Hi cabfrank, thanks for having tested the DD offering and I am really sorry that they shipped the 1-mode version only, which also means that you cannot use 14500's (afaik). i have added your experience to the PRICING section of the RC-29 review.
With DD, very often the webpage description (and photographs) do *not* coincide with what is actually shipped/delivered ("DD is lottery"). When this happens i usually contact DD thru the chat channel and accept a partial refund in form of a giftcard to be redeemed with your next DD purchase.
When it comes down to the RC-29 (which is per se an old torch model and already several years on the market i guess), i only see good sense in buying it if one gets the 3-mode version *and* if one operates the 3-mode version with 14500's. Then it makes sense to compare its light output performance with newer torch models such as the Xeno E03 or Balder SE-1 which are more expensive.
So you're looking for the brightest/best throwing 14500 zoomie?
There isnt much to choose from. There is the Sipik SK68 (the original revision comes nowadays with a 3-mode driver too!!!!!!) and there is the Romisen RC-29. If can find contenders in the sub 14.99$ price class, forget them. The Sipik and the Romisen are the two very best in the sub 14.99$ class.
And when you leave the budget class and search for zoomie lights in the 19.99$-29.99$ price class, then forget it too. At this higher price level you better buy something ELSE, e.g. a Xeno E03, Klarus P1A or Shiningbeam I-mini .. i.e. premium-like quality lights with fixed reflectors. Well that's how Sue C's it ;)