I've been really thinking about getting my first 18650 light and I noticed this one is a bit cheaper than the KD version and it already has the smooth reflector, which I want because I want the increased throw. I don't know how it compares to the KD version otherwise, which of course is insanely popular, so I was hoping someone had some experience with the Manafont version. At just under $24 this seems like an awesome deal for a potential XM-L thrower.
Well, the KD C8 isn't labeled as anything. C8's seem to be labeled with pretty much any brand you want on them, so I'm not sure that whether its a "real" ultrafire or not is much of an issue. Only way to know on the quality of any of the C8's is probably finding someone who has used one.
It matters since if it was any good they wouldn't need to print a fake logo on it. It also matters because we know Ultrafire makes good XM-L drop-ins, and now we know we don't get one of them with this light.
There's also KD C8s with SMO reflectors (and I bought one for my original OP one), so I don't see the need to roll the dice on a fake.
The KD C8 that I have has a 3A+ driver. The one you linked to only claims to draw 1.5A so I doubt that it will be as bright as the KD C8. And the actual phrase used is 'Ultrafire Mimic' not 'Ultrafire fake'. Is it possible that this is a 'tribute' flashlight? Either way, I wouldn't be too concerned what the description says - they're often wrong.
Yes, I have my eye on it, but the 1.5A driver does not excite me. With a fresh set of Ultrafire protected 2600mAh 18650's, my Palight C8 XP-G pulls 2.4A at the tail.
Mimic is the word manafont are using for fakes, see for example http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/swisscard-classic-8in1-compact-tool-set-chinese-opera-mask-p-6526
The text that it is fake is certainly correct, which can be seen on the pill and the body (why is left as an exercise). The text on every new XM-L light that the driver is 4.2V 1.5A? probably not so much.
I didn't see the C8 smooth verison at KD when I originally started the thread but have found it now. If I go with the C8, I guess I should be safe and jsut get the KD version. I wish the Trustfire F15 they have at manafont came with a smooth reflector. I like the look of that one much better than the C8.
Either way, I wouldn't be too concerned what the description says - they're often wrong.