It seems like this plan should resolve pretty much everything about the recent FW3A changes… at least, as much as possible. People can get the original parts they ordered (when available), or they can get the new part plus a lens to keep it compatible with standard optics, or they can take an easy way out.
I have a prototype of the new optic, and it’s about halfway between a Carclo 10508 (medium-spot frosted) and 10511 (narrow spot frosted). So the beam is pretty decent. And I hear the production version is better, though I haven’t actually seen one yet. If you like a smooth beam which is floody (but not too floody), the new optic is a good option. If you need more throw, you can either wait for the original optic or swap one in yourself.
I don’t envy the work Neal will have to do in the next few weeks to sort this all out, but it sounds like things are at least pointed in the right direction.
For me the lens change isn’t a problem (as long as it can be changed by a Carclo) the real problem is remove the glass. It’s an unacceptable detail in a flashlight like this.
For option 2a: ” 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”
Is this easy to do for someone like me who doesn’t know anything about “modding” at all? There is no risk on breaking things while doing this?
Just in case someone prepares his bike~~, boxing~~, garden-, or workshop-gloves:
I’m pretty sure he meant clean cotton gloves, to avoid fingerprints.
I myself use the cloth plus fluid I clean my glasses (with acryllic lenses) with. And keep things dust-free!