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The Nuwai TM-301X-3 is available from
AmondoTech.com.
The Nuwai TM-301X-3 is a very small, two 123A powered,
Luxeon-III LED flashlight made of anodized aluminum.
Available only in black case color with a white LED,
this light has two levels of output. It will provide
good output on "high" for about 2¼
hours, with several more hours of diminishing light
after that. The "low" mode is untested for
runtime, but at less then 1/10 the output of the high
mode, you can probably expect about 20 hours of good
light. A pocket clip is attached to the side of the
light and a clickie switch is on the tailcap. The LED's
light is captured by a textured reflector which produces
a very smooth spot with a wide spill beam.
The body of the light is made of machined aluminum
with what appears to be a Type II anodized finish. Type
II anodize is the same as that found on commonly available
department store aluminum lights. As a result, it will
be subject to nicks and marring from contact with abrasive
surfaces. The head of the light has checkering to help
with grip and around the center of the body are little
nubs which serve the same purpose
There is a metal clip attached just below the head
which has a lanyard attachment point molded in. The
open end of the clip does not touch the body. In fact
there is a rather large gap, making attachment of the
light by the clip to the clothing a bit less secure
than I would like. The clip is held on with two Torx
screws which are exceptionally fine. If you can locate
the proper Torx bit, the clip can be removed and bent
to taste, or removed completely.
The top of the bezel is crenelated so if the unit is
placed face down on a flat surface while on, light leaks
out around the edges to remind you that you left it
on. A recessed plastic lens protects a very shiny textured
reflector which captures the light from the very intense
and nearly indestructible Luxeon-III LED. The Luxeon-III
is a higher grade of LED than the normal Luxeon I and
generally produces better color temperature, more light,
and is more tolerant of higher currents. The unit tested
emitted very nice white light which resulted in excellent
color rendition in the area illuminated.
The lithium cell batteries maintain good
output from the unit for about 2 hour 15 minutes on
"high". After that, expect dim light to be
produced for several hours. The low output level is
very low, but just about right for use in low-light
situations where you don't want to totally destroy your
night vision or wake your spouse during a midnight trip
to the bathroom. To turn the light off from the "low"
level without blinding yourself, you'll have to cover
the bezel with your other hand (or press it into your
belly or thigh) and click twice - once to "high",
once to "off"
Output is in the form of a clean white beam. Very smooth
with no artifacts at all.
Beam at one meter Low, then High.
The runtime plot shows that you get very good output
for about 2 hr 15 min on "high". Low output
was not tested, but I would expect over 20 hours before
it drops to below 50% its starting output.
Runtime
completed with included "Panasonic" batteries.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
The tailcap contains the switch, and has slight indentations
to help with grip for unscrewing the tailcap for battery
changes. The switch is covered by a smooth rubber cap
in the center of the tailcap. The switch is almost recessed
- it protrudes very slightly and the switch will not
activate if the light is pressed down on its tailcap.
The switch makes a nice firm "click" when
operated. It does not have a momentary option, but can
be blinked by pressing in on the switch gently after
the light is turned on. Clicking the switch once turns
the light on low, second click is high, third click
is off.
For water resistance, the head is sealed onto the body
and an O-ring seals the tailcap from the entry of water.
Ergonomics: Nothing bad to be said about this light
at all. Fits well in the hand, comfortable, and the
textured areas provide a good grip.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
For batteries, this light takes two 123A lithium cells.
I would recommend BatteryStation brand cells from BatteryStation.com
for less than $2 each. (No, we are not affiliated with or paid
by BatteryStation.com...) In comparison tests completed
by a third party, they were found to perform as well
as or better than the top brand name cells. I would
not recommend purchasing these cells at retail stores
(even WalMart!) since they cost $10 a pair or more in
most retail stores!
Included is a nylon belt sheath with a velcro closure.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Impact resistant,
Semi-Regulated, Bright for its size, Easy battery change,
Small and lightweight.
What I Didn't Like: Clip is not that tight -
not great for retention. Use the sheath instead of clipping
it to the inside of your pocket; or get a tiny torx
bit, remove and bend the clip and reattach.
Other Things I Noticed: Nothing
significant.
Conclusions: OK, Here goes. If
you're in the market for a 2 stage, small, high output
light, SERIOUSLY CONSIDER this light. If your job/need
can handle the fact that the high output stage is the
second click of the switch (may not be best for police/tactical
use) this is a great little light. Plus it's a lot less
expensive than the "big boys" multistage 2x123A
cell lights. Overall output on high (per my numbers)
matches the Inova T3, the
Streamlight TL-2 LED
(2nd gen), and several 6 volt incandescent lights.
It also has nearly the same throw (distance illumination
ability) as a Surefire E2d.
I think this is a great all-purpose light and well worth
considering.
UPDATE: A reader reports: In the review
you wished the clip on the side of the light was tighter
to hold on to a shirt pocket. The clip is actually there
for hands free work use by cliping it on top of a baseball
cap visor. Cap visors are a lot thicker than shirt material
and a tight clip would make it hard to put on and could
damage the visor. If you don't intend to use it this
way your bending the clip tighter idea is fine.
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