FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

Confused on whether this short version would work on the first version of the FW3A.
Other than that I would want it to be usable with a pocket clip.

That 18350 FW3A is awfully cute!

I say with removable rubber ring :wink:
And finally it is a reality :heart_eyes: I hope :wink:

Any news when this will be available?

Agreed, rubber ring. Also hoping there will be a clip, ideally deep carry considering the shortness.

18500 ;)

perfect!

If I get some 3000mah Samsung INR18650-30Q’s for this do they need to be flat top or will button top work as well?

Flat top is best. I used a button top at first and had to stretch the springs to use a flat top afterwords. Only showed the problem in turbo, manifested as a slight flicker.

Just a quick and bad photoshopping to see how it would look like with the same reduction on both sides :

Has anyone found a deep carry clip that will work yet? I really think that is all this light needs to be perfect, had the same complaint about my Zebralight.

ok, thanks, sorry for the questions, just too many pages to read through. I have a ton of button top protected cells, but 0 unprotected flats, will 3000mah Samsung INR18650-30Q fit/contact + end in opus charger without a spacer?

Why does the 18350 version need an added tactical ring?

ah well, I can’t wait for answer, don’t want it to sell out at this price, I’m sure my chargers will be fine.

The only issue I see is with the tail cap. The inner and outer tubes would be replaced, but the new version apparently has shorter threads on the tube, so maybe also on the cap.

That looks MUCH better imo.

I haven’t found one yet, really wish someone would make one.

Sexy looking thing. But I have 4 x small triple/Quads now.

Wouldn’t mind one of the original clear aly ones though.
B4 the tapered body phase???.

Are there any avail anywhere??.

That was an early prototype.

No production FW3As were manufactured without the tapered body.

Well, I prefer side switch flashlights so I resisted to buy a FW3A – until a few days ago when I saw the FW3A listing on Amazon DE and thought: “Let’s try it, everyone seems to have one.”

Yesterday I finally received it. What should I say. I’m absolutely not impressed. Partly because of my preferences, partly because of some production issues.

  • It had a brass driver retaining ring and a black switch retaining ring, so it should be one of the latest versions. No manual memory, though.
  • XP-L HI 3D: I like high CRI. But I wanted to test the version with higher intensity. Big mistake. Next time it will be the SST-20 version.
  • Cheapo optics, although the Amazon listing still says Carclo and glass.
  • Grease in the tail cap. Yeah, not on the threads, but in the tail cap. Everywhere. On the PCB and on the spring. This is after cleaning it up a bit:

  • Then I wanted to look at the MCPCB. I started unscrewing the bezel and noticed that the optics and emitters turn as well. Ooops… This version should have a screw that prevents this. OK, I continued while holding the optics in place. Removed the optics (with some thermal paste on it). And saw this:

    Cold solder joint which is also just partly soldered. And four holes (one for the screw), but there is no screw! The hole in the shelf for the screw is on the opposite side, but without screw.

Back into the box, back to Amazon. I definitely will try it again, but in the SST-20 4000 K version. I wonder if the 18350 version will come in a set with both battery tubes. And where to buy. Amazon has quicker delivery, but is more expensive (SST-20 currently 40 €, XP-L HI at 57 €, but was 42 € when I ordered it). But I’m not sure if I want to order from Neal, wait several weeks just to get the wrong version…

Fixed ring for me.

I asked neal 15 days ago in PM if he could arrange with Lumintop a small run of FW3A with the original design since it would just need a couple of changes to the external of the battery tube only…no answer. But if more people are asking for it, maybe with an interest list, Lumintop would willing to make it.
The one with both body reductions at a 90 degree angle with a tiny chamfer on angles like Fritz designed it.