first,because it is hard to order the carclo optics,usually need to wait 3-4 weeks,the first batch they wait 6 weeks.
that is why the delay of the FW3A group buy start.
second,the carclo optics actually made in china dongguan,lumintop find another optics company in dongguan,
that company is familiar with carclo, and said can make the same optics.after test the prototype,the performance almost same.
but they make a fault to make extra optics and cancel the lens,this is the reason why the candelas are reduced.
third,cost,carclo will be much more expensive than the new optics,they want to reduce the cost so that can sell it cheaper in the future.
2.resolution of the optics issues
Lumintop already ordered the 10511 optics today,carclo replied need about 3 weeks.
a. Include glass lens with new optic, to allow easy modding.
accept the new optics and these can ship in 48 hours
and change the optics yourself,the FW3A will add a original lens in the package.
b. wait for new 10511 arrived,about 4 weeks ready to ship
other description:
1.FW3C also no 10511 optics,will wait for 10511 optics,so the shipping will be delay.
2.color FW3A,Lumintop will produce purple,blue and green. purple version with have TKâs logo.
they just make some prototype,like the following picture. I will talk with TK if it is ok.
3.for future optics.
the optics company are start to make another prototype to make it same as carclo 10511 optics.
if the result is good,will use that optics in the future.before it in production,will send them to TK,Kay and other reviews to compare.
Thank you Neal for the detailed reply with options also!! . .
Thanks also to Lumintop for quickly addressing the issue.
These options are fair & reasonable as far as I am concerned. .
As long as the AR coated glass lens is still included I am happy.
As long as the optic is a Carclo or a pretty exact Carclo copy⊠I am good.
As long as the current SST-20 version with the âcombo opticâ also includes an AR coated glass lens in the box so I can remove the âcombo opticâ & replace it with my own Carclo & the included glass lensâŠ. I am just fine with that.
Soooo⊠it looks like I am good to goâŠâŠ .
Note: "Combo optic" = optic & lens combination... NO glass
I know this has been asked before but I could not find a definitive answerâŠâŠ. will the FW3A SST-20 orders after 6/12 come with the newest version of Anduril?
I like it the way it is, I have other Flame Throwersâ but only a couple of sane pocket lights, the FW3A met and exceeded itâs design purpose and then some, you just canât beat it for the money, no way no howâŠ
Guys, sorry to hijack the thread but this guy Neal is not responding to my emails and I need to contact him.
Long story short - after 33 days of waiting I got a defective FW3A - one of the LEDs is not working. Asked Neal what to do, he wanted a picture, I provided a picture, he sent me a tracking number (supposedly for a replacement device), but when I checked it a week later turned out itâs my OLD tracking number from my original order. Since then Neal is not responding to the emails I send him for about a week now.
Thanks Neal for providing the correct information about all these optics and lens issues so that everyone can relax and make educated choices and comments going forward.
The users on this forum are pretty lucky to have a guy like you looking out for us Neal!
Itâs not very encouraging, but just keep emailing him. Itâs been 50 days and I still havenât gotten a light, including about 5 of my emails that were ignored. He sent me a new tracking number a few days ago, weâll see if it gets here.
The general consensus is that he will eventually stand by the product and make it right, just be prepared for LONG delays and a lot of emails that will be ignored.