NLIGHTD L3 18350-sized 15W LEP Prototype Review
NLIGHTD L3 LEP Prototype⌗
- Specifications
- Introduction
- Torch in use
- Build quality
- LED, bezel, lens, reflector and beam
- Size and comparison
- User interface
- Batteries and charging
- Performance
- Beamshots
- Conclusion
- Price
- Product page
Specifications⌗
| Brand/model | NLIGHTD L3 |
|---|---|
| LEP | 15W shine-through LEP module |
| Maximum lumens | 1,000 lm |
| Maximum beam intensity | 562,500 cd |
| Maximum throw | 1,500 m |
| Battery | 1*18350 |
| Onboard charging | No |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Modes | 2 |
| Blinkies | Strobe |
| Waterproof | IPX8 |
| Review date | January 2024 |
Introduction⌗
The NLIGHTD L3 is an 18350-sized torch with an 15W shine-through LEP module. There is an optional 18650 tube to increase the capacity and runtime.
This is a prototype of the NLIGHTD L3. The final version may be slightly different.
NLIGHTD is a brand by nealsgadgets.com.
Neal kindly provided this torch for review. I have not been paid for this review nor have I held back my opinions of this torch.
Packaging⌗
The packaging and the accessories might be different for the final production version. The prototype came in a plain cardboard box with padding.
The following is included in the box:
- NLIGHTD L3 with 18350 tube.
- NLIGHTD 18350 3.6V Li-ion 1600mAh 5A cell.
- Two spare o-rings.
- Spare silicone button cover (to swap with the metal button).
- User manual.
- Optional 18650 tube.
There was no user manual with this prototype. The final version will have a user manual.
Torch in use⌗
The NLIGHTD L3 feels like a slightly larger version of the NLIGHTD L2 except the LEP module is much more powerful in the L3.
It is comfortable to hold and easy to use.
The tailcap has two screw holes for a pocket clip.
The NLIGHTD L3 comes with an 18650 tube and an 18350 tube for EDC use.
Neal kindly included a yellow filter with this prototype to see how it would perform. He is currently finding a supplier for another filter. This yellow filter is not included with the final version of the NLIGHTD L3.
Build quality⌗
The body of this version of the NLIGHTD L3 is made of aluminium and it has a matte black anodised finish.
The torch feels smooth and there are no sharp edges.
The tail switch feels firm.
The threads have not been anodised. No o-rings were included with this prototype. Luckily, I have hundreds of spare o-rings.
The driver has a big notch that prevents long 18650 and 18350 cells from fitting. It would be nice if this notch is changed to a spring for the final production version.
LED, bezel, lens, reflector and beam⌗
The NLIGHTD L3 has a 15W shine-through LEP module.
The bezel can be unscrewed easily.
There is a glass lens with an anti-reflective coating sitting on top of a blue glow-in-the dark ring.
A lens is glued to the bottom of the blue glow-in-the-dark ring.
CCT, CRI, and duv⌗
I have taken Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) and Colour Rendering Index (CRI, RA of R1-R8) measurements with the torch positioned ten metres away from an Opple Light Master Pro III (G3). I measured the centre of the beam.
The CCT is around 10000K, the CRI is around 72 and the Delta u, v is slightly negative. I would not call the beam rosy or green. There is a bit of yellow tint shift in the beam due to the lens.
The beam produced has an extremely intense hot spot with minimal spill. Despite having a shine-through LEP module, there is a bit of tint shift.
| Mode | CCT (K) | CRI (Ra) | x | y | Duv |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 9175 | 71.9 | 0.2855 | 0.2932 | -0.0004 |
| High | 10735 | 72.4 | 0.2793 | 0.2770 | -0.0052 |
Calculate Duv from CIE 1931 xy coordinates
Dimensions and size comparison⌗
Dimensions⌗
I took the following measurements using a digital caliper.
| Measurement | Unit (mm) |
|---|---|
| Length with 18650 | 137.58 |
| Length with 18350 | 107.1 |
| Head diameter | 33.12 |
| Tail diameter | 27.47 |
| Button diameter | 10.65 |
| Tritium slot | 1.5 * 1.6 * 7.5 |
Weight⌗
I took the following measurements using a digital scale.
| Weight | Unit (g) |
|---|---|
| NLIGHTD L3 with 18650 tube | 141.48 |
| NLIGHTD L3 with 18350 tube | 127.25 |
| 18650 cell | 47.47 |
| 18350 cell | 22.90 |
| NLIGHTD L3 with 18650 | 188.95 |
| NLIGHTD L3 with 18350 | 150.15 |
I measured the weight without the pocket clip.
Size comparison with its competition⌗
From left to right: NLIGHTD L3 18650, NLIGHTD L2, Vastlite Bow, Amutorch BT35
From left to right: NLIGHTD L3 18650, NLIGHTD L2, Vastlite Bow, Amutorch BT35
From left to right: NLIGHTD L3 18350, NLIGHTD L2
From left to right: NLIGHTD L3 18350, NLIGHTD L2
User interface⌗
The NLIGHTD L3 has a forward-clicky tail switch.
There are two main modes: Low and High. And one blinky mode: Strobe.
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Half press | Momentary on (High) |
| Off | Half press within 1 second | Cycle (Low, High) |
| Off | Click | On (High) |
| Off | 2H | Strobe |
| On | Click | Off |
Mode memory⌗
The torch starts on High.
Strobe⌗
Strobe has a constant frequency.
Strobe
I measured Strobe, SOS and Beacon with a Zoyi ZT-703S oscilloscope using High Speed mode.
Here is a short runtime graph to check the lumen output of the Strobe mode:
Low voltage protection⌗
There appears to be low voltage protection. The light turns off around 3V.
There is a low voltage warning. The light flashes when the voltage gets low. I noticed the warning around 3.13V.
I tested low voltage protection by connecting the driver of the torch to a bench power supply and then by lowering the voltage from 4.2V to 0V.
| Mode | LVP? | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Yes | 2.93V |
I did not check low voltage protection for High because it exceeds 5A and my bench power supply is limited to 5A.
Pulse Width Modulation⌗
I did not notice any visible PWM (flickering).
What I like about the UI⌗
- It is simple to use.
- There is a Strobe mode.
What could be improved⌗
I am pretty happy with this user interface.
Batteries and charging⌗
Battery⌗
I found that the NLIGHTD L3 needs a cell capable of at least a 6A continuous discharge rate (CDR) or the LEP module will turn off and on every minute.
A new Vapcell M11 V2 18350 10A (yellow) cell worked well. As did a Vapcell N40 18650 10A cell.
I tried an old Vapcell M11 V1 18350 9A (purple) cell but the LEP module kept turning off and on after a minute.
This prototype has a notch near the driver that prevents long 18350 and 18650 cells from working. Only short flat top cells work.
The final production version of the NLIGHTD L3 should have springs at both ends to allow button top cells to also fit.
I tried the following cells:
| Cell | Top | Compatible? | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapcell M11 V2 18350 3.7V Li-ion 1100mAh (yellow) | Flat | Yes | |
| Vapcell F14 18350 3.7V Li-ion 1400mAh (green) | Recessed | Yes | |
| KeepPower IMR18350 3.7V Li-ion 1200mAh | Button | Yes | Slightly too long. |
| Manker 18350 3.7V Li-ion 1100mAh USB-C | Button | No | Too long. |
| Olight ORB-183C11 3.7V Li-ion 1100mAh | Button | No | Too long. |
| Wuben ABJ1100C 18350 3.7V Li-ion 1100mAh | Button | No | Too long. |
| Vapcell N40 18650 3.7V Li-ion 4000mAh | Flat | Yes | |
| Samsung 30Q 18650 3.7V Li-ion 3000mAh | Flat | Yes | |
| Acebeam ARC18650H-310A 3100mAh USB-C 22-J6 Black | Button | No | Too long. |
| NEXTORCH 18650 3.6V Li-ion 2600mAh | Button | No | Too long. |
Charging⌗
There is no built-in charging.
Performance⌗
Specifications from the user manual:
| ANSI/NEMA FL1 | High | Low | Strobe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output (lumens) | 1,000 | 360 | 430 |
| Runtime | |||
| Beam Distance (metres) | 1,500 | 900 | |
| Beam Intensity (cd) | 562,500 | 202,500 |
I tested the light using:
- Flat top Vapcell M11 V2 18350 3.7V Li-ion 1100mAh (yellow) cell.
- Flat top Vapcell N40 18650 3.7V Li-ion 4000mAh cell.
Lumen measurements⌗
I used a UNI-T UT210E clamp meter to measure the current at turn on.
| Cell | Mode | Amps at start | Specs | Lumens @turn on | Lumens @30 sec | Lumens @10 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18350 | Low | 1.58 A | 372 | 363 | 336 | |
| 18350 | High | 5.70 A | 1,000 | 1,097 | 974 | 392 |
| 18650 | Low | 1.51 A | 377 | 368 | 343 | |
| 18650 | High | 5.48 A | 1,000 | 1,056 | 947 | 397 |
Standby drain⌗
There is no standby drain. This torch has a forward-clicky tailswitch.
Runtime graphs⌗
I used my own DIY lumen tube with a TSL2591 sensor and forked bmengineer’s project RuTiTe to record runtimes.
Note: Lumen measurements may be off by 10% with my DIY lumen tube.
The room temperature was approximately 21 C.
18650⌗
18350⌗
Runtime⌗
Here is a summary of the runtime results:
| Cell | Mode | User manual | Runtime | Turn off | Final voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18650 | High | 1h 30min 47s | 1h 42min 6s | 3.03 | |
| 18650 | Low | 1h 57min 15s | 2h 9min 40s | 2.96 | |
| 18350 | High | 27min 39s | 28min 18s | 3.07 | |
| 18350 | Low | 40min 3s | 40min 47s | 3.09 |
“Runtime” is the time until the output reduces to 10% of the output at 30 seconds (as per the ANSI/PLATO FL1 2019 Standard).
“Turn off” is the time until my DIY lumen tube no longer detects more than one lumen.
“+” indicates that the light remained on after recording had stopped.
The surface temperature reached 52 C near the head and 47 C near the tail after five minutes on High.
The surface temperature reached 60 near the head after an hour on High.
The output is well regulated but this torch gets very warm if you leave it on!
The runtime might be longer with the included NLIGHTD 18350 1600mAh cell. I used a Vapcell M11 V2 1100mAh cell to test the NLIGHTD L3.
Throw⌗
I took lux measurements with a UNI-T UT383BT at 30 seconds. Low and High were measured at ten metres.
| Cell | Mode | Specs (cd) | Specs (m) | Candela measured (cd) | Distance (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18350 | Low | 250,300 | 1,000 | ||
| 18350 | High | 647,800 | 1,609 | ||
| 18650 | Low | 900 | 202,500 | 245,100 | 990 |
| 18650 | High | 1,500 | 562,500 | 637,000 | 1,596 |
Beamshots⌗
I went to a local park and I aimed the torch at a tree 100 metres away while using High.
Beamshots were taken using a Sony RX100M2 using 1.3", f3.2, ISO 800, 5000K WB.
NLIGHTD L3 (High)⌗
NLIGHTD L2 (High)⌗
Lumintop Petal (LEP High)⌗
Here are some older photos before the BBQ and the shelter were replaced.
Amutorch BT35 (High)⌗
I went to a local creek and I took photos of the beam at distances of 115 metres, 200 metres and 300 metres while using High.
Beamshots were taken using a Sony RX100M2 using 1.3", f3.2, ISO 800, 5000K WB.
NLIGHTD L3 (High @ 115m)⌗
NLIGHTD L3 (High @ 115m with yellow filter)⌗
NLIGHTD L3 (High @ 200m)⌗
NLIGHTD L3 (High @ 200m with yellow filter)⌗
NLIGHTD L3 (High @ 300m)⌗
Here are some beamshots of the NLIGHTD L3 near the Yarra River:
Here is a video demonstrating what the beam looks like while being on the receiving end from 300 metres away:
Conclusion⌗
The NLIGHTD L3 is a great addition NLIGHTD’s range of small EDC torches (e.g. L2, E1, E1 Copper to list a few).
A beam distance of 1km on Low and 1.5km on High is awesome for an 18350-sized light.
This thing is a little pocket rocket and it gets warm! 52 C after 5 minutes on High.
I would highly recommend checking out the NLIGHTD L2 with an 8.4W LEP module if you are looking for an even smaller LEP light.
The NLIGHTD L3 has a much more powerful 15W LEP module. I highly recommend it!
Pros:⌗
- Relatively small size.
- Good build quality.
- Good beam distance.
- Practical hot spot.
- Simple user interface.
- Output is well regulated.
Cons:⌗
- It gets very warm after 5 minutes on High.
- This prototype only accepts flat top 18350 and 18650 Li-ion cells.
Price⌗
The black aluminium NLIGHTD L3 is US$137.97 from nealsgadgets.com when using the early bird coupon code NLDL3 (40% off, valid between 10th and 31st January 2025).
The NLIGHTD L3 is not cheap but it also isn’t expensive for a LEP light.
The Amutorch BT35, an 18650-sized LEP light, is about US$113 from nealsgadgets.com after applying a promo code. It reaches about 1.3km, which is a bit less than the 1.5km that the L3 reaches.
It would be fairer to compare the NLIGHTD L3 with the Weltool W3 Pro TAC.
The Weltool W3 Pro TAC, a 21700-sized LEP light, is about US$297.45 from nealsgadgets.com after applying a promo code. It produces 930 lumens and the beam distance can reach 1,479 metres. There is a Weltool W3 Pro TAC mini version that has a Weltool BB8 18350 tube and a Weltool TC80 tailcap if you would prefer a smaller LEP light.
The NLIGHTD L series seems to be good value compared to other LEP lights on the market.
Product page⌗
Promo code: NLDL3
Promo code: TimMcAU
Promo code: TIMMC
NLIGHTD L3 at nealsgadgets.com (affiliate link)
I may earn a commission if you use an affiliate link or a promo code. This will help fund future torch reviews and tutorials.