Ok so I finally succumbed and decided to purchase a maxtoch torch - went to aliexpress and put in an order - boom order cancelled due to a security risk. WTF tried different email and stuff but still the same pallava - anyone got any suggestions? ???

Obviously you sorted your order snaffu

Haha welcome to the dark lite light side 

This is the headlamp
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/MAXTOCH-H01-Cree-XM-L2-U2-LED-With-Red-B...

I am currently sorting an issue with the latest Maxtoch H01 headlamp I received from AliXpress. The battery well inside the headlamp is precisely 18.6mm in diameter, measured with an internal bore mic. Which means it'll only take non protected 18650's as the industry standard for non protected is 18.4mm in dia. The industry standard for protected 18650's (according to wiki )is 18.6mm. Now my Panasonic and Samsung protected 18650's are actually 18.68mm across the fat part (the bit where the flat conductor from the base comes up the side of the battery to the protection circuit hidden under the button top). So there ain't no way they are going to fit properly . I did manage to get one 18650 inside, but as you can guess it was the devils job getting it out again, as I had to prize it out with a sharp blade digging into the side of the battery, which has buggered the 18650. I don't want to use the non protected, due to the fire risk. Will report back when I get an answer from them. May have to throw it in the lathe and bore it out a bit, but that's a fair bit of farting around for a $35 torch, even though when it was going it was pretty nice.  Rugerman wrote on Sep 18^th, 2015 at 10:54pm:

Yep, I've sent them pics showing the inside diameter so they can make their decision on what to do with it:)

Hello XR

What batteries are you using? We have had some issues with Samsung fit in a couple of lights. Can you try a panasonic or trustfire. What is the exact caliper width of the samsung.

Regards Mike

I have been using a H01 for a while and love it so decided to get my GF one ..... went to put batteries in it last night and they don't fit! They were a snug fit in my first H01 but the new one they don't have a chance of fitting. I have both Panasonic protected from Mountain Electronics and AliExpress. I have already confirmed order a few weeks ago so guess I  am stuck with it ....... All my other Maxtoch gear is better than awesome though!

XR and Paul - Amanda is sending you new HO1 lights - likely with a 2600mAh batt that fits. In the interim the HO1 may not be sold here until tube is made wider so it can accomodate more battery types.