This flashlight is another offering from Nuwai. Nuwai is a manufacturer in Taiwan who has been doing a very nice job of incorporating some of the latest technologies in flashlights. Their products are usually of very good quality, design, and machining and are often re-branded and distributed by a number of retailers and manufacturers under different names. This particular light uses a Luxeon III high output LED in combination with selector circuitry to provide high, medium, and low output levels as well as a blink mode. This light is powered by two 123A cells.

Body: The body is made of machined aluminum which has been anodized with a gunmetal gray color. The 5 raised plateaus just below the head have been checkered for grip, as has the center of the body tube and the tailcap. There are two deeper grooves below the head for decoration and heat dissipation. A flat panel is machined on one side for logo imprinting. This flat panel also aligns with the switch to aid in activation when grasping the light in the dark. The tailcap is flat and has what appears to be a pressure vent and tiny hole in the center as well as an attchment point for a lanyard. The design allows the light to stand on its end.

Inside the bezel is a Luxeon III LED, which is practically impervious to impact, and a smooth, deep, permanently focused reflector. Removing the tailcap reveals the battery compartment. The light is powered by two 123A lithium 3 Volt batteries and contains a regulator circuit to help maintain constant brightness throughout the battery life.

Bezel/Head: The bezel contains a plastic lens and a silvered plastic reflector which is quite deep. The LED is still on it's factory heatsink and is held in place by an aluminum retaining ring. The retaining ring is screwed into the body and clamps down on the Luxeon Star, keeping it in good contact with the platform below. This permits the transfer of heat that may develop in use, thereby protecting the Luxeon from thermal damage.

Output: Nice tight spot with a wide corona and spillbeam. Very smooth, with only very slight artifacts visible in the beam.

The white light produced by the LED is a high color temperature and produces good color rendition weighted toward the blue end of the spectrum. A slight tint is detectable when compared against a near sunlight-white source, but this tinting is not noticeable during normal use.

Dimming is achieved via a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) circuit. This causes the LED to flicker rapidly and creates the illusion of dimming. Some people are sensitive to the flickering and will be able to see it, especially if the light is moved rapidly.

Beam at one meter at target center

Runtime Plot: Wow! Not bad at all - 2 hours of rather well regulated output followed by diminishing brightness.

Runtime completed with included Duracell brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: Just behind the head is a click switch which allows for 3 light level settings - high, medium and low - and a blink mode. The switch is covered by a textured rubber cover that provides a relatively non-slip surface and water resistance. Pressing the switch in series activates the 3 light levels - high (100%), medium (50%) and low (25%). Pressing and holding the switch for about 3 seconds activates the blink mode. The switch requires slow, deliberate presses (1/2 sec) to switch from one level to the next. Very rapid clicks will sometimes be missed.

Seals / Water Resistance: The light is sealed at both ends by O-rings which have been well lubricated at the factory. The bezel lens also appears to have an O-ring seal. The switch, as mentioned before, is also covered by a rubber seal. This light is not intended for submersion, but should be able to withstand a good soaking without liquid penetrating the body.

If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible without tools and let it dry before using again.

Ergonomics: Comfortable in the hand and easy to use. The checkering provides good grip but is not abrasive.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: Two 123A cells power the light. I would recommend Titanium brand cells for $1.00 each (here's a review) or BatteryStation or Surefire brand cells for less than $2 each. I would not recommend purchasing these cells at retail stores since they cost $10 a pair or more in most retail stores!

To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper polarity. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.

Accessories: Wrist lanyard, Belt sheath.

What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough/impact resistant, Decent battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands up, Good regulation!

What I Didn't Like: Nothing significant.

Picky Little Things: Switch requires deliberate, slow presses to function correctly.

Conclusions: Good little Luxeon III light. Small, nice design, great for general purpose use.

Quick Facts Table: