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

Yes, there are 12 individual marks, arranged like the hours on a clock. And with one emitter different, it’ll look even more like a clock, because the marks at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock will be a different color. In addition to those, I find XP-L HI in 10507 also produces three large corona “petals” which surround the hotspot like a big triangle. One of these three would also be a different color. Maybe it’s not so noticeable with 4000K and 5000K though, since they’re both pretty neutral.

With 10511 the big triangle is gone and the clock hour marks are much less noticeable.

I only quoted this one key word… because “should” really doesn’t apply to any part of this process. And for life in general, I find that “should” is usually just a path to disappointment.

Exactly. I don’t know either. Neal doesn’t really tell me much detail about anything. However, I can confirm it’s not just the FW3A. The BLF Lantern seems to be having some difficulty sourcing LH351D emitters too.

There are no concrete answers yet. However, there is a high probabilty of more than two, in the future… because I think this light will probably be very popular if it is made well with no major flaws. Like, if the driver fit and reliability issue is fixed, it will probably sell very well.

The BLF A6 was very popular, and is still being produced and sold years later. It’s a practical general-purpose EDC light, and I think it has now sold more units than every other BLF project. It still gets recommended on forums because no one has yet made a better budget light to replace it. But I think the FW3A could finally replace the BLF A6.

If my guess is right, and if things go well, it may become a best-seller. So I’m guessing Lumintop will want to produce more versions of it in the future.

This is true. However, I did ask for feedback about the emitter type. I want to know if people are okay with using SST-20, which is easier to get, or if they’d rather wait for LH351D even though it could take quite a while.

It’s not a quantitative poll though. Even if people voted 100% one way or the other, I can’t guarantee what will actually happen. It’s more to just get a general qualitative feel of what people prefer, so we can give a suggestion to the manufacturer.

My favorite by far is XP-L HI. I think I’ve been fairly clear about that, but just in case… it’s the one I consider the best for this light. I would ideally only make the light with XP-L HI emitters, and offer it in 7D, 5D, 4D, 3D, and 1D tints. Or maybe 6D, 5A, 3D, 2A. Perhaps 7A, 5D, 4A, 2D. Something like that.

I’ve tried both LH351D and SST-20, but my experience with both so far has been “icky green tint”, even at high CRI. But maybe that would be better with the correct tint bin.

However, this project isn’t just for me. Or just for Fritz. We already have one. This project is for the people. And a lot of people really like LH351D or SST-20. So we’ll use those… or at least one of the two. If either one can be obtained in a rosy tint bin, I think it would turn out well.

My favorite, and many other’s as well, is also XPL-HI. I think some people want to just try another emitter, or keep the cost slightly lower. I’m sure I’d be very happy with just two XPL versions.

3D and 5D XPL HI are great options. Hank's been selling the 5D's for quite a while now, but who knows if they are still available in the supply chain.

The LH351D's are exciting for being high CRI and good lumens, while the SST-20's are exciting for super high CRI, decent lumens and better throw. The benefits though aren't overwhelming, but they also come with cons. So far I'm lik'n the 3500K SST-20's from Blue, but my prefs are on the warmer side of neutral anyway, and not sure if I'm susceptible to noticing the greens as much.

Actually bugger it - I’ll put myself down for another (now total of 2) - one of each option :wink:

I’m interested in one!

I am interested in one, please.

Not exactly new news but the LH351D 4000Ks is currently out-of-stock from their usual China suppliers and with no definitely timetable for availability,

the SST20 4000k is being considered.

In the meantime, guys let’s enjoy our OTHER lights.

:beer:

Couldn’t they just order LH351D emitters outside of China?

Or do they not want that?

Obviously Lumintop (or any company for that matter) can but I don’t want to speculate on that.

No problem.

Thanks a lot for the updates still!

:+1: :beer:

But a light like this, aren’t all the emitters just tied in parallel, with nothing to balance the current? Mixed emitters would likely have varying forward voltages, which means that the lower Vf device would tend to hog the current.

Yes… but usually this is not a problem when mixing the same type of emitter in different tints. They have the same Vf.

I’ll take two.
One of each led set.
One of each finish.
Preferably ‘clear’ anodized aluminum over raw.

Nice job Fritz & team !

There is only one finish. No clear/raw. Just the darker gray.

Please put me down for 1. Thank You.

I’d like one please. Thank you

>>>LH351D may happen a few weeks after XP-L HI, due to lead time in sourcing parts.
>>>Anodizing is dark grey.
>>>Unanodized bare aluminum might happen later, but this isn’t determined yet. <<<

I am simply saying that I would like to show interest/buy a second FW3A in a finish of raw/clear aluminum if/when available.
I did this with the FireFlies E07. 1st a Grey anodized XP-L Hi 5000K at release.
Then got a clear aluminum (SST-20 4000K Hi CRI) when that finish option came out later.

Okay, but raw/clear aluminum is not part of this group buy.

I send my Proto4 to my friend Andreas for beamshots.

Beamshots from Andreas

Thank you Andreas for your great work. :+1: