I can't speak for durability because I haven't really stressed it all that much. I'm just talking about the presentation. Mine came with just one tiny ding on a heat fin. I think the color matches well with the design and I admit I'm a sucker for nice looking gadgets. For me this comes across as more of a presentation light as opposed to a task light. But that's not to say it doesn't shine well! This is easily one of the best flashlights for the money over all, imo.
Stop talking up about the x9. All the ebay seller are checking us out. Just everybody say it is a bad light, so I can buy it cheaper. After this thread started, they keep raising the price. Stopped the thread. i know. I am just kidding, it is really a good light. Thanks for all the review.
Haha...I know what you mean. I'm looking to get another one and have been waiting for the free shipping auctions to begin again. IMO, they are worth $33.00, but I want a better deal. :)
Just got mine from ebay. Only pulls 1.30amps on 4.2V. Less bright than my KD C8 XML :( I'm using the Harbor Freight meter too but I know it works correctly because I get 2.89amps with my Skyray 3800.
How can they be so different? I measured my skyray 3800 at the same time I measured my x9 and it was 2.79. My x9 is very bright. Have I said it’s my favorite light yet?
So what's the main reason you guys suppose the lights are so inconsistent? Bad drivers? Bad solder job? Just cuz it's directly driven shouldn't mean it should be all over the map, should it?
Really beats me bro.... But I mean, i do not expect the lights to be perfect, even my TK70 had an issue. Thing is, if dealer support is there it makes things easier. Some will baulk at having to pay return shipping, but a good deal may even reimburse you in a different way. Really depends, this i can't really comment.
So I would think it should work. The 3-mode version is much more desirable although you'll pay a little more. At least you know you'll get it and will get it fast!
A very small Vf difference can mean 0.5A current draw difference with DD. Some of it comes down to emitter, some down to battery, some to measurement accuracy. Like with the 980L, some people were getting 3A, some frying their lights.
If the Skyray 3800 is regulated, any DMM will read the same, true, current (within their accuracy, of course).
With DD lights, the internal resistance of the ammeter plays a big role. On my X9, one DMM (20A range, low internal resistance) will read 2.05A, while a newer one (10A range, high internal resistance - didn't expect that!) will display 1.44A with the same thick short leads. If I connect both meters in series, they display about the same value (1% difference). The true (no external resistance added) current that I computed from measuring the current with either meter, along with voltage drop across ammeter and leads, should be about 2.2A (disregarding switch resistance).
Although I'll try to get a bit more from it with some unprotected batteries, I'm quite happy with this flashlight. The beam pattern is right what I need, it feels solid and looks great.
Forgot to mention. The values above are from an AW 2200 protected battery. All other protected batteries that I currently have will yield lower currents.
I got the x9 with cheap charger and batteries on eBay(auction) for $34. I know there were no more auctions for a few days, don’t know if they are back again or not.