Another "help me decide" thread

[pipspeak]

I'm new to these forums and was hoping esteemed members might be able to help me decide on a multipurpose cree flashlight that ideally can be adapted to run on either 1AA or 2AAs.

I've boiled it down to either a Lumapower M3 transformer (which gives me both 1AA/2AA and lithium options) and a Fenix L2D CE with the L1D body tube (or vice versa). Is there really a huge difference between the two in terms of runtime and output (when using, say, 2AAs)? Both use cree emitters so I imagine there's not much in it.

I like the sound of the Lumapower's simpler UI a bit better and it comes with two switch options but ultimately it's the power/runtime that'll probably be more important. Fenix seems to have the edge in that department.

 

[apdb90]

I can't offer anything on the Lumapower, but I just purchased a Fenix L2D CE Q5. I've only had it for several days, but I'm completely satisfied with the fit/finish, and couldn't be happier with the output/runtime so far.

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy pipspeak, and welcome to CPF,
I hate to be this way... but I honestly think you will be very happy with either of those choices...... so keep reading as many reviews as you can, then make your decision based on what your gut tells you. Either way, you'll be getting an excellent light.

If this is any help, here are some well respected review sites:

http://www.lightreviews.info/

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/features/buyers_guide.htm

http://www.cpfreviews.com/

http://flashlightnews.org/

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=19

Happy hunting!

 

[Gunner12]

There's a bit of difference between Cree XR-E LEDs. Tint and efficiency. The LEDs can have a green to pinkish tint and the higher bins are about 30% more efficient then the lower bins. Look here for more specific info.

IIRC, the Lumapower M3 uses a Cree XR-E P4 LED. The Fenix L2D-CE Q5 uses the Cree XR-E Q5 LED.

The L2D-CE(The P4 one, Q5 would be brighter) has more output on Turbo then the M3 and has similar output on high.

The M3 potentially has more throw if you use the Turbohead.

The L2D has more modes but the Lumapower is larger(and probably feels sturdier).

There is also a 8% off coupon at Fenix Store for CPFers, "CPF8". I think the coupon for Batteryjunction is "CPF2006", I'm not sure though.

:welcome:

 

[Dances with Flashlight]

Be sure to check out the LED MUSEUM. There is enough solid information here, both general and specific, to send a normal person into a catatonic state, and some of the flashlight reviews might remind you of ultimate fighting; really no-holds-barred. I can't imagine buying anything that lights up without stopping by here first.

http://ledmuseum.home.att.net/

 

[pipspeak]

heh, that's the problem... I'm already in a catatonic state having looked at all the reviews, beam shots, lumen numbers, runtime figures etc. I worked myself into a state of indecision. I'll make sure I've covered all those links... thanks.

Does anyone have the M3 turbohead? I'm curious to see a beamshot from it. The beamshots I've seen so far suggest the Fenix will have a longer throw than the regular M3 with the OP reflector but I'm not sure if the M3 comes with a smooth reflector as an option.

And then there's the Nightcore Defender Infinity, which has staggering output for a single AA light and an interesting UI.

See, the more I search, the more options appear

 

[Derek Dean]

Be sure to check out the LED MUSEUM. There is enough solid information here, both general and specific, to send a normal person into a catatonic state, and some of the flashlight reviews might remind you of ultimate fighting; really no-holds-barred. I can't imagine buying anything that lights up without stopping by here first.

http://ledmuseum.home.att.net/

Ah yes, thanks Dances with Flashlight... I completely agree, a visit to the LED Museum is an absolute must for any budding flashaholic. I'll add that to my list.