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The Nuwai X-3 is one of the few lights you will find which is actually
branded with the Nuwai name. Most Nuwai lights are re-branded
with the name of the retailer/wholesaler, or are listed under Nuwai's
retail label "Favourlight".
The X-3 uses a single Luxeon III LED powered by two
AA cells. Although it works fairly well with alkalines,
runtime performance is greatly improved by using NiMH
AA cells, although you will notice a slight drop in
output. A DC-DC boost circuit is used to provide energy
to the 3W LED which allows for a much brighter light
than would otherwise be possible. One of the most distincive
characteristics of this light is the styling, with its
deeply scalloped head and fading body textures. It is
gray in color and appears to have a protective Type
II anodize coating. It uses a clear plastic lens in
the head and has a tactical type press-twist switch
in the tail.
Body: The body of the Nuwai X-3 is fairly thick machined
aluminum with the slightly less durable type II anodize
finish. The color of the sample received is gray and it is
unknown if other colors are available. The outside of
the body has very interesting fading grooves machined into the surface
to help with grip and you will also find flutes
around the tailcap. The head is deeply scalloped around its periphery,
which creates a very unique look. A wrist lanyard
is attached between the talicap and body tube by a shaped ring
of metal which is removable.
Bezel/Head: The head of the X-3 includes a clear
plastic lens, a polished reflector, a Luxeon 3
watt LED, and a DC-DC boost circuit.
The lens is slightly recessed which serves as some protection
from impact and abrasion. The LED is centered
in the deep reflector. The deep cutouts on the head provide greater
surface area for the dissapation of heat from the LED and circuit.
This not only helps keep it cool, but makes it look "cool" as well.
Output: Output is very good. The beam is very
smooth with a brighter center and a wide soft spillbeam.
The white light produced by the LED is a high color
temperature and produces good color rendition. No discernable
tint was detectable in the beam when compared
against a near sunlight-white source. This provides
for an excellent beam. Of course, the
tint of your particular light may be different.
The volume of light produced is quite substantial, especially
considering the power source.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: Runtime with alkaline AA cells
is shown below. The literature
with the light states you should expect around 3.5 hours of output.
Runtime
completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
More
information on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is a combination press-twist type switch.
Twisting (tightening) the tailcap turns the light constant-on, while
pressing in on the textured rubber button allows for momentary operation
when the tailcap is unscrewed slightly.
I did notice that the twisting action is a bit rough. It may take
some use and wear before it smooths out. You can lock-out
the switch by unscrewing the tailcap 1-2 turns. This
will prevent accidental activation when packing the
light in your backpack or luggage.
Seals / Water Resistance: The light is protected
from the environment by an o-ring at both ends of the
body tube, a rubber switch cover and a sealed bezel.
Nuwai advertises the light as "waterproof"
with no specific depth rating. I would call it "dunkable"
but not "diveable".
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Nothing special to report here,
except that it is small and easy to carry.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: For batteries, this light is approved
by the manufacturer for use with AA cells, but the type
is not stated. As a result, using rechargeable NiMH cells
and L91 lithium AA (or any others) are at your own
risk.
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: A tiny split ring and clip-on lanyard
are included.
What I Liked: Waterproof, Tough/impact
resistant, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: Nothing in
particular.
Picky Little Things: The twisting action of
the tailcap is rough and a little difficult to operate with one hand.
Conclusions: Overall, I'd have
to say that the Nuwai X-3 is a very stylish light with
quite good output. Unfortunately runtime is lacking
with alkalines, but with NiMH, it gets good runtime
and very flat output. Use with rechargables if at all
possible and use alkalines for backup. I'm raising the
review rating 1/2 Star to 4 Stars as a result of the
very good runtime and still good output with NiMH cells.
UPDATE: I have been informed that
the packaging says the light is "focusable".
Indeed, you can twist the head and change the focus
of the LED beam, but all this seems to really do is
create a hole in the middle of the beam. I think it's
focused about as perfectly as it can be with the head
screwed down tight.
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