I wasn't going to come back to this thread, but here I am.
Let me at least try and convince you to buy AW brand cells for 16340 size.
I have bought lots, at LEAST 150 different cells over the years, by various manufacturers. Mostly, overall, with 18650 cells I have had ok luck with budget brands. Oh sure, they may not last as long as they should, but in the case of most average lights, they perform OK. Why? Because with a ~1 amp load, we really aren't asking much of them. However, when using a high power flashlight, maybe something with a SSC P7, an MCE, an SST-50 or SST-90, or multiple emitter heads, or whatever, that is when the quality really shines.
However, when it comes to 16340 sizes, I have bought off brands for both myself and many friends. Even with better brands, like battery station cells, solarforce, soshone, not to mention all the "fires" the performance soon is very bad. Like, just not even acceptable bad. Yet, when paired with AW cells, it is like a whole new light. Most customers really don't understand this and just wonder why there light isn't working to full capacity? So here especially do I feel the price difference is worthwhile.
As I was saying, while one persons experience with the red and black trustfires for instance has been good, you can't count on it again.
Ok, 'nuff said