Wuben C3 Review (2024 Upd.) Does This Flashlight Worth it?

Last Updated on October, 2024

Wuben has been a flashlight brand that has almost never let me down, but it’s ‘almost.’

In my experience reviewing hundreds of flashlights, I have come across some Wuben lights that didn’t live up to my expectations. On the flip side, some blew my mind.

So, when my anonymously ordered Wuben C3 package finally arrived, I wondered what it would be — I hoped it to impress me.

I know you’re considering the Wuben C3, and this is the right place to make that decision. 

Let me tell you everything there is to know about the flashlight.

Let’s start with the key specs, as always.

 Overall: 4.7/5.0
4.7
Brightness
4.6
Beam Distance
4.7
Runtime
Features
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Comes with a one-way clip
  • Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
  • Highest mode emits an impressive 1200 lumens
  • Resistance Against Water and Impact
  • LED charging indicator
  • SEE WHAT’S MORE
Brand Info
  • Known for high-quality and durable flashlights
  • Established in 1981
  • Maintains competitive pricing for their products
  • Focuses on customer satisfaction and responsive support
  • Provides a variety of models for different needs
Product Benefits
  • Rechargeable 18650 battery with reverse polarity protection
  • Impact resistant up to 1.5m
  • Maximum beam throw of 179m in high mode
  • Comes with a lanyard for easy carrying and access
  • Bright and adjustable LED engine with multiple modes to suit any situation

Key Specs of the Wuben C3

Flashlight Type EDC 
Dimensions4.78’’ (121.5 mm) long 1’’ (25.4mm) body diameter 4.34 oz (123g) with battery 2.57 oz (73g) without battery
Light source1 x OSRAM P9 LED
Max output: Turbo mode1200 lumens — 1 min
Max beam intensity27985cd
Med mode400 lumens — 3.5 hours
Low mode80 lumens — 20 hours
Eco mode5 lumens — 143 hours
Strobe mode1200 lumens
SOS mode200 lumens
Max throw 179m
Max battery life143 hours
No. of modes6
Battery type1* 18650
Rechargability typeUSB-C
Average charging timeApproximately 3 hours
Waterproof ratingIP68 (2m submersible)
Impact resistance1.5 m

What’s in the Box: Wuben C3

a human holding Wuben C3
Wuben ABE 2600 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Human holding Type C Charging cable
a Human holding Lanyard
a Human holding O rings inside a packet
a Human holding User Manual

>>> Click Here to Checkout Yourself <<<

  • 1x C3 Flashlight
  • 1x ABE 2600 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • 1x Type-C Charging cable
  • 1x Lanyard
  • 2x O-ring
  • 1x Warranty Card/User Manual

Key Features of the Wuben C3: In-Depth Analysis

Build Quality and Design

The Wuben C3 flashlight boasts unparalleled build quality in the market. It is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring that it is sturdy and lightweight. 

This ensures that you can comfortably carry it with you wherever you go without feeling weighed down. But let me tell you how impressive this flashlight’s dimensions are.

  • 4.78’’ (121.5 mm) long
  • 1″ (25.4mm) body diameter
  • 4.34 oz (123g) with battery
  • 2.57 oz (73g) without battery
a Human holding the Wuben C3 flashlight

As you can see, the C3 is designed to be lightweight and compact.

Its unique grooved head is one stand-out feature. This not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures that it stands out from the crowd. 

Additionally, the grooves on the head provide a tactile and non-slip grip that is comfortable to hold even for extended periods because it’s necessary to have those little details to ensure a comfortable experience. 

The flashlight also has a uniform cylindrical diameter contributing to its ergonomic design. This means it is easy to handle, and you can comfortably operate it with one hand. 

The body knurls are not uniform; instead, they differ from segment to segment, providing a better grip. That’s why you never have to worry about a secure hold on the flashlight in wet or slippery conditions or even when you’re wearing gloves.

The Wuben C3 flashlight also comes with a one-way clip that is strategically placed to complement the grip provided by the body knurls. This clip allows you to attach the flashlight to your belt or backpack for easy access while on the go. 

However, if you prefer not to clip it onto your belt, an optional holster is available to help you carry it comfortably.

It’s a full package, after all.

You’ll absolutely love the sleek black finish that adds to its already stunning appearance. The black finish is not only stylish but also adds an element of sophistication to the flashlight. It is perfect for those who value aesthetics and want to make a statement with their gear.

So, basically, the Wuben C3 has admirable design quality and finish. It only gets better with the user interface — let’s talk about it next.

User Interface

Wuben is a brand known for simple interfaces — that’s why their flashlights are so easy to handle.

When it comes to the user interface, the Wuben C3 flashlight is an absolute game-changer.

It features six different brightness levels that are easily accessible through the single tail cap switch — didn’t I tell you it was easy?

You only need to half-press the switch to change between the four main brightness levels. This is done by not clicking it all the way.

a Human holding the Wuben C3 flashlight in tactical position

This way, you can easily adjust the brightness to match your specific needs; it’ll make more sense when you read through the lumen output section next.

Additionally, the strobe mode can be accessed by double-tapping the switch, while the SOS mode is activated by triple-pressing it.

What’s the point of a modern branded flashlight without a memory mode? That’s why Wuben has integrated the standard industry memory mode into the C3. 

If you didn’t know already, this mode makes the flashlight remember the last brightness setting when you turn it on each time. This way, you don’t have to adjust the brightness every time you turn on the flashlight, saving you time and hassle.

The LED charging indicator further increases C3’s experience much more; here’s how it works.

It glows red while charging and green when it’s completely charged. The LED also indicates the remaining power level of the battery each time the light is turned on. 

If the light is solid green, there is a 90-100% charge, while a flashing green light indicates a 40-90% charge. 

If the light shows a solid red light, it means there is a 15-40% charge remaining, while a flashing red light indicates that the charge is less than 15%.

Battery level indicators in modern flashlights are necessary and have become a fundamental feature. It remaining saves you from running out of power unexpectedly. It also allows you to plan ahead, ensuring you have enough battery life for your needs.

You can see how Wuben flexes its UI capabilities with the C3. 

Up next; Lumen output!

Lumen Output 

The Wuben C3 flashlight is equipped with a powerful single OSRAM LED engine that enables six different brightness levels. 

The highest mode emits an impressive 1200 lumens and delivers an intense beam with a remarkable candela intensity of 7985cd. 

This mode is perfect for intense outdoor activities that may involve exploring dark environments. 

However, the high mode lowers to a more conservative 500 lumens after a few minutes of runtime.

This is typical, and it makes it suitable for everyday use in different environments — it’s really up to you.

Wuben C3 light output

The medium mode is a great balance between the high and low modes, emitting 400 lumens with a candela intensity of 2660cd. This mode provides a decent amount of brightness and range that will serve a variety of purposes. 

Once you read the battery section coming up next, you’ll understand it better.

The low mode emits 80 lumens. This 30-candela intensity light is ideal for using the C3 without disturbing others or preserving battery life when only a small amount of light is needed. 

The eco mode, on the other hand, is the perfect setting when only a tiny bit of light is necessary. It emits a soft glow of 30 candela light. This 5-lumens borderline-moonlight mode conserves battery life and is especially useful during long camping trips or power outages when you need to save energy.

In addition to these modes, the Wuben C3 flashlight also features a strobe mode that emits 1200 lumens in the brightest output, which is perfect for self-defense or signaling during emergencies. 

The SOS mode is another excellent feature that emits a bright 200 lumens in a distress signal pattern, making attracting attention during a crisis easier.

That’s why C3 really is an all-rounder flashlight.

Battery, Runtime, and Charging

There used to be a time when branded flashlights used to run out of its juice.

But Wuben and its other industry leaders have gone quite the distance, providing you with hours and hours of battery life.

The C3 is a prime example of long battery life in compact flashlights.

In high mode, the flashlight emits an impressive 1200 lumens of light for three minutes before the lumen output drops to 500 lumens, allowing it to run for up to 2.5 hours

Wuben C3 charging light blinking

In med mode, the battery will last an impressive 3.5 hours, while the low mode provides a whopping 20 hours of continuous use. 

But if you’re looking for maximum runtime, the eco mode is the way to go, as it can last up to an incredible 143 hours – that’s almost six days!

The flashlight’s built-in USB-C connector makes charging the battery simple and convenient. You can use the included USB-A to USB-C charging cable to charge the battery from any standard USB power source. 

It’s worth noting that the package doesn’t include a power brick, but you can use one from your phone or another similar charging device. The battery also has reverse polarity protection circuitry, which is a helpful safety feature.

In addition to the included rechargeable 18650 battery, the C3 can also run by a standard 18650 battery without the protection circuit or a pair of non-rechargeable CR123A batteries. 

It’s a versatile flashlight that can be used in various situations, making it a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and long-lasting light source. 

The big question is how long it takes to charge the C3 fully. Usually, this SHOULD take about 5-6 hours but guess what? How long it really takes? Just 3 hours. That’s how efficient Wuben really is.

Beam Throw 

With its powerful OSRAM LED engine, the flashlight offers different modes that provide varying beam throws to suit different needs.

In the high mode, the flashlight produces an intense beam reaching up to 179m, making it ideal for long-range illumination needs — it’s all power.

The med mode is designed for situations that require a balance between brightness and distance. With a beam throw of up to 50m, this mode is ideal for tasks that require you to see your surroundings in detail without compromising on the range.

The low mode is perfect for tasks that require close-up illumination without creating too much glare. With a beam throw of 10m, you can use this mode for extended periods without worrying about eye strain or battery drain.

The eco mode is designed for situations where battery life is a priority. With a beam throw of just 1m, this mode provides a dim but reliable source of light that can last for days.

At last, let’s look at the resistance features.

Resistance Against Water and Impact 

The C3 flashlight is a reliable companion for those who need a durable and long-lasting light source. 

This flashlight is made from premium aerospace-grade aluminum and is designed to withstand tough conditions and rough handling.

You won’t have to worry about the flashlight breaking down on you in the middle of an adventure.

The C3 flashlight is IP68 rated, making it waterproof and dustproof according to ANSI FL1 standards.

This basically means that you can even use it underwater to a depth of up to 2 meters. In addition, the digit 6 means that the C3 is dustproof too.

water drops on Wuben C3

Not only is the C3 waterproof and dustproof, and it has an impact resistance of 1.5 meters. In case you drop the flashlight from a height of up to 1.5 meters, you don’t have to worry about damaging it. The flashlight is built to withstand impact and keep working.

After all, that’s how it should be.

Customer Reviews of Wuben C3

I never look for customer reviews of flashlights on their websites; who will show bad reviews willingly? Amazon, on the other hand, shows everything.

So, here’s a glimpse of the overall picture of the Wuben C3.

Wuben C3 Customer Review 1

Jack elaborates on his positive experience in ALL aspects. It’s nice to see that he’ll buy more of these as gifts for family members.

Wuben C3 Customer Review 2

Cicero is a person who works under cars, and he’s satisfied. Even as a work light, the Wuben C3 is phenomenal.

Wuben C3 Customer Review 3

Frederick summarizes his experience as “best buy.” After all, he’s been using it for more than three weeks on a single charge. And he recommends the C3.

Next, let ME share my experience with the flashlight with you.

My Experience With Wuben C3

As someone who loves the great outdoors, I always make sure to pack a reliable flashlight on my adventures. And let me tell you, the C3 did GREAT.

First off, let’s talk about the design. The knurling on the flashlight’s body made it easy to grip and handle, even with gloves on. And the size was perfect – not too bulky, but not so small that it’s hard to handle.

The cherry on top is that side clip that fit my trouser and jacket pockets and the backpack effortlessly with a secure grip.

The black color design is phenomenal, hands down.

When I turned it on, I was blown away by the brightness. The different modes were incredibly helpful, especially the strobe and SOS modes. And the lumen output was impressive, with the high mode reaching 1200 lumens – perfect for lighting up a wide area.

The battery life was also a pleasant surprise. I was able to use the low mode for a full 20 hours before needing to recharge. But I timed with a stopwatch across the span of about 3-4 days.

And speaking of recharging, it was incredibly easy with the integrated USB-C connector.

Plus, the battery has reverse polarity protection circuitry, giving me peace of mind while on the go.

The charging time was only 2 hours and 50 minutes for me. I’m guessing this is because I charged in a relatively cooler environment. 

a human holding a flashlight at night time

I also loved that the flashlight is IP68 waterproof and dustproof and has an impact resistance of 1.5m. I didn’t check for the impact resistance as always, but I did keep the flashlight inside my fish tank for about 30 minutes. I used the shower and the high-pressure bidet shower on it too.

The result? Perfectly fine.

But I have to say that I wished if there was a tail switch for faster access. On top of that, a lockout mode would have made the C3 picture-perfect.

So, my experience with the C3 was fantastic. It’s definitely going to be my go-to flashlight for all my future adventures. And the best part? The price and the warranty. 

You can DEFINITELY depend on the Wuben C3 flashlight.

Price, Warranty, And Return Policy: Wuben C3

Wuben is a recognized and reliable brand among the top industry leaders. With this much variety and almost a week of battery life, it would have made sense if the C3 was $100+.

But to my, and soon your surprise, the Wuben C3’s official price is $29.99!

Yes! The official price — it’s a massive steal.

For that price, you get a 5-year Wuben warranty. If that wasn’t enough, you also get a 30-day hassle-free return period as well. Needless to say, the flashlight’s quality has to be brand new for refunds, but hey, this is the definition of risk-free investments.

The big question is where to buy the flashlight from.

Where to Buy a Wuben C3?

My first recommendation is to buy it from their official website; it’s my second and third recommendations are too. 

A retail seller MIGHT get it about $4 cheaper, but think about the quality compromisation and all the risks that come along with it. Being a professional reviewer, believe me when I say that these flashlight companies tend to prioritize direct buyers.

So, here’s the official link to the Wuben C3 flashlight where I bought it from.

You buy it from there, and you’ll be safer than ever.

RECOMMENDED EDC FLASHLIGHT

Pros and Cons of Wuben C3

Pros

  • Durable build with premium aerospace-grade aluminum
  • Compact and lightweight for easy carrying and storage
  • Bright and adjustable LED engine with multiple modes to suit any situation
  • Long runtime on low modes, up to 20 hours on low mode and 143 hours on eco mode
  • Rechargeable 18650 battery with reverse polarity protection
  • Compatibility with standard 18650 and CR123A batteries
  • Easy charging with the integrated USB-C connector and compatibility with standard USB power sources
  • Waterproof and dustproof with an IP68 rating, adhering to the ANSI FL1 standards
  • Impact resistant up to 1.5m
  • Maximum beam throw of 179m in high mode, with shorter distances for other modes
  • Comes with a lanyard for easy carrying and access

Cons

  • Lacks a lockout mode
  • Runtime on high could have been a little more

Wuben brand’s other flashlight reviews:

Wuben C3 Review: My Conclusion 

Wuben has always been one of the most reliable and popular flashlight brands for a long time. The secret? Nothing but amazing performance coupled with user-friendly features. I’m sure it was evident as you were reading through this review. 

The Wuben C3 flashlight is phenomenal and is a dependable EDC flashlight. As long as you buy it from the official website, it’ll be a worthy investment.

I hope this review was helpful, and I will see you in another soon!

FAQs

Yes, the Wuben C3 Flashlight is waterproof and dustproof with an IP68 rating, providing protection against water and dust.

The battery takes 3 hours to fully charge using the integrated USB-C connector.

Yes, the Wuben C3 flashlight can be powered by a pair of non-rechargeable CR123A batteries.

The Wuben C3 flashlight has a maximum beam throw of 179m in high mode, 50m in med mode, 10m in low mode, and 1m in eco mode.

RECOMMENDED EDC FLASHLIGHT
Wuben C3
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Price

4.7

4.6

4.7

4.7

Overall Score

4.7

visa, master, amex, paypal
Pros
Durable build with premium aerospace-grade aluminum
Compact and lightweight for easy carrying and storage
Rechargeable 18650 battery with reverse polarity protection
Easy charging with the integrated USB-C connector and compatibility with standard USB power sources
Long runtime on low modes, up to 20 hours on low mode and 143 hours on eco mode
Get the BEST PRICE until the end of October
Cons
Lacks a lockout mode
Runtime on high could have been a little more

Was this article helpful?

Photo of author
Author
Dillon Morrison
I have been involved in the flashlight community since 2007. My brother has a flashlight shop from where I have tested and reviewed more than 600+ different types of flashlights. You can find more about me here.

Leave a Comment