18500's are optional on the STL-v6. It's actually supposed to be cloning a <=12v light, so it's 2x 650mm normally, but they provide a short removable ext. so you can use 3x 340mm w/ it.
Just get the ones from bestinone.net, only $8.80 per IMR 18500 pair shipped. Excellent batteries. Mitro, E1320, DasFriek and I have tested it to be extremely good, enough to hang around with AW. In fact if you check that your C8 tube can fit the light, you can do 2 x IMR18350s, also from BIO, which makes it a pretty short thrower, better than Solarforce MPP-1 as in same throw but 3X more lumens. I tried DBS V3 and U80 tubes, fits no problem.
Of course, this Trustfire X9 is cheap, going to throw great as well (and I like the looks), somebody needs to get some figures though.
does it miss any small gadgets there?
Man this thread made me buy one, got it from ebay for $33.48. Hopefully the 3 weeks wait will be worth it.
I didn't have patience to wait for another bid auction to arrive so I just did the "Buy it Now" for $37.99 
Allegedly it has shipped already so hopefully I'm seeing it at my door in the next two weeks.
I've just won an auction on this light at US$28.51 shipped (seller "go_market"). I wanted to stay below 22.00EUR as that's the limit for hassle-free duty-free import to the EU.
Now let's see what I get. 
Being a bigger flashlight, Customs will probably ask for proof of purchase, but an email with the link to the listing is all that they require.
So your the one i'm bidding against, good thing I already bought one yesterday, For a little less I would have gotten another. I need flashlight funds. hahaha
So you are the one who buys them in bulk! Good that you didn't jump in when I clicked the Confirm bid button too soon (different dialog screens on eBay.au).
Thought a BLF member is trying to get one, don't want to be too greedy and probably won't have any use getting two anyway. lol
I'm gonna try on the next one. If any of y'all fools snipe me at the last sec, I'll know it's you and hunt you down. :stare:
J/K :bigsmile:
Good luck! 
I've also ordered another NANJG 105 2.8A driver from KD - just in case it might be needed.
When I built in my first one (in an underdriven SSC-P7 flashlight), the results weren't any better than the monkey soldering jobs we often criticize, but it works fine and I'm learning. I might need a more powerful iron for soldering to the pill, though.
Can someone post a picture of the driver as mine is only driven to about 1.8Amps.
I want to see if the people who have 3Amps going to the led have a differrent driver.
Can someone post a picture of the driver as mine is only driven to about 1.8Amps.
I want to see if the people who have 3Amps going to the led have a differrent driver.
If you take a pic of your driver, perhaps others can compare or provide advice.
Also, I won this w/ the shady 2 cells+charger a few days ago (see post above). Not a bad deal for 30 or so. Can't wait to get it and eliminate the flashy modes w/ two batteries. :D
I wonder if that can be classed as a flashlight mod........lol
Please take a note of the High mode current before and after the electroshock therapy. I'm wondering if that only eliminates the modes or also converts the light to true direct drive.
Sorry but this Trustfire X9 is probably (one of) the last flashlight I would buy.
The LED seems screwed down on the edge of the tube. A hole for thermal path / heat dissipation ?...
That big alu plate actually does dissipate a lot of the heat and does transfer it to the body effectively. same as the one on the skyray stl v2
Well, mine arrived today..... but no batteries to test!!! I loaned them to my dad. However, I have some more coming from Manafont..... but it's bugging me!
I purchased this light from cyberport888 on Aug 9 and it arrived on my doorstep Aug 17. The notice it shipped came on Aug 11. That's not too shabby! I can provide pics later, but no beam shots. Although I'm sure you've seen enough of just the body by now. I have to say it's a very nice looking light. The color is fantastic. It's like a dark gun metal color. Just one small ding but the reflector and lens are spotless. The emitter is also perfectly centered.