XENO S3A "World's Slimmest 18650 Flashlight" -- My 2 Lumens...

Hi, and welcome to this edition of... My 2 Lumens. There will be plenty of more detailed and technically qualified reviews out there so this is only intended to be a super quick overview to temper my giddyness with a new light purchase Just remember these are my opinions and are subjective. The idea is to cut through the glossy photos and brochures to give you a simple laymans overview -- perhaps draw out some discussion.

If you want more technical details like "is it PWM, how many amps does it draw... etc" please see hang on for other long standing member reviews. Sometimes I'll put the mA draw information on different modes if I want to know (or are asked).

Model: XENO S3A
Battery: XTAR 2600mAH Protected
Rated Lumens: 300 (2.5hr), 120 (8hr), 20 (100h) -- Based on CW version only w 2600mAH battery
SOS / Strobe: Yes
Multi Mode: Yes
Reflector: Smooth
Beam: Nice smooth spot with ample spill, but definitely tailored to throw.
Finish: Smooth gray HA III aluminum
Price: ~$59 CAD

Notable Features:
- 360 deg locked clip
- SS crenulated tail bezel
- very, very slim
- beam is quite smooth with minimal "rings"
- warm, neutral and cool emitter options AT SAME PRICE (normally NW and WW options are more $)
- very nice square threads
- gold plated spring on BOTH ends
- uses SAME diffuser as E03 so if you have that light, it's a plus

Quirks:
- no knurling makes it a somewhat slippery light
- clip is a matte type finish that will show scratches
- feels very light and thin walled - perhaps by nature of being the "slimmest"
- reverse clicky

I Like it Because: For the price, it's a very good value if you're looking for a long running SMALL 18650 light. It gets even better if you look into a neutral or warm option.
I Dislike it Because: It is a slippery light. The presentation box makes this feel like an "executive" EDC but it's just not quite there.

Other Technical Reviews: None yet. Let me know and I'll add it here.


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Info from XENO:

Brand: XENO®
Model No.: S3A
Version: V1

1. Basic Traits:


1/.XENO S3A-Maybe the smallest 18650 flashlight in the world
Ø21.5mm x L111mm, 50g
The King of EDC!

2/.XENO BCS-Maybe the most reliable encircled pocket clip in the world

3/.XENO HDD-6-stage(3+3) Linear LED driver with hidden functional output

4/.XENO STT3-XENO unique stainless steel tail plug

5/. Emitter, Battery & Output:
Emitter:CREE XM-L series LED;
3-Color Temperature optional: Cool White, Neutral White, Warm White.
Battery: single 18650 or double CR123A
The max output(OTF):300lms; the max burning time:100hours

6/.Finished: Military Spec. Type III Hard-Anodized Al-Alloy Construction; Gun Grey.

2. Datasheets under ANSI/NEMA FL-1 Standard:

1/. Light Output:300lms

2/. Runtime:2.5hrs at High Output level;100hrs at Ultra-Low level

3/. Beam Distance:65m

4/. Peak Beam Intensity:1300cd

5/. Impact Resistance:1m

6/. Water Resistance:IPX-7,1m

3. Features:

1/. Built in XENO HDD Engine-Linear LED driver with hidden functional output:
6-Stage(3+3) Variable Output: Normal(high, low, ultra low) + Hidden(strobe, LB,SOS)
Humanized UI (User Interface) for shift variable output:
Turn on the light, half-press the switch cap less than 3 times into the hidden functional output
Single press for next output
Turn off the light more than 3 seconds, the output reset to normal high output next time

Max Output: 300lms@1000mA(OTF, full high level)
Max Burning Time:100 hours@20mA(Ultra-Low level)
Max Burning Time with 18650*1-Strobe:10hrs; LB:34hrs; SOS:20hrs

Linear LED driver, Not PWM mode.
Non-Flickering and Absolutely Noiseless even at Ultra-Low level.
With Ultra-Low output, more than 100 hrs burning time.
XENO unique Quiet RSL™ technology.
XENO unique GFC(Gamble Free Concept) impact-resistant technology.

Rated Input:DC3.0~6V;
Battery:Use 18650*1 Li-ion rechargeable battery or CR123A*2
Built-in battery inverted-load protection.
Built-in battery overdischarge protection.

2/.XENO unique clip: BCS-Maybe the most reliable encircled pocket clip in the world
XENO unique 3600 encircled pocket clip: a highly reliable engineering design.
Pocket Clip with 3D designing, high powered & flexibility enhanced.
Detachable: can be disassembled for clip maintenance.
Allows the user to quickly access the flashlight from the belt.
Made by high quality spring steel; qualified by 96 hours Salt Spray Test.

3/.XENO STT3-XENO unique stainless steel tail plug
The micro reverse click switch with XENO self-compress contact structures.
Stainless strike bezel: windows/glass break, self-defence.
Easy-press circular-arc breach
Support tail-standing ability.

4/.Integral Design of head and body:
Greatly improve the ability of Radiating, Waterproof and Dust-proof.
Prevent accident loosen the head-cap while change the battery.

5/.Reflector:XENO precision aluminum long-throw reflector, OP.

6/.Lens: Ultra clear lens with Anti-Reflection coatings on both sides.
High quality toughened mineral-glass, precision polish the edge for impact-resistant.

7/. Switch: The reverse click switch.

8/.Water proof:IPX-7; 1m dunk-resistance.

9/.XENO GFC impact-resistant system:
Double Spring between anode “+” and cathode “-” of the battery for shock proof.
Both spring are 24K-Gold-Electroplated.
HDD LED driver with XENO GFC impact-resistant technology
Shock isolation constructions for LED driver

Thanks .

( Bezel-up clip doesn't do it for me , though )

I agree. It's a quirky light. I just can't quite put my finger on it why. Now if you're looking for a decent and inexpensive warm or neutral 18650, this is a good contender. As a cool light, it doesn't really pack enough lumen wallop and the design is... almost there.

Looks interesting. Any chance of a picture looking straight down the tube so you can see the thickness.

Wouldn't this one be the slimmest at only 20mm??

Haha probably. That's why I have it in "quotes" from their marketing.

Not really since I don't have any lighting to show the inside at the moment. You can guesstimate the thickness from the crown on the tailcap by the threads.