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The Nuwai ALX-512L is one of many offerings from the
Taiwan company Nuwai. They have been producing some
very good quality lights of late and this is another
very nice example of the quality they are capable of.
The body is made of anodized aluminum with a slightly
greenish tint. Bands of knurling provide grip and the
chunky plateaus on the head of the light serve as an
anti-roll device. The lanyard attachment point is recessed
and the included lanyard is very narrow at its end which
allows the light to stand on its tailcap with the lanyard
attached.
Packaging
Included with the package is the light, two 123a cells
for power and a nylon belt sheath with a belt loop on
the back and a velcro cover flap over the top.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
The head of the light contains a plastic lens, a partially
textured reflector which helps smooth out the beam,
and a Luxeon 1 low dome emitter. As a result of the
way the meter reacted when I was checking the output
from the light, I believe there is a regulator circuit
of some sort in the light as well.
Output is in the form of a bullseye-like spot with
definite brighter rings. A nice wide spillbeam surrounds
the main spot. The beam is pre-focused and it not meant
to be adjustable. In my opinion, this light creates
a very usable general-purpose beam. Bright spot in the
center, enough surround to make out the area around
the spot, and enough spillbeam to see the periphery.
Brightness is good, beating out a common 2-D cell flashlight
without any trouble.
 
Beam shots at one meter - centered and off center to
show spillbeam
Runtime Plot: Now this was a big surprise - very very
good regulation for over 4 hours! Diminishing output
thereafter.
Runtime
completed withBatteryStation 123A batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
The switch is a simple rubber covered click switch
that rests just behind the head of the light. Click
on, click off. A flat panel on the side of the light
aligns with the switch making it very easy to find without
looking.
The light has well lubricated o-ring seals throughout
and appears to be "dunkable". If water gets
in, just empty it out and let it dry.
For batteries it takes two 123A lithium cells. Drop
them in + first though the removable tailcap. Runtime
stated on the package is 8 hours, but there has been
no confirmation of this from any other sources.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
LEDs inherently tough/impact resistant, Regulated, Long
battery life anticipated, Bright, Easy battery change,
Stands up
What I Didn't Like: Nothing
Other Things I Noticed:
Conclusions: A fantastic little
Luxeon I flashlight. It's funny but I've seen a bunch
of Luxeon I lights by now and this one has really captured
my attention. Very nice output and very nice design.
Great regulation for 4 full hours. Comfortable in the
hand and easy to use. I'll be playing with this one
for quite a while.
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