FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

Oh, now I see what you mean! Yup, indeed this prototype seems a bit different from the original drawing! Maybe itā€™s just due to being a prototype? Or will it be like this in final version?

I like the neat clean look that Fritz designedā€¦

Minimalistic, elegant in itā€™s simplicity.

Oh, you mean the shape under the clip? The hard edge would grab your clothes and make it difficult to unclip. The tapered edge allows for it to slide cleanly.

This change was posted a week ago so a didnā€™t realize that was what you were talking about.

A simple 45Āŗ bevel at the hard edge in question would solve that without adversely affecting the simple elegance.

Sure, I could just chuck it up and recut the tube, no problem, but figured Iā€™d ask why it was changed.

Just like Fritzā€™s clean lines as compared to mimicking othersā€¦

They would not need that taper if the clip were longer, but then it would rub the head when you unscrewed it.

A shorter clip probably wouldnā€™t work very well.

I personally donā€™t like the sand blasted finish. A raw clear coat would look better. I think thatā€™s what was called for in post 1. A raw, machined look.

:open_mouth: Very interested! Put me down for one please. :slight_smile:

From what I hear, the bead blasted finish was a misunderstanding or something and the real thing should have more of a fresh-machined look.

About the sharp lip at the front vs the smooth ramp, Iā€™m not sure which I like better. The sharp edge gives a nice symmetry compared to the back and may look a bit nicer, while the smooth ramp seems more practical and ergonomic. It adds a bit of thermal mass, makes it easier to unclip, and helps differentiate one end from the other by feel. Both ways seem okay to me.

I much prefer the original design.

I forgot I even had my name down for this when I was looking for a new EDC light. This is looking great at the moment!

Original design is ā€™mo better IMHO.

+1 This is perfect. I love the original.

(of course the new external design is aceptableā€¦but not perfect)

I also much prefer the straight body over the newer curved look, but even though I considered it for a while I probably wonā€™t withdraw. A nice light is a nice light, after all.

I really like what I see here, for me itā€™s much nicer than the original. TK, could you measure dimensions? It seems thicker but shorter than on the original drawing.

Iā€™d love 18350 variant, it would certainly be my EDC favourite. But as it is, I simply find D4 to be better suited for this purpose.

I also like the ā€œsmooth rampingā€ design of the latest prototype. If the problems are sorted out, this will be a huge success.

From what I read in the german forum:

  • the curved look was made to make the clip work better with cloth. It seems Lumintop asked for something.
  • acceptance of the new design: itā€™s OK
  • many expressed they like the matt finish better than the polished one from the rendering.

My thoughts:
I hoped for a 45 deg chamfer like on the tool AAA. I donā€™t like that slope.
I like matt better than polished.
I tend to buy ugly lights if the UI is right.

Here is the discussion thread (German) about the new design.

It think there are changes which should be edited in the OP

Title: First prototype

Can the FW3A team ask a moderator to edit this in? The Miller is quite a bit away.

It was not a polished finish, it was a raw, straight from the lathe with marks and all then clear anodized.

Just noticed Iā€™m not on the listā€¦ Would like to be added please!

Prototype looks greatā€¦ I like the tapered edge but it could be shorter. Will a nichia 219C version be available?

There is no photo of it in that finish or?
Only a rendering.