It sounds like maybe the protection circuit is holding the current back as a guess. It could be that when it tripped it did not reset properly? (just a shot in the dark)
I just went and rechecked with mine to be sure I wasn’t lying but………
I don’t get nearly enough lumens difference to tell with my eyes using the Thrunite cell , the Basen High Drain , Efest High Drain , or the AWT High Drain cells.
I also checked each on my meter and there wasn’t but bout about 80 to 100 lumens difference across all the cells when the light is turned on (at start). All of the cells were fully rested but had been fully charged prior to setting them back on the shelf.
If you haven’t already asked about it , I would find out if they will send another cell with the new light , even if you have to send back the one you have now with the light.
*EDIT: Ok I was really curious and went and done some more checking.
With the Thrunite cell and all the above mentioned High Drains the light comes on with an average of around 3700 to 3795 lumens and all have around 9.7 amps at start at the tail.
The kicker and what is making me wonder now about the included cell is………….
With the Thrunite cell although it has the highest initial amperage at start with 10.03 amps , it drops off sharply at about 18 to 20 seconds to around 7.9 amps and 2600 lumens. (different than my initial 30 second test when I got the light)
The rest of the high drain cells start at about 9.5 to 9.7 amps , but none of those drop off below around 9.1 to 9.2 , even up to 45 seconds and all the high drains are still retaining around 3500 lumens at the 30 to 40 second mark.
Very interesting indeed.*
I have already emailed them to report a possible problem and included my findings with my sample also.