Choosing a Fenix Flashlight

[The Beacon]

Hello everyone,

I still haven't chosen my Fenix hahaha! But I have collected all the data into an Excel Spreadsheet to help me choose. I thought the info might be useful to someone else who would like to see some of the specs collected in one place, so I'll post the images here.

Most of the data is the manufacturer's quoted Lumen outputs in number of hours.

One criteria for choosing my torch is which batteries it uses, so I have arranged the first page according to this data.

Next I have arranged them by model name for easy viewing:

I hope this data might be useful for someone. If anyone would like the spreadsheet to play with, let me know.


** UPDATE ** - I removed the prices from these charts, as they are not very useful, and also make the images too wide for the thread. Better charts will appear later in the reviews section - I've uploaded a more comprehensive one to imageshack which is too wide to post in the thread...http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2556/fenixrange.png


Martin

 

[Beacon of Light]

Thanks for putting this in a concise spreadsheet format.

 

[mr.snakeman]

With all this information so carefully categorized you should be able to decide what light you need according to your needs. Let us know what you want, light -wise, so we can help you on your way.

 

[The Beacon]

It's just a nightmare!!!!!

I had originally decided on the PD30, but with such a similar price to the TK10, it seems foolhardy not to get the more robust model. then, to confuse things, I thought it would be good to get a torch that takes AA batteries as they can be purchased more easily, and I already have rechargeable ones that I use for my mouse. So then we have to consider models like the LD20 & L2D. But is it worth reducing the maximum output to 180 lumens from ~220 just to use AA batteries? And just when you think you've decided, they go and release the TK40, and you start thinking....hmmmm, I could just get that for twice the price and have the ultimate Fenix - it even runs on AAs :lolsign:

The main purpose of the torch is to use at home, for searching around outside when I suspect an intruder. Therefore, the most important factor is reliability. I want to leave the torch in a drawer for months and know that the batteries will still have their charge when I need them. One idea is to get a light that uses AA batteries, and then use Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. These are supposed to have a 15 year shelf life and also a high capacity at 3000 mAh. But this means I will have to buy a light I don't really want, unless I go with the TK40! The disadvantage of the TK40 is obviously its size. Should I, at some point, decide to take it somewhere, it will be a lot more cumbersome than the PD30 for example, and I am unlikely to need THAT much power in any case.

Another idea is to get drunk and order one of each... :drunk:

 

[dcycleman]

I think your final idea is the most intelligent and responsible, Ive made some of my best decisions aftera 6pack!!!!

 

[Dudeman]

You sure have put in an impressive amount of diligence to spend 50 quid. But to me it sounds like you need two lights. If you want something to search for possible intruders, I would think the more lumens the better...not to mention the added size and weight of a light like the TK40 could be advantageous in a situation like that. For portability get a smaller one, the PD30 is quite nice. But if you consider battery costs, maybe you should stick with all AA, or go all CR123A.

 

[The Beacon]

You sure have put in an impressive amount of diligence to spend 50 quid.

You should see me when I'm spending 1k!

 

[ResQTech]

This may also help: http://www.pinnacleflashlights.com/table/sortabletable/index.htm

 

[Kilovolt]

Nice idea Beacon. :twothumbs

And for a size comparison here's most of them:

 

[Zeruel]

Nice idea Beacon. :twothumbs
And for a size comparison here's most of them:

TK40...
You need a LD or two in there. :naughty:

 

[DHart]

Great spreadsheets Beacon! Fantastic reference for navigating the many Fenix lights.

The lights I find myself using the most and valuing the most are those which run on Li-Ions (as well as primaries if necessary) and have widely variable output, including a very low low. Of course a great beam is wonderful as well.

I'm wondering... it looks from the spreadsheets that only two models run on Li-Ions... is that correct? And neither of these offer a low low... right?

It seems this is a product line gap that Fenix would benefit from filling.

 

[richardcpf]

Nice idea Beacon. :twothumbs

And for a size comparison here's most of them:

The TK40... that thing is HUGE... you can fit that TK10 in the body.

IMHO the TK11 R2 is overall the best flashlight fenix has produced so far. (quality, function and cost wise). I waited too much to order and now i had to buy from the last place available: amazon. no coupons, no discounts, nothing. $79+5 shipping (I could have buy the same light for about $72 shipped when it was stock)

 

[jkdguy]

Excellent work Beacon! This will help me in my selection of a new light!

 

[EPVQ30]

if you need most bang for the buck edc, compact, bright, and quick draw... PD20.
everything else compliments that light.
AA lights are for the cash strapped.
AAA lights are for the space conscious.

 

[tygger]

I disagree. AA's are arguably the best all-around format. Wide selection of battery types, easy availability worldwide, and performance is very respectable, (NiMH and lithium). My vote is to cover the basics with AA and then move into 123's. LD20 or LD10 are great all-use lights and put out more than enought lumens should the need arise. Of course, you could just act like a regular flashaholic and order all the one's you like.

 

[yellow]

1st: all my thoughts reflect my personal taste, of course!

* dont get too deep into the brightness numbers offered, in reality, all these lights are more or less equally bright and differ greatly in runtime.

* when You have a good charger for Ni-Mhs already, the 2*AA models are to be chosen, nothing gives You better overall service, especially not the CR123 lights (even more especially, as You sit in "drug-store CR123 price Europe")

* the best, simply the best, is a single 18650 light.
Gives You the power of a 2*CR123 light but much more runtime in an equally big package.
(imho, Fenix offers no good model here! see my point #1 before argueing over that. At least they still dont offer a low low. Tactical models and pocketability = 0)
light to get instead: any Jetbeam Jet III model, or something comparable

* a light that is not with You, can be perfect, but it wont be of help.
So anything larger than 2*AA or 1*18650 makes no real sense.
Also something expensive in running is no good - for someone actually using lights --> rechargeable instead of CR123.

* only downside to 18650 --> no possibility to get primary cells, if it is not possible to charge the batts
(if this is considered a downside)

PS: imho nearly all of the better 18650 lights fulfill the chores You mentionned, as do the 2*AAs and the P models also, ...
Single emitter multistage lights are the bomb

 

[Hi-Tech Guru]

You're probably not going to notice much difference between 180 and 220 lumens. I have the older L2D-Q5 and love it. It's a great all purpose light.

The TK series tend to have better throw and a warmer tint than the L & P series.

I find that I don't use the max "Turbo" setting that often - it's good for impressing people, but for practical use, low & medium is quite adequate.

I think you'll be happy with whatever light you purchase. The trick is to see if you can only buy just one. :laughing:

 

[The Beacon]

Wow! Thanks everyone, all the discussion is very useful for me! It's nice to see that the data helped a few people too.

Well, I give in. I will have to buy more than one. I'm now thinking that it would be nice to have a small one to carry with me on my keychain. The LD01 seems to be a great light in its class. However, I think I will wait for the NiteCore EZ AA, which I have just discovered, because it is only very slightly bigger but runs on a single AA.

Next I need to decide between the LD20 & PD30, the difference being AA vs CR & 180L vs 220L. A few people have mentioned that I won't see a huge difference between 180 & 220 lumens, but as the price is virtually the same it makes 220L very appealing . As this flashlight will not be for everyday use, perhaps using AAs is not so important after all?

Let's consider this test, and throw out the other criteria for a moment. A PD30 with a CR123A battery and the LD20 with two good quality non-rechargeable Lithiums (Energizer Ultimate for example). So, I keep both torches in the cupboard, and every few weeks/months I take the torches out and flash them around the grounds for 2-3mins on full power. Then they are returned to their resting place.

Which of the two setups would hold a charge better? Would there be little or no difference? How long could I expect to use the torches like that on a single set of batteries? Months or years? I've heard some things about parasitic charge, this should be a major consideration for me. Has anyone complied stats on the parasitic charges of flashlights?

N.B. As the infrequently used flashlight will be for secutiry/emergencies, I cannot store the batteries outside the light - it needs to be ready to go!!

Thanks again!

 

[DM51]

Those are very good charts, Beacon - I think other members should find them very useful. Thanks for compiling them.

Used in conjunction with reviews, the charts will be handy additional reference material for people considering which light they need, so I'm going to move the thread to the Reviews section.

Would it be your intention to keep the charts up to date with revisions when new Fenix lights are brought out?

 

[The Beacon]

Would it be your intention to keep the charts up to date with revisions when new Fenix lights are brought out?

Sure, no problem. I've also added the dimensions since I posted these screen captures, but I was afraid that the images would get too wide.