Correct if I'm wrong, but isn't that TrustFire TR-3T6 advertised at CNQ just the 2-cell version?
I'm looking at the 3-cell TR-3T6, to purchase anywhere but "M".
i would go for the 3 cell version its rated at 0.5 amp more and its more versitile imo, the only place ive seen the 3 cell here
benckie, that's the only place I've seen them as well, but I won't buy any more product from "M".
I've dabbled a bit on flea-bay, but haven't found what I'm looking for yet.
fair call but flea bay has to be the last resort, i never have any luck on ebay with torch stuff unless its clear 18650 battery box,s
I have that light purchased from the same place you mentioned (Manafont). On the lux meter, on 3-cell operation as well as 2-cell operation, the light output is exactly the same. For regulated lights, it's much better to rely on the lux meter.
It's the same thing except w/ an extra metal tube extension.
Also, I'm not sure why we're blaming Sky Ray (or MF) here. They just rebrand the same stuff that Fandyfire does. That means next light from them could be good, or crap.
I have the original version of the skyray. My son loves that light and beats it like rented mule. Can’t tell you how many times it has shut down from getting too hot. It comes back every time after a few minutes. I am actually very impressed with it’s durability. I’m sure there are a lot more out there still kicking like mine, just don’t hear about them.
Luckily i didn't order the skyray, now let's hope the dry doesn't let me down! (ordered 1,5w ago, so probably wil have to wait another week or 2)
im not sure it they are the same thing, the manufacturer claims the 2 cell version is regulated at 2.5 amps and the 3 cell version of the light is regulated at 3 amps
but i gues there is many factor,s in this, the torch its self, the user, the cells used and how its measured and if the ddm leads have been moded to give false higher readings, the lux meter would be the proof as already stated.
but i stand by my comment that the 3 cell is more versitile and it will provide longer run time between charging but the extra two extention tube,s will cost you and extra 30 cents so since its only 30 cents more and it gives you the option of 2 or 3 cell use and a claimed 0.5 amp more regulation i would go for the 3 cell version even if there is no diffrence to the regulation, its 30 cents..
ive been very happy with manafont service over the firt 10 orders
im not sure it they are the same thing, the manufacturer claims the 2 cell version is regulated at 2.5 amps and the 3 cell version of the light is regulated at 3 amps
I think if there's one thing we've learned here on this forum, it's that manufacturer specs are largely arbitrary. Here it really makes no sense at all to make two different versions.
i concur but people spend the extra 30 cents
You talking about the SR and TF triples? Definitely they are different, i mean different drivers (if that's what the majority of the concerns are) as someone has taken the guys. Also different drive levels. Eg, SR3800 is 160 lux reflected bounce, TF-3T6 is 130 lux reflected bounce. The trustfire also has a wee bit tighter spot, just a wee wee bit....when i A-B them on a white wall a couple of metres away. Not sure how that translates to throw lux though....never bothered to measure. heh...
Definitely buy the 3-cell trustfire! Then you can use the extension for Direct Driving the SR3800 when the driver Poofs! Hehe... :D (yes, for other's general info, the Trustfire tubes fits the Sky Ray, no issue and that's what i am doing now)
I'm a bit addicted to triple XM-Ls. Luckily the Jetbeam RRT-3 XM-L is like 400 bucks.
I mean the "2cell" and "3cell" Trustfires. For some reason they have different current spec even though we figure it's the same thing but with an extra extension for the latter.
@agent hex, I don't know about we, but I'm blaming skyray for two failed lights, and blaming Manafont for subpar customer service.
Pretty much it, in a nutshell.
The voltage spec is different as well. the 3 cell version is rated at 8.4 to 12.6 volts vs 7.2 to 8.4 volts for the 2 cell version.
I'm just saying it's nothing out of the ordinary for HK vendors and their sources. The original versions were better, and soon as demand rose quality dropped.
There is more then two failures
So are end user reports
I have the SR3800 Rev 0 (I think). It arrived DOA like so many others here have.
After some battling, Lightake sent a replacement driver board. It fixed the problem!! I have to give Lightake their due here - they did a fairly good job finding a replacement board, and fairly quickly.
It was not that hard to replace, although some soldering skills are required. I have asked Lightake if they plan on getting in and selling these driver boards since so many have failed, I am sure they would have a market for a fair number. I would not mind a couple of spares myself. Perhaps if other users here also asked Lightake for the drivers (service@lightake.com) they might consider it. Since Manafont sells the same torch, perhaps they might consider it also.
I have the Trustfire 3*T6 and the SR3800. From initial tests and comparisons, the SR3800 is a lot brighter than the Trustfire. The 'white spot on wall' test shows that the SR3800 is about twice as bright. This is purely subjective, of course.
Not too sure who would buy a SR3800 now though - so many failures it seems fairly foolish to do so.
I did a walk around test tonight. The SR3800 is certainly a bit brighter. Not enough to make me toss the Trustfire out though! One thing that came up very quickly - the SR3800 started to get hot very quickly. Within a few minutes the top of the torch became uncomfortable. I do not think I would trust the SR3800 being on high for more than 5 minutes or so. On the other hand, the Trustfire remained cool the whole time.
Its probably the whiter/bluish tint that causes it to look brighter. The TF-3T6 has a slightly warmer tint.
Anyway both reflected ceiling bounce and direct hotspot measurements show that the 3T6 is about 20% lower in output. Its 130 vs 160 lux reflected ceiling bounce (3T6/SR3800) and 210 vs 260 lux direct hotspot measurement (3T6/SR3600). This gels with the tailcap measurements, as well as those on thaicpf. Not that it is bad or anything, just that it's driven a bit lower.
Just for info, the DRY 3-mode DD CW does 250 lux reflected and 395 lux direct measurement. So that is about twice the output of the TF-3T6. 
If i cool the head with ice cubes, it goes from 250 -> 300 lux reflected with fresh batteries so that's well over 4 amps. You'll get 32k candelas of "throw". I managed to get a top of 36k candelas with dry ice but that's with the SR3800 in direct drive.