I've got the Brinkmann 3 Watt as well. Very nice flashlight for the money. The 3 Watt's overall appearance is styled much like the Brinkmann Maxfire LX, except the 1 Watt & 3 Watt LED models are chunkier. There are no significant rings or artifacts in the beam and the hotspot appears to be smaller than that of other Luxeon lights which is noticeable up close indoors, but the beam has good sidespill and the throw on this thing is amazing. The beam's color is a nice bright white a little on the warmer side compared to my Fenix L1P which is very white.
I don't much care for 3 AAA battery carriers, but it works as intended on the Brinkmann and while I haven't bought a Brinkmann 1 Watt light to compare it with, I compared to the Dorcy Metal Gear (which also uses a 3 AAA battery carrier). I like the Brinkmann better. For one thing, the polymer/rubber body of the Brinkmann is lighter and feels better in the hand. It also has a well polished reflector and a tempered glass lens unlike the polycarbonate lens on the Dorcy. The beam on the Brinkmann is much clearer, brighter and whiter compared to my Dorcy Metal Gear.
On the package there is no mention of regulation and I haven't opened the light up to inspect it's innards so I assume the brightness will diminish as the batteries are drained. That's not so bad, considering it's not the type of light I'd choose for everyday carry and use. I think it makes a great light to have around the house or in the car or as a very bright emergency light. Personally, I have mixed feelings about battery carriers in general, but the fact that it runs on easily found and affordable AAA batteries instead of CR123's gives it more of an advantage.