Lumintop FW3A Flashlight Review

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight Review

Here’s a review of the Lumintop FW3A flashlight, a light I signed up to purchase around 2 years ago.  Read on to see why it’s worthwhile!


Official Specs and Features

Here’s a link to the Lumintop FW3A Flashlight product page.  Importantly, here’s a link to the BudgetLightForum.com development page with all the info you might want and more.

Versions

There’s just one body version of this light, but so far there are 4 emitter options.  Three temperatures of Cree XP-L HI (3300K, 5000K, and 6500K), and one option for Nichia; 219c, 4000K.

It’s expected that later this light will be available in a copper body, and possibly also titanium.  Titanium is going to be a killer.  There’s a rumor of an 18350 version, too.

Price

Cree options are all $49, and the Nichia rings in a little less, at $44.  The coupon NDFW3A will take 20% off!   ($39.20/35.20).  Mine came from NealsGadgets!


Short Review

The short review has to include two instructions.  1) Swap the cell by removing the head or destroying the brain.  2) When you don’t follow step 1, don’t lose the ridiculously tiny little rubber nib that is required for proper flashlight function.

Now that that’s out of the way, go buy this light.  That’s it, that’s the review.  Go buy two.  (I bought one, even though I got one for review!!  And I’ll probably buy another.)

Long Review

The Big Table

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight
Emitter: Cree XP-L HI (3D (NW))
Price in USD at publication time: $49.95
Buy it at NealsGadgets with the coupon NDFW3A for $39.20 (35.20 Nichia).
Cell: 1×18650
Turbo Runtime High Runtime
LVP? Yes
Switch Type: E-Switch
Quiescent Current (A): ?
On-Board Charging? No
Claimed Lumens (lm) 2800
Measured Lumens (at 30s) 840 (30% of claim)^
Claimed Throw (m) 223
Candela (Calculated) in cd (at 30s) 188lux @ 4.755m = 4251cd
Throw (Calculated) (m) 130.4 (58.5% of claim)^ (measured at 30s, not startup! That explains the disparity).
All my Lumintop reviews!

^ Measurement disclaimer:  Testing flashlights is my hobby. I use hobbyist-level equipment for testing, including some I made myself. Try not to get buried in the details of manufacturer specifications versus measurements recorded here; A certain amount of difference (say, 10 or 15%) is perfectly reasonable.

What’s Included

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

  • Lumintop FW3A Flashlight
  • Spare o-rings (2)

I did not get a manual, though you probably will.  There’s one below, so it doesn’t really matter.

Package and Manual

The Lumintop-ness of this light is evident from just looking at the box – it’s a very Lumintop box (which is fine, they make great boxes).

I didn’t get a manual; fortunately, it’s available online:

Anduril_-_FW3A_user_manual

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

 

Build Quality and Disassembly

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

I absolutely love the Lumintop FW3A flashlight.  The build is great.  It’s a great size and shape.  The anodizing is smooth and pleasant.  The knurling is plenty, diamond cut, and done better than lights that cost an order of magnitude more.  The clip is solid.  All in all, the build quality for a sub $40 light is spectacular.

Have a look at those threads.  Big beefy square-cut threads.  They aren’t anodized but the light can still be mechanically locked out easily, since the electrical connection is actually through the sleeve.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Here’s the driver, showing off a bunch of its goodies.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Closer look at the threads.  They’re a pleasure to use.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

The cell tube is not reversible.  The threads on the head and tail are actually different, (so whether the sleeve will go in either way is irrelevant).

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

This is the inside of the tailcap, which I recommend you not ever seeing.  You’ll lose the rubber nib.  You’ll lose it, just trust me on this one.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Here are the parts you’ll have to replace when you take the tailcap apart.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

And here’s the best shot I could get of the microscopic little rubber nib that fits into the rubber switch cover.  I don’t know why this is made the way it is, but if I was Lumintop I’d ship 10 of these with every light.  The light will absolutely not function properly without that tiny piece of rubber.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

The inner sleeve has a lip that keeps it in place but it’ll slide out completely if you wish to make it.  This is with the tailcap off.  The two white o-rings aren’t actually o-rings (in the stretchy silicone sense) but more like teflon gaskets.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

And the money shot, without the nib and with.

Size and Comps

Weight: Approximately 53 g without cells
Size: 25.5 mm Ø head x 92.5 mm length

This is an “appropriately sized” 18650 light.  Meaning it doesn’t waste any space at all doing what it needs to do.

MUCH shorter than the venerable Convoy S2+.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

On par in fact, with the 18350 TorchLAB BOSS 35.  This is a feat.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Retention and Carry

The only way included for carrying the FW3A is the pocket clip.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

It’s a collar-type clip, and unfortunately, the collar has a slightly larger diameter than the body, but it’s only slight, and I haven’t been bothered by it.  The clip is steel, and not incredibly thick; thick enough to be useful, but thin enough to be springy.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

There’s also a hole in the top and bottom of the clip, on to which a lanyard might be connected.

Power and Runtime

The FW3A is powered by a single 18650 cell.  Springs on both ends means any type 18650 can be used, but the max length is 66mm (which by definition rules out many protected cells, many button top cells, and probably all protected button top cells.)

I tested the light with two different cells (noted in the runtime).  Since the light has a FET+1 for Turbo, a high-quality cell will vastly improve performance (conversely, a lower drain cell will provide lesser outputs).  The stepdown from Turbo is dramatic and quick, even with a minimal rise in temperature.  At 30 seconds, the output was in the extreme downslope, so the output at 30s is an estimated 2700 lumens.  More interestingly for the flashlight fanatic is the initial value of around 3600 lumens on startup!  Also note that throw in the table above is measured at 30s, which accounts for the number being so disparate from the claim.  That’s sort of expected, but for consistency, I’ll still leave the 30s value.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Note that the output seems to modulate a bit there with room temperature fluctuations – it’s not baseline flat.  The light never shut off in these tests, but it’s known to have LVP.

High performed similarly.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Modes and Currents

Currents for each mode were not tested because I couldn’t convince my cables to connect with the e-switch in such a way to make the driver happy.  (And I’ve killed my fair share of lights with my bench power).  But the Turbo draw will be so dependent upon the cell being used, that it’s a little meaningless to quote a number.

Pulse Width Modulation

That’s every mode in the stepped option, plus turbo.  PWM is seen on the low three modes but seems to trail off after that.  I can’t notice it on any mode with the naked eye, though.

For reference, here’s a baseline shot, with all the room lights off and almost nothing hitting the sensor.  Also, here’s the light with the worst PWM I could find.  I’m adding multiple timescales, so it’ll be easier to compare to the test light.  Unfortunately, the PWM on this light is so bad that it doesn’t even work with my normal scale, which is 50 microseconds (50us). 10ms5ms2ms1ms0.5ms0.2ms.  In a display faster than 0.2ms or so, the on/off cycle is more than one screen, so it’d just (very incorrectly) look like a flat line.  I wrote more about this Ultrafire WF-602C flashlight and explained a little about PWM too.

User Interface and Operation

The interface for this light is a tail clicky, but unusually, it’s an e-switch.  That’s a bit of a coup, and something not many manufacturers are doing (in tail-switch form).  Lumintop actually has the Tool AAA, which has a tail e-switch option.  And at least one more option I can’t think of right now.

The button itself is metal (with that rubber cover under it), and has a very minimal amount of travel (1mm or less).   Despite being a very big switch, it’s possible to actuate from anywhere on the surface – even the tiniest fingernail on the very edge will still work.

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

It should absolutely be noted that there are replacement switch covers.  For example, Neal sells turboglow options (which I’ll be ordering obviously [r/GITD!!]).  There are a bunch of color options.  Here’s that option.

This chart will probably be more useful for you right brain users….

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

 

But here’s a UI table anyway!

State Action Result
Off Hold On (Low)
Off Click On (Mode Memory)
Off Click 2x Highest Hybrid Mode
Off Click 3x Blinkie Mode Group
Off Click 4x Lockout
Off Click 5x Momentary
Off Click 6x Muggle
Off Click, Click, Hold Strobe Group (Mode Memory Strobe)
Strobe Group Click 2x Strobe Cycle (Candle > Bike Flasher > Party Strobe > Tactical Strobe > Lightning Storm)
Blinkie Mode Group Click 2x Blinke Cycle (Sunset > Beacon > TempCheck > BattCheck)
On Click 3x Switch between Stepped and Smooth Ramp
On Click 4x Ramp Configuration
TempCheck Click 4x Thermal Configuration
Beacon Click 4x Beacon Configuration
Lockout Click 4x Off
Strobe Group Click Off
(Basically) On Click Off
Candle Click 3x 30 minute timer to off
Strobe Group Hold Heighten selected mode (Make faster or brighter)
Strobe Group Click, Hold Lessen selected mode (Make slower or dimmer)
On Click 2x FET Turbo
Ramp Configuration [Wait for Single flash] Click N time for level N. Selection of the “Low” you like best by clicking 1, 2, 3, etc. where 1, 2, 3, etc are different levels of low.
Ramp Configuration [Wait for Second flash] Click N time for 1+Turbo-N. Selection of the “Ceiling” you like best by clicking 1, 2, 3, etc. where 1, 2, 3, etc are different Ceiling levels.
Ramp Configuration [Wait for Third flash] Click for how many steps you want in Stepped mode. Sets Number of Steps.
Thermal Configuration [Wait for First flash] Click for N times for N degrees C. Displays Current Temperature.
Thermal Configuration [Wait for Second flash] Click for N times for 30C + N. Sets Temperature Limit.
Beacon Configuration [Wait for First flash] Click for N times N seconds per flash Sets Beacon Speed.

This is a second pass on a table for Andúril, and it might still be incomplete.  It’s also the longest UI table I’ve done, which highlights the versatility of this UI.

LED and Beam

My review copy of this light (and also the version I ordered) has the Cree XP-L HI 5000K emitter option.  It’s a triple, so there are three of them in there.  They are behind an optic – in this case a Carclo 10511 (matte), which gives a fantastic, even beam profile.  With all the accessory modes (namely Candle), this would make a great WW light!  Here is the list:

Cree XP-L HI 7A (WW 3300K)
Cree XP-L HI 3D (NW 5000K)
Cree XP-L HI 1A (CW 6500K)
Nichia 219C 4000K

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

These beamshots are always with the following settings:  f8, ISO100, 0.3s shutter, and manual 5000K exposure.  The first is the lowest mode, and the last is the highest mode – between is just ramps along the way.

Tint vs BLF-348 (KillzoneFlashlights.com 219b version) (affiliate link)

Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

I compare everything to the Killzone 219b BLF-348 because it’s inexpensive and has the best tint!

Conclusion on the Lumintop FW3A Flashlight

Buy this at NealsGadgets with the coupon NDFW3A for $39.20 (35.20 Nichia)!  I doubt you’ll find a better light for this price.

What I like

  • Build quality is good
  • Low price
  • NW and WW tint options (Cree XP-L HI is great)
  • Ramping User Interface

What I don’t like

  • Wish the Samsung LH351d would be an option

Notes

  • This light was provided by NealsGadgets.com for review. I was not paid to write this review.
  • This content originally appeared at zeroair.org.  Please visit there for the best experience!
  • For flashlight-related patches, stickers, and gear, head over to PhotonPhreaks.com!
  • Use my amazon.com referral link if you’re willing to help support making more reviews like this one!
  • Please support me on Patreon! I deeply appreciate your support!
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30 thoughts on “Lumintop FW3A Flashlight Review”

  1. Hey Zero. Great review of a fantastic light. Just wanted to point out that the gitd thing is a glow gasket that sits behind the optic. I got a red one for my fw3a and while it’s not super bright, does last a few hours and, more importantly looks bloody cool.

    Can’t wait for a copper or titanium version!

    1. Yep, I failed to mention the actual glow gasket that’s available. What I was more excited about was the glow button, which is also available!

      All these glowy things!!! GITD all the things!!

      1. Glow buttons!! Didn’t know about those, cheers! Everything must glow!

        Also copper just dropped… not sure if i can wait for the 219c versions to come into stock… ahh decisions…

          1. hahaha true. But my modding skills are not quite up to that level… yet. Reckon i’ll start with flashing firmware first. (Un)fortunately, my wallet has not yet recovered from my other silly purchases… so wait for Ti to drop then buy both it is!

          2. Oh man I think reflowing some emitters is simpler than flashing firmware!! I have done emitters. I have the items required for firmware, but I haven’t tackled that one yet!

  2. what is a good/best cell for this light? would you consider posting the best (or favorite) lights and cells in each size and category? it would be a great resource to new folks like me. thx!

    1. I like the Molicel 18650s available at liionwholesale.com but I’m testing a VTC5D right now which also seems to be very good.

      Personal favorite for me is the LG HG2 thought, mainly because I like the wrapper color (and they’re great cells.)

      How would you like to see a recommendation list? As a regular post? I always mean to put something together but there’s so much out there….

      1. thanks for the reply. i ordered the molicel based on your review, and will look at the others.

        for a recommendations list, it would be great to see a “leaderboard”-type page, updated with whatever frequency is practical, showing a top pick or picks for each category of light and cell, with links to your full reviews if available. there are several sites that do this for pocket knives and other gear, but i haven’t seen something like this for the flashlight community from a trusted source. examples:

        https://knifeinformer.com/category/reviews/high-end/?sort=score
        https://knifeinformer.com/the-best-edc-folding-knife/

        1. This is a great idea, and definitely something I’d like to implement.

          I think my reviews might need to change a little to allow that, though – from the site format all the way down to each and every review. I’d need an actual grade on each item, which gets complicated quickly, and also I’d need the site to sort those numbers….

          I’m totally into that! I just have no idea how.

  3. bought this light on your recommendation. can you suggest a good/best cell for it? thx!

    1. I like the Molicel 18650s available at liionwholesale.com but I’m testing a VTC5D right now which also seems to be very good.

      Personal favorite for me is the LG HG2 thought, mainly because I like the wrapper color (and they’re great cells.) 😀

      1. I think I’m going to get the SST-20 version. Not sure why they don’t offer it as an option for the copper version.. I emailed Neil to find out.

  4. This is very nice light, if you remember to never remove the tailcap. But, I’ve only EDC’d it once, and since then it has sat on a shelf. It is WAY too easy to turn on the light when carrying it in a pocket. The switch needs to be recessed or something. Yes, you can lock-out the light, but IMO that makes it annoying to use. Pity, as this light would be fantastic if not for the switch.

  5. Like your output vs temperature graph. What would be the highest output that can be hold for more than 10 minutes?
    As far as I can see other reviews says the max sustained output is about 200 lumens without overheat.
    I need a light which can hold 500lm for more than 10 mins. Would this possible from your testing?

    1. Sorry, I didn’t test the light in a way that would let me know the information you are asking. But to be honest, 500 lumens isn’t all that high, and I don’t see any reason many lights couldn’t do that for 10 minutes. That said, just look for a light with better (or more) heatsinking.

      Just as a random example, the Nitecore NM01 (the last light I’ve reviewed) holds nearly 500 lumens (430 or so?) for almost 2 hours.

      https://zeroair.org/2019/08/19/nitecore-nm01-flashlight-review/#Power_and_Runtime

  6. Hi, i have ordered one but i am not an expert… Can someone plz help me to understand how to use it… It is pretty conplicated the ardiril ui to me… Thanks guys ps sorry, i am ‘a new one’ in UR world…

    1. Hope the review/UI table will help fairly sufficiently. Anything specific you need help with?

  7. Hi Zeroair, great review as always. Can you confirm whether or not your FW3A came with a glow “sheet” behind the optic? I am not talking about a Turboglow gasket you might get from Illumn, JC Customs, or Neals, but something more akin to a thin sheet of paper that is GITD, like the early Okluma DC1’s came with (and still may). I have not seen this mentioned anywhere but my light, also from Neal, had it installed.

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  9. Received a FW3A from Nealsgadgets. It worked for 10 minutes. Zhang of Nealsgadgets just told be to tighten it. No other support from Zhang. Stuck with broken light. Very bad experience with the FW3A and Zhang. I’ll have to stay with reputable brands like Fenix and Olight.

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