Same here. My order was for an Aluminum SST-20 (Order #5214 06/13/2019). Need the Carclo Optic and Glass Lens. That is what the website showed and what I AM expecting.
I’m sorry for the issues you have to put up with from Lumintop. You are in a bad place with us. Lumintop should make it right. Thanks for the heads up too !
I mentioned it before - if the new optic was discussed before the SST20 model came out, with a, “Hey, all the SST20 models will have this optic and as of x date so will all of them”, then fine. But you place an order with the assumption that the only change will be the emitters, and then a few days later get told that there’s a difference…
If we can be assured that all preorders will have the original optic setup, then I’ll stay. If not, I’m out.
Yeah this is a major bummer. I’ve got a small stockpile of Carclo optics so I was looking forward to easy swap outs for playing with beam patterns but this completely changes that if this change is permanent.
If it is I’ll still probably get the sapphire lens but that’s far from ideal.
Not only is an all plastic optic+lens combo much more scratch prone, but the problem with the sapphire optic is that it’s less optically efficient than glass ones.
While an AR glass lens might achieve 98-99+ optical efficiency, a sapphire one might only get 90-92.
If there is absolutely nothing that Neal can do for all the (pre)orders already being made for the copper version, I'll swap all the 'cheap crap' out my FW3C version and replace it with the original pieces from my FW3A version. Then I'll have the 'downgraded' FW3A as my go to EDC 'beater flashlight' and the 'upgraded' FW3C for collecting purposes, problem solved :D
Although I truly hope that Neal can arrange with Lumintop that for everybody who already made a (pre)order for the copper version, it will effectively ship with the Carlo Optics and the AR coated glass lens, as it was stated on his website when we where making the (pre)order ... And to be honest, a shiny special copper version with 'cheaper' optics and plastic lens will not fit right, especially considering the higher price tag it comes with ;-)
No issues with the sapphire lens, but I’m not exactly abusing the light.
I do not really understand the bad reputation of sapphire. My daily watch has a sapphire lens for 7 years now, and it is a common product for watches. It is larger and more exposed than the FW3A lens and I sometimes hit hard objects with the watch with no problem. And I like that it does not show one single scratch after all these years.
I realize that Neal is put in a bad position, but I feel that the switch in spec is not worth it for me. I have a handful of different Carcio optics but I understand none will work without the glass lens. That’s not worth it for me and I can’t be bothered to source my own.
I have emailed Neal about my wish to cancel the order if it comes with the new optic without AR glass lens. Hopefully he will respond soon with news that the most recent FW3A orders will come with the Carcio/AR glass or new optic.
Nothing from flashlightlens.com looks like a perfect fit. Close, yes, but the measurements I’ve seen reported for the FW3A are 23x1.5mm. It will work, but I’m not sure the waterproofing will be perfect.