| Astrolux WP3 / Mateminco FW1 | |
|---|---|
| LEP class | Class IIIB |
| Distance / intensity | 2.9km / 2,180,000 cd |
| Lumens | 562 lumens |
| Modes | 3 |
| Avg. Price | $259 |
The successor of the WP1 and WP2 arrived: Astrolux WP3
I’ve been in touch with Banggood for quite some time now, and they had shared some images of the WP3 before it was announced. If you are following Astrolux flashlights in general, you’ll notice a resemblance with the Astrolux EA02, a long-distance LED thrower.
While reviewing the Astrolux WP2 (and I don’t own the WP1, but it’s close to the Jetbeam RRT M2S Raptor) I noticed the quality of the flashlight itself and the nice anodization that reminded me of Jetbeam. The WP1 and WP2 didn’t look like the regular Astrolux flashlights. They clearly used another brand’s design and probably a production line. The WP3 however, doesn’t look like the WP1 or WP2. It’s a totally new design, with a lot more resemblance to other Astrolux lights, including the EA02.
In terms of weight and handling, the WP3 feels really nice in hand. I’m not 100% sure if mine has the 26800 battery tube or the original 26650 battery tube, but the included 21700 battery has still about a half-centimeter room left. I don’t currently own any 26800 batteries, so I can’t really test it.
The switch is located in the section between the head and body but feels a little uncomfortable. I’m not referring to the button itself, but the position. I would have preferred it to be a little more forward.
Batteries and Charging
The WP3 has built-in charging, with the help of a USB-C port. Keep in mind that the charge current is relatively low. I measured just above 1Amp, which would take at least 4.5 hours to charge the included Astrolux 21700 (4500mAh) battery. The battery has a product code: E2145 21700.
The flashlight has 2 springs, so one on each end of the battery. This means you can use button tops, and flat tops. You can even use the longest 21700 battery you have without a problem.
Performance
Lumens isn’t something really important for LEP flashlights, but just in case you’re wondering, here are my numbers:
| Mode | Amps | Specs | Lumens @ 30sec | Lumens @ start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| low | 1.34A | 95 lm | 125 lm | 125 lm |
| high | 3.27A | 412 lm | 323 lm | 332 lm |
| turbo | 3.8A | 562 lm | 445 lm | 463 lm |
As you can see, the measured output doesn’t come close to the advertised output.
Again, lumens aren’t that important for LEP lights. LEPs are meant to throw a beam as far as possible!
Measurements were taken outdoors at 20 meters (after 30 seconds) with a professional Hagner E4-X Lux Meter.
| Mode | specifications | Measured candeals | Meters | Yards | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | – | 636,000 cd | 1595 | 1744.30 | 0.99 |
| High | – | 1,692,000 cd | 2602 | 2845.08 | 1.62 |
| Turbo | 2,180,000 cd | 2,412,000 cd | 3106 | 3396.90 | 1.93 |
As you can see, the WP3 throws really well and really far.
It throws almost 2 miles, which is amazing. Keep in mind that both Low and High modes have visible PWM. So if you’re sensitive to PWM, don’t get the WP3, but get one of its competitors instead. If you only use Turbo mode, go for it. It’s one of the longest-throwing LEPs out there.
Please have a look at the following graph to see how good the WP3 throws, compared to its competitors
