Decided to run my direct drive and now getting 2.5 amps on fresh 18650.
Below is the driver it came with.
thats pretty disapointing news. i have a feeling that you might have just gotten a defective one though.
you should contact kd
I already did. lol
Am waiting for a reply on what the standard drive current is on these. No reason it shouldn’t be 3 amps or higher.
Got mine today too. Looks very bright. Unfortunately I don’t have a DMM around… Will try to find one and measure mine aswell 
Now I can rest easy.
Unless there is something wrong with the emitter or its solder to the star, only 2.5A in direct drive indicates a weak battery.
Using thin wires and cheap 18650 so i dont blow the led now… My senybor 2800mah can run mydarth on high at 3.8 amps.
Got my crappy GTL C8 XML T6 in my car, will try to sneak out (10 PM here and angry gf) and fetch it and compare. That one I measured to 2.65A on high with Sanyo 16650.
No beamshots for you tonight.
The KD C8 XM-L2 U2 has a far more yellow tint and a more focused beam than the GTL C8 XML T6 which is rather cold white. Can’t make out any big difference in throw. Must try in a darker environment than what can be found in my big city
Well, that sucks then. The light is not “wow” bright enough to school a run-of-the-mill T6 and you have to be out in country darkness to see a difference? That really sucks!
Okay, here are the responses from KD…
ME:
Hello,
I am from Budget Light Forum. One member already received his KD C8 from you…
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S021238
…and was disappointed to discover it was only driven at 1.5 amps on high.
At what drive current are these lights supposed to be driven?
We have always loved the KD C8s and hope that you will see to it that each light is driven at between 3 and 4 amps.
Thanks
KD:
“Hi friend,
Please don’t worry. This flashlight current will rise along with the temperature rise, it can drive current to 2.8mA.
If you need more help, just feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your long time support on KD and have a nice day.”
I’m thinking, huh??
So I replied…
ME:
Thanks for the quick response. We were hoping that current would hit between 3 and 4 amps because your XML2 U2 P60 drop-ins are advertised at between 3 and 4 amps. Can you explain the reason for the difference?
KD:
“Hi friend,
For the Cree XM-L2 U2 1400 Lumen 3.7V-4.2V 5-Mode SMO LED Lamp we have tested its current, it can reach 3-4A, But the C8 flashlight we have not tested its current, 2.8A is supplied by our supplier, maybe it can also reach 3-4A, we will test them later.
have a nice day.”
So there we have it.
OK! finished my mods to KD C8 XM-L2 U2 flashlight. Now running at 3.10 amps and probably just over 1000 lumens!! :bigsmile:
Got mine today,2,8 amps on high.
any new kd owners got the original c8 to compare the two?
XM-L T6 at 3 amps vs XM-L2 U2 at 3 amps
Same picture with brightness turned down.
Did my first try at some beamshots. Shot with Panasonic DMC-LX7.
Exposure: (1/30) | Aperture: f/2.8 | Focal Length: 4.7 mm | ISO Speed: 80
Here you can easily see that the KD C8 with the new LED is brighter.
Exposure: (1/160) | Aperture: f/2.8 | Focal Length: 4.7 mm | ISO Speed: 80
With a faster shutter the more focused beam on the KD C8 becomes visible. This photo also shows the more yellowish tint on the KD.
A closer look at the reflectors and LED
KD:
The pill is well centered and the reflector is very smooth. My reflector has a tiny defect, a little bubble.
GTL:
The lower quality shines through. The glass is not clear, the reflector is banded and not smooth. The LED is distanced to the reflector by a little piece of black plastic, probably explaining the wider beam.
The difference in weight without battery:
KD:
GTL:
Last, I have to update my post from yesterday. Compared the KD C8 XM-L2 U2 to my GTL C8 XML T6 again and the KD C8 is considerably brighter.
They look very alike, the only difference is in the proportions of the different segments of the flashlight.
Any kind input is much appreciated
Nice photos Grieflar! Thanks for sharing!
-Garry
received mine too with xm-l2 u2 with OP reflector.
havent tested it long enough to check it out fully… but im sure its brighter then my old kd light
Hi everyone, after reading the forum here, i finally decided to get myself a KD C8 Cree XM-L2 U2 1-Mode SMO LED Flashlight, hope it doesn’t disappointed me…. Looking forward for its arrival.
Being reading about this light, sounds like a good start I wanted to order the OP one because I plan to use it on a bike too, and also need to have it on me as I work as Security Guard, so wanted to ask you about recommendation for holster and bike mount.
Thanks