I got my SST-20 from Neal: FW3A
Make sure to use the 20% off code at the top of the page. Also I would recommend paying the little extra for the better shipping unless you don’t mind waiting possibly weeks. I got a green glow gasket too which Neal put on for me, it’s a great addition.
I have 3 FW3As and 1 FW3C. None of them have squeaky buttons. However, the switches don’t all feel the same:
FW3A #1: Requires firmer button press than any of the other lights and does not have a loud click. (click is still noticeable, just not loud).
FW3A #2: Loud clicking sound when button is pressed. Feels good to press, but is not quiet.
FW3A #3: First run SST-20 version. Too much material on bottom of tailcap above the switch. Result is switch button isn’t able to fully extend. Soft click with minimal pressure needed to depress the button. I found this unacceptable as risk of accidental activation was too great so ended up modding the switch.
FW3C: Feels like #2, but not quite as loud.
I found all of the switches to be quite acceptable as-is, except for #3.
I opened it up, removed a stray piece of plastic from the tail threads(!), recentered the rubber part under the metal switch, and tightened it back up very tight. Seems a bit better now, not as good as first run, but acceptable. I was also able to get the first run switch to metal squeak by pressing on the edge of it.
I tried a UCL 22.61mm x 1.90mm lens on my FW3A, and was disappointed to find that it created a slight gap between the bezel and the rest of the head. With the original lens, the fit is so good that the head appears as one piece.
Maybe I’ll try the sapphire lens that Neal sells or TK’s method of polishing the coating off of the original.
Personally I think this light is worth more than we are paying for it, so I didn’t mind paying for the glow gasket. I generally view the value in something as how much enjoyment and use I will get out of it, not what I paid. So $15 didn’t seem much to make it more enjoyable and useful.
I have seen people that go to extremes like that and more power to them if they can afford it. Although I’m not gonna lie, I would probably pay a decent bit to get a clip that would allow for deeper carry. In this case I think the gasket is fairly priced and adds a fair bit of functionality that is nice. Unlike my last light I would keep out at night I can find this one without making a loud thud when I knock it over trying to find it.
I was part of the initial group buy and must have got super lucky with first run FW3A (technically second batch I guess as I got a manual). XPL-HI 3D, neutral, very slightly rosy, no green, perfect switch. Not everyone seems to have been as lucky and makes me worried for my next order when the funky colours come out.