I recently got into this Flashlight game. I have two flashlights with “Cree XML-T6” label-plate on the body. After disassembly, on the emitter boards one is labeled “LatticeBright V2” and the other “LB” which I take to be LatticeBright perhaps V1.
Prior to this, I use 2AA MiniMags. As a new guy in this high power flashlight world, I found it hard to blame LatticeBright as some of the reply on this thread do. LatticeBright make their stuff, and they labeled it as such. Some flashlight manufacturer put LatticeBright stuff into a light but labeled the light as Cree XML-T6, and then the seller doesn’t verify. So the fault lies with either the manufacturer or the seller or both. I like the flashlight, but dislike the dishonesty. I would have preferred the flashlight advertised/labeled as XML-T6 compatible.
Those who mount an LB emitter onto an emitter-board with Cree name are committing the same crime. There is nothing wrong with a LatticeBright. Even if it is not as bright as a Cree, I found the savings worth while. If they labeled it accordingly, I think they will gain sale because more buyer feel more confident about the product.
A couple of months back, I ordered 5x TP4056, a Li-Ion charge management chip to replace the chips that I blown. I paid at least 3x the lower cost ones I could find on AliExpress. I choose the higher price seller because his chips looks right - Not only were they clones (without the logo shown on chip in the seller’s page), they are dangerous clones - these chips charge the Li-Ion at 4.5V!
In an ideal world, I wish they sell “work-alikes” as “work-alikes”, “refurbs” as “refurbs”. Buyer can decide do I want to spend 3x to get the real one or save some money and get a compatible. That was how the whole IBM-PC compatible come into being and everyone benefited. This false labeling is damaging everyone. Then again, in an ideal world, I would have a Lamborghini in my garage for weekends and a “cheaper car” like a Porsche 911 on my driveway for day to day driving… But I don’t. So world isn’t ideal as least for me.
So, in this non-ideal work, we have to take our chances. Since I want to keep some “backup bulbs” as I did with my 2AA MiniMag, I ordered a couple of “Cree XM-L2” labeled board. Given the price, good chance they are not Cree but LatticeBright as well. I just wish I know what I am really getting.
By the way, can someone with confirmed good XM-L2 post a photo of how it looks? Thanks…
Rick