Lumintop FW3A vs Emisar D3AA
Quick take: The Emisar D3AA costs $2 less; the Lumintop FW3A is brighter (2,800 vs 1,400 lm); the Lumintop FW3A throws farther (184m vs 128m); the Emisar D3AA runs longer on high (1.5 vs 1 hrs).
| Spec | Lumintop FW3A | Emisar D3AA |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $42 | $40 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | EDC |
| Lumens | 2,800 lm | 1,400 lm |
| Candela | 8,500 cd | 4,100 cd |
| Beam distance | 184m | 128m |
| Runtime | 1 hr (turbo) | 1.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | AA/14500 |
| LED | SST-20 4000K | Nichia 519A 4500K |
| Beam type | Flood | Flood |
| Modes | Ramping + Stepped | Ramping + Stepped |
| UI | Anduril | Anduril 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| CRI | 95 | 95 |
| Weight | 2.0 oz | 1.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 1.0 in | 3.1 x 0.9 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Manufacturer Limited |
What owners report
Lumintop FW3A
- ✓One of the shortest 18650 lights made, with near-ideal pocket geometry
- ✓Diamond-cut knurling better executed than on far more expensive lights
- ✓Anduril, with a sub-lumen low and a 2,800-lumen high
- ✓Spectacular build quality for a sub-$40 light
- ✓A genuine community design rather than a marketing exercise
- ✗The head exceeds 80°C on turbo; Lumintop advises ten-second bursts only
- ✗The quickfire switch makes accidental Anduril reconfiguration easy
- ✗Some batches squeak and have an uncomfortable switch
- ✗Requires unprotected cells because of the output and form factor
- ✗The pocket clip ring stands proud and creates a pressure point
Emisar D3AA
- ✓Full D4V2 capability — three emitters, full emitter menu, Anduril 2 — in a smaller body
- ✓Runs both 14500 lithium and 1.5V cells
- ✓Described as by far the best Eneloop light: regulated, no PWM, very efficient
- ✓Upgraded driver improves both output and runtime
- ✓Dedome option available for a warmer beam
- ✗The clip's gap is too small to push into a jeans pocket easily
- ✗Pronounced clip nubs press uncomfortably against leg or hand
- ✗Anodising could be tougher
- ✗Red o-rings on the smaller Emisars break more readily
- ✗Tolerances around the o-rings could be better