I have the same problem with the sliders on mine.I got the nitecore. Only gripe I got is the sliders/spacers are a bit flimsy and tend to get stuck instead of slide if you try to push them backwards with a 18650. So you need to use both hands.
works great otherwise. Guess I will need to get the newer model to get smooth sliders.
I would guess that as well.A friend said that it might be the xmas/ new year mail lag. Hopefully it is.
I had some mesh from a co-op and it came yesterday but the tracking said the same thing till it was at my house