yep buy a new C8…even the screw in modules are as much as a new C8…
You are definately correct on that. I bought 3 empty C8 pills for 4.14 each and the leds alone averaged prolly $4 and the drivers were around $3-$3.50 that all adds up to $11-$11.50. I only paid $8 for a Q5 C8. lol
But i am putting a few different type of leds in there to play with so hopefully they will be sweet!
So unless you just like modding stuff like I do then buy it all setup and ready to go and probably will be just as good and cheaper….
option two sound like fun have been thinking of doing something like that lately myself…. 
Spend $30 and get the XIN TD C8 ver. 3 from intl-outdoor.
Best C8 made, and you can choose your modes (no blinkies!) and your tint.
This light will blow you away in terms of quality.
I agree, the dino direct one will give you 450 lumens tops
wished i had some advice like this for some lights. Maybe in the future I’ll ask.
Buy an xml pill for $10 or a whole new light.
Not trying to hijack, but is anyone aware of a C8 type that is neutral or warm other than the $30 XIN TD at international outdoor store ?
I checked two XML flashlights (clones) their build quality is good. but there is a question actually they produce at least 700 lumens ?
Both flashlights with fully charged batteries (single 18650) give me 2.5A, 2.3A tailcap readings and dropping.
when battery voltage is 3.6V tailcap measures 1.5A
that turn me to buy XML emitter + good driver…
+25-30$ more and go for sky ray king :bigsmile:
$30 far away from my budget :~
My advice - buy C8 with longer reflector, for example Trustfire C8 from buyincoins.
Dinodirect has some good ones and some bad ones, you never know wich oone youll get (reflectors are also different), so be careful)…
Those Trustfires from buyincoins (I dont know if you can get 5 or 10% discount) are real “killers”, well driven and well, solidly built. Before whey were cheaper. Throw 200 meters without much problems.
Little longer reflector gives you much in throw department and yoiu dont lose much spill if any. Just hotspot is tighter. Almost same size, littlelonger flashlight
I already got a C8 from Buyincoins. it comes with XP-E. Build quality is very good. This is the flashlight I plan to upgrade to XML
I was talking about Trustfire C8 XML (maybe there’s no C8 in item title)
I recently purchased the newly released Ultrafire C8 U2 bin from Lightmalls. I’m very impressed with it. With a good 18650, I just measured 871 lumens otf after 30 seconds and even has a throw of 34100 at 1m. Very impressive for the appx $18 I paid. My brothers T6 bin C8 even put out 742 lumens otf and measured a throw of 25600 at 1m. I think his cost about $14.
On these newer ones make sure you use a decent 18650 though. Both C8’s had substantially lower output on cheap ultrafires - I’m talking about 200 lumens less. The U2 light especially is drawing some decent amps & some of these cheapy batteries can’t handle it.
Thanks 
Nice deal.
You could always get the Ultrafire C8 XM-L U2 for $17.40
From my experience, it is a great light, but the head is a bit too big for EDC if that is what you are getting it for.
Just to give a different option, last month I received this "upgrade" version of C8 from CNQG.
http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1454
I can tell you the reflector and beam are very similar to my UF C8, throwy but with a smooth transition between hotspot and corona.
It has the usual Nanjig105C so one can choose the modes config. (mine 3 levels, no strobe)
Measured 2.83A on high, it's a good match with the well known Xin-TD C8.
As for the different style, I actually like it more than "usual" C8.
The head has that tapered shape that blends better with the body, and the square knobs knurling gives a good grip.
Approved and suggested!
Interesting light! Does it tailstand? From the 2nd photo, it looks like it does.
Also, at 155mm length, would that mean it’s about the same dimensions as the XinTD? Most Ultrafire C8s are about 10mm shorter.
I guess my main reservation would be the price. With shipping to be added, it may come up to very close to the price of the XinTD