FW3A advice requested

HI all, though not a true newbie to lights (former cpfer etc), I have been out of circulation for at least 10 years I would guess. I used to have and loved the old Novatac 85T and 120P lights. But that was long ago and many lights ago. But I retain a love of the form factor of those old lights. HDS is not in my personal light budget either…

Then today I saw the Lumintop BLF FW3A light and had a Nirvana moment! This was what I always wanted. However, I am no longer up to date on LED choices, and battery info. So please help me decide if this light is to become my EDC.

What is the best choice for led with this light? There seem to be several options from various resellers. I am leaning toward a NW or WW led instead of a CW one. I need to know what is the recommended charger for the unprot 18650 batteries this light takes. I’m used to charging buttontop/[protected] 18650s but don’t know if that charger is sufficient for the unprotected ones. I believe it is an older Ultrafire
two independent bay charger. What are the recommended makers for the charger, and the batteries themselves? Since it is a single cell light, are there any significant differences in safe usage of unprotected vs protected 18650s? Is there anyone making a nice leather belt holster for the FW3A? Lastly, that is the difference in UI between Anduril and Narsil?

BTW the light will be a primary edc, in a rural area where a good combo of flood and throw is what I am looking for, along with the FW3A nice price.

Thanks in advance,
Vic

SST-20 4000K CRI, great color and natural lightning

It only comes in Anduril so just print out the cheat sheet and if you use it for a week you’ll know most of the functions. For batteries any unprotected 18650 that’s less than 66mm in length will do, like samsung 30Q, LG MJ1. Or you can get the 3500mAh ones to give you a little bit longer run time if that’s what you need. I’m sure your old charger will be to use if it was made to charge 18650s. I’m using a xtar vc2 plus charger can be had for cheap.

I saw an online listing for a 2019 model that said the UI was narsil, on Amazon iirc. That’s why I was wondering about it. Could just be an error in the listing…

The FW3A is pretty high-strung, so I wouldn’t use high-cap low-drain cells. Stick with a 30Q or similar high-drain cells.

The LG MJ1 is a 3500mAh cell. The LG HG2 is the equivalent to the Samsung 30Q

If you want both throw and light time look at the FireFlies E01
I find it to be more practical

+1 on this one

I also have an Emisar D4V2 that I carry regularly. The side switch is harder to accidentally activate for me than the tail e switch on any of my FW3Xs. That being said, I usually lock both of styles out when pocket carrying but sometimes I forget.