Full specs (publisher-ready table)
| Item | UltraFire S3 |
|---|---|
| Max white output | 1200 lm (Turbo) |
| White modes | Low 3.5 lm / Med 55 lm / High 220 lm / Turbo 1200 lm |
| UV | 365 nm (UV-A) |
| Red laser | Pointer (manufacturer-rated ~1–5 mW) |
| Battery | 1500 mAh built-in Li-Po |
| Charging | USB-C, indicator (red charging / green full) |
| Runtime (manufacturer) | Turbo ≈ 2:02 h, High ≈ 4:07 h, Med ≈ 15 h, Low ≈ 152 h, UV 50 h (test variance noted) |
| Throw / Candela | Claimed up to 130 m (4225 cd at Turbo) |
| Waterproof | IPX6 |
| Dimensions / Weight | 102 × 33 × 24 mm / 92.1 g |
| Extras | Two-way clip, magnetic tail, memory mode, double-click lock |
Hands-on highlights (what matters to buyers)
-
Design & build: Premium-feeling anodized CNC aluminum, shallow knurling for grip, and a discreet flat profile make the S3 well-suited for office or casual carry.
-
UI: Side slider selects white / UV / laser. The front button’s hold-vs-click behavior is nonstandard (hold to turn on/off; single click changes brightness), which some users find unintuitive at first. Memory and lock functions are helpful.
-
Light quality: Clean hotspot with pleasant spill at ~5500 K color temperature. Turbo gives a solid throw for a compact flat light, though thermal regulation steps it down over time.
-
UV performance: Uses a true 365 nm LED (better for fluorescence than 395–400 nm emitters), but the UV sits behind the same TIR optic as the white LED. Expect useful—but not professional-grade—UV contrast.
-
Battery & charging: Fast USB-C recharge (short test cycles reported). Built-in battery limits field swap options; check for potential self-discharge behavior if planning long storage.
Side-by-side comparison (short table)
| Feature / Model | UltraFire S3 | TrustFire Mini X3 SE | Nitecore EDC23 | Compact Thrower (generic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max white output | 1200 lm | Similar form & function (often comparable) | Varies by model, balanced EDC output | 1500–4000+ lm (throw-focused) |
| UV 365 nm | Yes | Often available in SE variant | Generally no (pure white EDC) | Rare (usually white-only) |
| Laser pointer | Yes | Some variants include laser | No | No |
| Battery | Built-in 1500 mAh Li-Po | Often built-in in some SKUs | Removable cells (typ. 18650/21700) | Swappable large cells (21700×1–2) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB variants | USB-C on some newer models | External charging/exchangeable cells |
| Throw | Good for compact EDC (~130 m claimed) | Similar | Moderate / balanced optics | Exceptional (500 m+) |
| Use case | Multifunction EDC, inspections, presentations | Multifunction EDC | Predictable, conventional EDC | Dedicated long-range search/tactical |
| Pros | Triple-function, magnet, clip, compact | Similar value / form | Reliable UI and battery options | Maximum throw & runtime |
| Cons | Internal battery, UI quirks | Varies by vendor | Less multifunction in basic models | Bulk, poor pocketability |
Note: the TrustFire and Nitecore entries summarize typical differences between these product lines and specific models. Specs and features vary by SKU — verify exact model numbers before publishing specifications.
Pros & cons (publishable bullets)
Pros
-
Three-in-one functionality: white light, 365 nm UV, and red laser in a compact package
-
Strong Turbo output for its size (1200 lm) with a useful throw
-
USB-C charging with visible charge indicator; quick top-up times reported
-
Practical accessories: two-way clip and strong magnetic tail for hands-free work
-
Premium finish and discreet design — suitable for business/EDC use
Cons
-
Internal non-replaceable battery (1500 mAh) limits long-term field serviceability
-
UI behavior (hold vs click) is nonstandard and may confuse new users
-
UV behind TIR optic reduces pure fluorescence contrast vs a dedicated open UV torch
-
Possible self-discharge reported in a locked state on some samples — check your unit
FAQ — ready for the site
Q: Is the UltraFire S3 waterproof?
A: It’s IPX6 rated (resistant to powerful water jets and heavy rain). Not rated for deep or continuous submersion.
Q: Can I replace the battery?
A: No. The S3 uses a built-in Li-Po battery (1500 mAh). For long trips, bring a USB power source if you expect heavy use.
Q: How good is the UV for testing currency or stains?
A: The 365 nm LED is effective for casual currency checks and fluorescence detection, but the TIR optic conveys some visible light that can reduce contrast. For forensic-grade inspection, use a dedicated open-face 365 nm UV light.
Q: Any safety notes?
A: Avoid direct eye exposure to the laser and UV. Keep out of reach of children and do not point at people or reflective surfaces.
