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The Nuwai 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.
The body of the ALX-332L is made of silver anodized
aluminum. The head of the light has several plateaus
and valleys which serve as an anti-roll device when
it is placed on its side. 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.
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: Nice regulated output for about 1½
hours, followed by declining output.
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. 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, Bright, Regulated, Easy battery
change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: Smooth reflector
- would have preferred a slight texture to cover up
minor beam imperfections.
Other Things I Noticed: n/a.
Conclusions: A great light in terms
of output, size, and regulation. No fragile bulb to
blow, ever. Great "less expensive" alternative
to the really high priced "mini-sized high output
luxeon" lights on the market.
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