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The Nuwai 5 Watt ALX-253L provides light by using a Luxeon
V LED powered by three 123A lithium cells and a driver
circuit which regulates the power to the LED. The result
is a very bright LED torch which provides near-constant
output for over 2 hours.
Body: The body of the Nuwai 5 Watt ALX-253L is made from machined
aluminum. It carries a black anodized finish to provide some
degree of resistance to corrosion and wear. The body is
thick and serves as the heatsink
for the Luxeon when it is run for any amount of time. It
will get warm. Several deep
rings are machined into the body tube and around the center
of the body tube is a wide band of checkering for grip. The
tailcap is also checkered for grip and uses a recessed post
for lanyard attachment, allowing it to stand on end. There is a flat panel
machined into the side of the light which aligns with the switch,
making it easy to locate. The switch is on the body tube just
below the head. The head is fluted with six plateaus which
serve as an anti-roll device.
Bezel/Reflector/Bulb: The head of the light contains
a plastic lens, a partially textured plastic reflector,
the Luxeon V LED, and a driver circuit tucked underneath.
The head unscrews and takes the reflector with it. Inside
is a hollow aluminum ring which holds the rest of the pieces
in place.
Output description: When describing the output from
this light, "Retina Scorcher" comes to mind. This thing
is bright! Output is in the form of a medium spot with
a bright corona and spillbeam. The center of the spot
is shows the very slight but infamous "doughnut hole"
which is usually seen with Luxeon V LED lights, however
with this particular light it is just barely noticeable.
Output is very white with no noticeable tinting.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: Over 2 hours regulated on three 123A cells.
Pretty good considering the shear volume of light it produces.
Runtime
completed with Duracell batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is on the side of the light, sits
in a recessed dimple, and is covered by a slightly domed
rubber cap. This cap rests flush with the surface of
the light and so is not easily subject to accidental
activation. The head of the light is larger than the
body, so resting the light on its side on a flat surface
will not cause the switch to touch anything. The clickie
switch is a reverse clickie, turning the light on after
clicked. Gentle pressure allows for momentary operation
only after the light is on. It provides both tactile
and auditory feedback when activated.
Seals: 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 I would
fully expect it to survive a drop in a puddle/stream
with little or no water entry. If it does get wet
inside, simply disassemble as much a possible and
allow to dry before using again.
Ergonomics: The body walls are thick so it has a bit of
heft. Good diameter, good texture, not overly abrasive checkering.
The switch is easy to locate and operate.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Three 123A lithium cells power the light. Do
yourself a favor and buy them in bulk online at about 1.25 each
instead of shelling out $10 a pair at Wallyworld. Batterystation.com
self-branded cells have been shown by a third party to
be excellent 123A cells.
Accessories: A nylon wrist lanyard and light duty nylon
belt sheath are included.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant, Regulated, Good battery life for
the output, Very Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands up
What I Didn't Like: n/a
Other Things I Noticed: n/a
Conclusions: Great light if you need
lots of output and can keep feeding it lots of batteries. By no
means is it a long range spotting light - the Luxeon/reflector
combination in this light provides a directed beam which is
fairly wide. Great for medium range tasks which require
a lot of light.
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