranted ?
The ‘upgraded version’ is not actually new, it appeared in 2018 best I can tell from wayback.
I received my CW E03H that was 1/2 price on clearance from Manker and it has the new mode sequence listed above - same a the Folomov “wave” mode sequence, which I don’t like.
I prefer the sequence to go to low from turbo, rather than going to high from turbo.
The headband can’t hold the light stable - the light bounces when I walk.
The diffuser does glare down into my eyes and glasses - might be reduced by applying black marker to the bottom edge.
I like the beam pattern.
The CRI appears to be adequate for EDC use.
It seems heavier than a AA headlamp needs to be, but it might survive being ran over by a tank.
I received my E02 and E03. Both seems OK.
E02 came in retail package, E03 has a simple cardboard box.
The E04 clip is a trash. Diffrent than advertised and not fits to the groove well. It tends to pop out. Simply not designed to this light. I wrote the seller asking for a good one.
The E02 clip is original and fits perfectly.
Striker Mini use the classic tactical user interface. You can control it by one hand easy.
Light modes are very simple, high, low + hidden strobe.
tail is tactical forward-clicky switch. slightly tap to turn the light, release it the light will go out. Full press till a click sound is heard to constantly turn on/off the light. quickly double half-press activate hidden strobe. If you want constant strobe, full press it. The strobe frequency is 20Hz, full power, enough to blink
Striker Mini is positioned as longest range edc flashlight in its class. utilizes a high efficiency osram nm1 led, adopts dual sided AR coated 99% transmitteance toughened glass lens and SMO aluminum reflector with vacuum plated to get a max. 635 lumen output, max. 430 meters about 1411 feet beam distance.