Is there any single AAA better than the Fenix LD01?

[davidt1]

I have been wanting to buy a single AAA light for a while now. What I need is a small light -- 3'' or less long and no bigger than an AA battery in diameter. This is very important because I will carry it in the wallet. It needs to have a decent runtime and brightness. So far the LD01 fits the requrirement. LD01 owners please help me out with measurements because I need to fit it in the wallet.

If there is anything better for the same price, I would consider it.

I will buy the black version because it is lighter than the SS version. Is there a difference in performance between the two? Fenix store sells the black version for $42. Is there a coupon I can use? Any place sells it for less? Thank you.

Also, does it have a decent throw, say, better than the Zebra H50, a light which I will buy the next version?

 

[jzmtl]

I can't think of anything that's significantly better than it. Anything with a reflector will have better throw than H50.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

nothing better doesn't mean there isn't lights just as good as it. For the price, performance, and quality it comes down to more preference than an overall winner. I have an LD01 SS and like it a lot. I thought about getting a LF2FX but it costs more and isn't stainless steel and I wanted a keychain beater and this light doesn't show anything after 2 weeks of EDC and blends in with the keys and the chains and rings I have people don't notice it while a black light they would perhaps. As far as measurements the LD01 SS is the size of a AA alkaline for all but the knurling then it is the diameter of a nimh AA or 01.mm larger. It is slightly under 3 inches in length excluding the split ring if you were to use that but it will tuck up under it for tailstanding.
I *think* the coupon for fenix store is still cpf8, look up greenled's thread about discounts in the marketplace but I wasn't able to use the coupon buying paypal I had to email peter and they refunded the amount back in a few days to me.

 

[JBorneu]

I like the Liteflux LF2X better because it can go both higher and lower than the LD01 and it has full Li-ion support, but it is over your pirce limit. There are no AAA size protected Li-ion cells, so if you're planning on running those in a light you need a light with overdischarge portection. The only 1AAA light that has overdischarge protection is the Liteflux LF2X. If you just want to run it off alkalines/NiMH/lithium primary cells and you don't need a super low low and a super high high you can go with the Fenix LD01.

Depending on how much light you need, a Fenix E01 might also be a contestant. Very cheap at $15 shipped and it will run for at least 10 hours fully regulated at 10 lumens with plenty of moon mode afterwards on a lithium primary. The olive finish supposedly lasts a little longer.

 

[TONY M]

The olive finish supposedly lasts a little longer.

Yes the black E01 gets scratched to bits after a while if that bothers you. I have an Olive and a Gold on the way.

The SS is the way to go for the LD01 IMHO.

 

[kitelights]

The LD01 is going to be hard to beat in it's category, but you really haven't said how you want to use it. That will influence recommendations. It measures 2.97 inches in length and .57 inches in diameter, about .01-.02 inch larger than the AA cell that you refer to. I can't imagine carrying it in a wallet, but each to their own.

It has significantly more throw than the Zebra H50. The throw master of the AAA production lights is probably the LF2x. Others here have already gone over some of the features of the LF2x. I love mine, but I don't carry it on me.

I'm an ARC fan, but the LD01 has replaced my ARC for EDC. The ARC is smaller (.80" x .50"), but is single brightness at about 10 lumens. It is a classic and it was hard for me to replace.

My personal opinion is the LD01 is not as well built as the ARC, but the LOD series has proven itself as a dependable performer over the years and I have no reason to doubt that the new LD01 will continue with the same dependability. The new model boasts an improved circuit, faster PWM on low and medium, simplified by eliminating the strobe and SOS making it a 3 mode light instead of a 5 mode, upgraded Q5 emitter, and reduced the price by a few dollars.

I use a light so often that I can't imagine having to dig one out of my wallet. I'm also an anti-bulk freak and I just started carrying a wallet again a couple of years ago after not carrying one because of too much bulk when I finally found the All-ett. If it will only be used as an emergency light in your wallet (not seeing much use), maybe you could consider a Photon that is much smaller that you could lock out to prevent accidental turn on. They're about .33" thick, the size of a football shaped quarter and weigh next to nothing.

I carry my LD01 in my front pants pocket with my change and a single car key. I'm such an anti bulk freak that I only carry a car key. My keys are on a lanyard that I put in my car's console and at home hang up next to the back door. Point is that I like the LD01 / ARC AAA size because it is always with me and doesn't create bulk in my pocket.

Let us know what you decide on, how you like it, and how you carry and use it. Don't worry if you don't choose the 'perfect' light. You're here - you'll be buying plenty of others.

 

[Southernlight]

the SS LD01 is heavier at 35g, so for me I'd go aluminum LD01 at 15g as I want lightest possible weight!

Tim

 

[HKJ]

I would say the LiteFlux LF2X is better, but it is also more complex.
It is easy to select between two light levels, but if your want to use all the functions of it, your need to invest some time in learning it and configuring it.

What your get in the LF2X is a much lower low and your can also get a slightly more bright high, but the light leves can be configured. It has configurable strobe modes.

 

[kts]

I just got my SS LD01, and for now its the AAA king :twothumbs

 

[kaichu dento]

I've been a L0D supporter from the start but just got a couple Arc's and I must say that with your plan to wallet carry and request for small, you really should look at one sometime.

I just can't stop playing with the Arc even though I got a big pile of other lights at the same time yesterday. I swear it is so feather light that it's hard to believe there's a battery inside. Really!

Until you actually hold an Arc you'll never understand why they still have such a loyal following!

 

[bluewater]

+1 for the LF2X. :bow:

I have the LD01 also.

The LF2X does everything better. You can customize it to run anyway you like. It's a tiny bit larger.

 

[davidt1]

The LD01 is going to be hard to beat in it's category, but you really haven't said how you want to use it. That will influence recommendations. It measures 2.97 inches in length and .57 inches in diameter, about .01-.02 inch larger than the AA cell that you refer to. I can't imagine carrying it in a wallet, but each to their own.

It has significantly more throw than the Zebra H50. The throw master of the AAA production lights is probably the LF2x. Others here have already gone over some of the features of the LF2x. I love mine, but I don't carry it on me.

I'm an ARC fan, but the LD01 has replaced my ARC for EDC. The ARC is smaller (.80" x .50"), but is single brightness at about 10 lumens. It is a classic and it was hard for me to replace.

My personal opinion is the LD01 is not as well built as the ARC, but the LOD series has proven itself as a dependable performer over the years and I have no reason to doubt that the new LD01 will continue with the same dependability. The new model boasts an improved circuit, faster PWM on low and medium, simplified by eliminating the strobe and SOS making it a 3 mode light instead of a 5 mode, upgraded Q5 emitter, and reduced the price by a few dollars.

I use a light so often that I can't imagine having to dig one out of my wallet. I'm also an anti-bulk freak and I just started carrying a wallet again a couple of years ago after not carrying one because of too much bulk when I finally found the All-ett. If it will only be used as an emergency light in your wallet (not seeing much use), maybe you could consider a Photon that is much smaller that you could lock out to prevent accidental turn on. They're about .33" thick, the size of a football shaped quarter and weigh next to nothing.

I carry my LD01 in my front pants pocket with my change and a single car key. I'm such an anti bulk freak that I only carry a car key. My keys are on a lanyard that I put in my car's console and at home hang up next to the back door. Point is that I like the LD01 / ARC AAA size because it is always with me and doesn't create bulk in my pocket.

Let us know what you decide on, how you like it, and how you carry and use it. Don't worry if you don't choose the 'perfect' light. You're here - you'll be buying plenty of others.

I am an anti-bulk freak too, but I also forget things. So the only way to ensure I have something with me is to have it in my wallet or on my keychain. I already have a Nano that meets 90% of my flashlight need. Whatever I carry in my wallet is going to be a back up light that won't get used very day.

 

[davidt1]

the SS LD01 is heavier at 35g, so for me I'd go aluminum LD01 at 15g as I want lightest possible weight!

Tim

This is especially true if I put it in the wallet. Speaking of which, I should post some pictures of it so it might be easier for you to help. I might not put it in the wallet all the time, but it's nice to have the option.

The light will go where the marker is (it's 3.2'' long)

Inside view

 

[NightTime]

[...]LD01 owners please help me out with measurements because I need to fit it in the wallet.[...]

Go check this website:

LD01:
http://www.light-reviews.com/fenix_ld01_ss/

LF2X:
http://www.light-reviews.com/liteflux_lf2_x/

There, you will get accurate measurements, lux reading and runtimes for each light.

Cheers!

 

[Hitthespot]

This is very important because I will carry it in the wallet. It needs to have a decent runtime and brightness. So far the LD01 fits the requrirement. LD01 owners please help me out with measurements because I need to fit it in the wallet.

I cannot imagine any AAA light fitting into a wallet comfortably, well at least not mine. But hey maybe you carry a big wallet with lots of cash that makes it big anyhoo.

If your looking for less cost and want something inbetween the LD01 and LOD in brightness, I am very fond of the Streamlight Microstream. It is a push button instead of a twist, fairly bright at 20 lumens, and I have given many away with no quality problems.

Bill

 

[davidt1]

I cannot imagine any AAA light fitting into a wallet comfortably, well at least not mine. But hey maybe you carry a big wallet with lots of cash that makes it big anyhoo.

If your looking for less cost and want something inbetween the LD01 and LOD in brightness, I am very fond of the Streamlight Microstream. It is a push button instead of a twist, fairly bright at 20 lumens, and I have given many away with no quality problems.

Bill

My wallet is not that big. It's funny because I look at other people's wallets when I am at the supermarket, etc. Most of them are thicker than mine. I barely notice it's there even when it's fully loaded. I know for sure something like the Maglite Solitaire will fit just fine. At 3.5'' long, the Microstream just won't do it.

The way I look at it, an empty wallet being in your pocket takes up space, a wallet with just two cards and and a couple of bills take up space. Why not maximize the use of space? That's why I turn mine into an EDC wallet.

 

[snakyjake]

This is a good thread comparing the LD01 to LF2X.
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/2724562

A good LF2X summary made by this_is_nascar:
-- the pocket clip of the LF2X is awesome.
-- better beam quality from the LF2X.
-- although I don't use them, the LF2X is published as being 10440 capable.
-- user settable brightness levels.
-- quicker access to those 2-levels when in use.
-- LF2X is capable of coming on in a low brightness mode 1st.
-- the lowest brightness level of the LF2X is unmatched in just about every other 1xAAA light.

A lot depends on how carried. And a lot depends on battery choice.

For me, I'm thinking of the LF2X because I want the pocket clip. Not sure how much I'll notice the difference in LUX. Runtimes may make a difference, but not if you have spares or a charger near by. UI maybe a difference too.

If I was looking for a wallet light, it would be the smallest thinnest light I can find, where batteries won't be an issue.

 

[JBorneu]

Leave the marker where it is and put this in your wallet. It's a guy from EDCForums (check it out, from the looks of your wallet you'll love that place) who put a fishing lure light in his wallet as a last resort backup light.

Put that in you wallet as a backup and put a brighter 1AAA torch in your pocket in place of the streamlight nano. I would advise you the Liteflux LF2X, because I love mine, but the LD01 is a good choice too.

 

[WadeF]

I have a LOD-CE Q4 (previous LD01 version) and Liteflux LF2 SSC on my keychain. I have dropped this key chains more times than I'd care to admit onto a hard rock slab outside my door. Both lights, other than some dings in the HA, keep running strong. My LOD has more output with a 10440, but running a 10440 lithium ion AAA in a LOD/LD10 is a do at your own risk.

I have a LD01 SS on the way.

Has anyone been running a 10440 in their LD01 SS? I assume the SS version doesn't heat sink as well as the aluminum version, so I'd be more worried about over heating the Cree.

 

[NightTime]

Has anyone been running a 10440 in their LD01 SS? I assume the SS version doesn't heat sink as well as the aluminum version, so I'd be more worried about over heating the Cree.

Mev did it for his review at http://www.light-reviews.com/fenix_ld01_ss/
You will get runtimes and output. Crazy output for such a small light , but runtimes are bad with a 10440 :ironic: !