got my light in this morning sat trustfire.. x9 
all I gotta say DX needs to take a Q from these good e-bay
sellers I have bought most my lights from them and the packing and fast shipping is A+
DX if your here.. are you listening 
Does anyone know if this light can easily be moded with Shining beams 3-mode Regulated circuitboard 2.8A? Or are there any better/cheaper options?
See post #25 and #26. They recommend this driver: http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=10995
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.
Sorry guys where are you ordering it for $33? Cheapest I can find is $37.10 CAD...
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.
Guy on ebay comes out with auctions once and awhile…there were 2 when I bid on one…just was lucky at the time…
These are the other sites to keep an eye on. Could be the same seller. They stopped the auctions at the same time and the Buy Now prices are the same too.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Redlog-Store/_i.html?_nkw=TrustFire+X9&submit=Search&_sid=1001033922
http://stores.ebay.com.au/CyberPort888/_i.html?_nkw=TrustFire+X9&submit=Search&_sid=604165567
http://stores.ebay.com.au/GoMarketStore/_i.html?_nkw=TrustFire+X9+&submit=Search&_sid=647010092
I think you're right. Including the link I posted, they must have at least a million feedback.
It's a damn monopoly!
This driver despite being labeled as '5 mode', is actually programmable and is set up with different modes depending on which star you short to ground. You can set this driver up for 3 mode (HML) if you want or go for the strobe modes. It is the best single cell XML driver IMHO.
Do you know how to do this? what to solder? I tried soldering a driver before and destroyed one.
This is THE reference.
https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/1022
You don't need to break the existing connection between the first star and minus ring when you connect your chosen star to the minus ring (the latter takes precedence).
Actually it'd be real nice if we get more contributions of beamshots of X9 and other similar lights, like C8 and X9 side by side, etc etc....
Sparktastic,
I sent you a PM a few days ago. I'll just post it here:
Have you already removed the pill for your X9 and if so, how did you go about doing it? I've only unscrewed the emitter to take a peek at the top side of the driver. Thanks
Okay, I just want to update my tailcap readings because I'm now using an Equus 3320, which clearly have more suitable leads. The results are much more in line with other X9 owners here and shows the driver to be a little more consistent than I originally believed.
1.85A on HIGH
1.00A on MED
0.20A on LOW
The DMM (or leads) do make a big difference and the Equus 3320 has proved to be far more consistent. In fact, I'll go as far as to say it's primarily the leads because I used the HF leads in the Equus and got similar results as I got with them plugged into the HF DMM.
I wish I had a C8 to compare. But what I can do is run a lightmeter test. I can give you a lux reading. Let me go dig it out..
All I can do is provide another X9 vs Keygos KE5 comparison, like Ian already did. Although I'd say the KE5 has gotta be pretty dang similar to the C8. Having the KE5 I see no reason to acquire the C8. You're good to go with either.
I'm visiting at the parents' place, which is many many miles from any significant ambient city light so it's a good place for beamshots and visual testing. They live on 40 acres and the neighbors all live on even larger parcels so that gives you an idea of the density ;) However, monday will literally have a full moon 
All readings taken at 1 meter (~39 inches).
UniqueFire G10 w/ 4.17v 14500 = 3,756 lux (ave of 3 readings)
Husky w/ 2D nimh 1.30v = 20,989 lux (ave of 3 readings)
TrustFire X9 w/ 4.17v 18650 = 36,489 lux (ave of 3 readings)
TrustFire X9 w/ 2xCR123a = 40,256 lux (ave of 2 readings)