Recovered 18650 and others with XML lights

Hi

I've been toying with getting a C8 XML from kaidomain or a yezl y6 from cnqualitygoods, however looking at various posts and the amps that are going into the xml I've started to wonder if the R5 Yezl Z1 would be a better option for general use of my stash of recovered 18650s as it tops out at 1.4amps

I have four protected 18650 (2600 and 3000) that are the decent trustfire ones (yes its an oxymoron) , would these be better with the xml lights?

thanks

I was going to make a post about this but I'll mention it in here now.

I just recieved my Yezl Z1 today. I purchased it because I heard good reviews, and Yezl has a video of them torture testing their lights, so I expected top notch (Chinese) quality.

I opened the package, and the first thing I noticed is that it DOES NOT tailstand as it does in the photo and descriptions. Not even close. The switch protrudes well above the flashlights end.

I also noticed the stainless steel bezel was loose. Upon attempting to tighten it, it only turned and got looser. I discovered that there is only about 1 thread holding the bezel on, and It is not enough to actually hold itself on. So now I have to glue it on, which I really don't want to do.

PWM in low is very noticeable.

The only positive I have so far is that it was drawing 1.25a on a cell that was not fully charged and it is nice and bright.

Ya, I guess I shouldn't expect much from budget lights, but at $30, it was on the more costly side of budget, and with all of the hype, I was expecting much better quality.

Anything well driven with an XM-L will require nothing less than a great set of batteries to power it for any length of time. For less than $10 for two, these are well worth the investment to power such a huge amount of light. I used to use recovered laptop batteries till I tried what good high out put cells can provide. Now they are all I will use.

FlashPilot,

Are the red/black Trustfires the best protected 18650 that they sell? I've also read a lot of positive feedback regarding the UniqueFire blue ones (sku 5790) and the UltraFire pink/red ones (sku 28677).

IMO, the red/black trustfires are the best bang for the buck of any protected 18650 budget battery at the moment. There are close seconds available elsewhere but not worth the small price difference for a lesser battery.

10-4. Much appreciated.

Any time.

That a bit of a bummer about the quality of the Yetl Z1, I know the steel head was supposed to be removable.

I think I'll find a couple of R5 upgrades for my P60 hosts and just continue using them with the old recovered batteries, and wait for better xml options at a later date.

Thanks folks

The bezel of mine Z1 has enough threads but I was not very impressed with the finish also, look better in pics than in hand..

Also don't forget the Hi-max from ebay. They are decently priced and very good. They have no probelm discharging 3,4A.

http://cgi.ebay.com/6pcs-18650-2600mAh-Protected-Li-ion-Battery-3-7V-/320479544838?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item4a9e11c606

Bought a dozen already. The first 6 i got were robbed instantly when they found out how they perform!

I noticed the trend for those cells that price goes up recently. I suggest to stock a few if you need them. Also use the make offer buton and don't buy at the fixed price.

The cells also came always in a heavily packed box not in a usual padded envelope.

Budgeteer,

I'm glad I saw this thread. I did a search after your response in my other thread and couldn't find the batteries you mentioned. How do these batteries compare to other popular choices, i.e., Trustfires, etc.? Isn't this one of your favorite batteries? Would the seller accept $20 USD? The shipping is kind of steep. OUCH!