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The Essential Gear 3 Watt Tactical Hand Torch is a surprisingly
small flashlight made of aluminum and sporting a Luxeon III
LED driven by two 123A lithium cells and a constant output driver
circuit. The driver does a very good job of maintaining constant
output from the system for about 1½ hours. This appears
to be a Nuwai light rebranded for Essential Gear.
The body of the ALX-332L is made of black anodized aluminum,
but is also available in a sliver color. The head of the light has
several plateaus and valleys which serve as an anti-roll device
when it is placed on its site. Just below the head are a pair
of fins which help dissipate heat from the Luxeon LED. The
body then tapers to a pair of knurled sections on the body
tube, the larger of which has a flat panel milled into the
side for logo printing. The knurling appears to be high quality
and is not abrasive. At the end is the tailcap which is also
knurled for grip and contains the click switch and a lanyard hole.
The head of the light contains a plastic lens, an aluminum smooth
silvered reflector, the Luxeon III LED, and a driver circuit
inside an aluminum capsule. The whole light can be completely
disassembled. The head unscrews and takes the lens with it.
The reflector is a large slug of aluminum which is screwed in
place and has a wide grooved lip so it is easily removed. The
reflector pinches the Luxeon below against an aluminum plate.
The Luxeon floats freely (not epoxied) on the aluminum plate below.
Tipping the unit over causes the Luxeon and driver circuit
module to drop out of the light.
The Luxeon was a bit off center on the unit tested.
Being a pain-in-the-neck perfectionist when it comes
to light source centering, I attempted to center the
LED. Careful loosening of the reflector a little allows
the Luxeon to be centered by pushing gently on the dome
of the LED with a nonabrasive object through the center
of the reflector and held in place (don't touch the
reflector!). The reflector can be re-tightened on the
now centered LED. It worked for me, however, do so at
your own risk!
Output is in the form of a bright white light. Good
color temperature with no noticeable tinting. Slight
imperfections in the beam near and around the center
were seen, (although not visible in the photograph)
probably due to the use of a smooth reflector which
inherently tends to enhance imperfections in the light
source. The unit provided surprisingly bright output
and a very usable beam pattern. Overall output comes
in, per my numbers, just a little under that of a 4-D
Mag with new batteries.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: Check this out! 1.5 hours of regulated
output, and about another hour before it really bottoms out.
The regulation plateau is very smooth - much better than I
had expected.
Runtime
completed with included "Duracell" batteries.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
The switch protrudes from a dimple in the center of
the tailcap. It is a simple rubber covered clickie.
There is no real texture on the switch cover, but is
is not slick. Pressing in partially allows for momentary
operation, pressing in fully until it clicks allows
for constant operation. The switch provides both tactile
and auditory feedback when clicked on or off. I did
notice the switch acted a little funny sometimes - it
felt a little squishy. However after many clicks I never
experienced any failures. The switch cannot be "locked
out" to prevent accidental activation. If transporting
in luggage/backpack/etc., remove the batteries.
Both ends of the light are sealed with O-rings for water
resistance. I would classify it as "dunkable". Intentional
submersion should be avoided, but it'll survive a drop in
a puddle/stream with little or no water entry. If it does
get flooded, simply disassemble as much a possible and allow
to dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Fits well in the hand and is surprisingly
small. Easy to use. The switch is easy to click with
the thumb when held in the palm with the bezel end toward
the pinkie.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
The light is powered by a pair of 123A lithium cells.
To change the cells, unscrew the tailcap and drop the old
cells out. Replace with 2 new cells, positive first.
Included with the light are 2 batteries, an attached nylon
lanyard and a light duty nylon belt sheath with a velcro fastened
cover.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant, Regulated for 1.5 hours,
Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: LED not centered
(but pretty close), Smooth reflector - would have preferred
a slight texture to cover up minor beam imperfections.
Other Things I Noticed: Great regulation!
Switch acted a little unusual sometimes, but no failures.
Conclusions: Wow! A great light in terms
of output, size, and regulation. No fragile bulb to blow, ever.
This sample was sent by a
member of the Houston, TX, Police Dept. for review. Based
on my evaluation, I don't see any reason why this light wouldn't be
right at home on an officer's duty belt.
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