I got three flashlights yesterday, all little zoomies. One is the first SK58 I had on order. I expected an Osram led and three modes but got an XR-E and one mode, which may make it redundant with the other one I have on order.
I got a grey 3 mode UltraFire SK68. Mailed from Sweden! I hope it is one of the two I ordered from http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2-x-SK68-Silver-UltraFire-CREE-Q5-Zoomable-Focus-LED-300lumen-Waterproof-Mini-AA-14500-Camp/596272788.html and not my XM-L order with the wrong led or the Smiling Shark I ordered with the wrong brand. There is no packing slip, as usual, and nothing on the envelope I can associate with any of my orders.
The third is the $2 wonder from Wallbuys discussed here 3-mode Zoom AA/1450 EXPIRED ! "Black" $1.99 Max 3ea . It seems an excellent design well executed. It is a re-designed narrower SK68. It is not as bright because it has a little less current (probably limited because of heating) and the lens is smaller and slightly longer focal length. But for practical use, the SK68 has output to spare and is big for its battery size, so this may be a better compromise. The smaller maximum diameter with about the same inner diameter means it can be machined from a smaller thinner tube, making it cheaper because less metal has to be machined off and it takes less material. $2.00 is just introductory but $4 seems to be its regular price. The slide takes just about the right force and bounces back a bit showing that it is waterproof. The finish is smooth everywhere and the threads on bezel and tail cap are good. I haven’t taken it apart yet. The longitudinal fins on the head may be extruded.