EDC-Fenix P3D or NiteCore Defender Infinity

[Ecko]

I'm looking for a EDC light and was wondering if either of these would be a good choice. I was originaly going to buy the P3D because I'm becoming a big fan of Fenix lights, and I already have the E01 and TK10. Then I saw somebody mention the NiteCore Defender Infinity, and when I searched for it I loved the look of it.

So price wise they're both about the same, but Lumens wise the P3D is brighter. However I prefer the astethics of the NDI.

Right now I can't afford to buy both which I know one of you is going to tell me to do.

Also if anyone happens to have both of these lights and wouldn't mind, could you take a picture of the both of them with a dollar bill so I could get an idea of their size.

 

[LED-holic]

Found this link with photos online.

If you could only afford one, it comes down to CR123 vs AA. Which one do you prefer?

 

[Ecko]

Thanks for the link. What's funny is that every link in that review is to this website.

I like that the NDI runs on 1xAA plus I really like the overall look of it. I still feel like I would be buying a lesser light for the same money though.

What to do what to do....

 

[Zenster]

Thanks for the link. What's funny is that every link in that review is to this website.

I like that the NDI runs on 1xAA plus I really like the overall look of it. I still feel like I would be buying a lesser light for the same money though.

What to do what to do....

What makes up a "greater" or "lessor" light isn't all in the lumens, and in fact, even lumen claims can be misleading.

For your first light, I'd suggest the NDI because:
1. It runs on cheaper AA's as well as rechargeables.
2. AA lights are noticeably thinner which makes them a more pocketable EDC light.
3. I love the simplicity of the NDI's UI, plus, it's east to change modes when you want. With the Fenix, you often have to click through different levels to get to the one you want. I (personally) prefer lights that have a memory feature or where you can set it to whatever you want it to turn on to (like the NDI).
4. The NDI is quite a blaster. You'll be surprised how bright it is on high, plus, it's got a really nice beam; better, I think, than the Fenix.
5. The only (personal) negative I feel about the NDI is that it doesn't come with a clip. However, lights in this class are more thought of as key chain lights so maybe that explains the lack of clip. Still, I'd rather have one.

I'm not saying not to get the Fenix. I'm just saying that I think you'd be happier if you get the NDI first.

 

[Aluminous]

5. The only (personal) negative I feel about the NDI is that it doesn't come with a clip. However, lights in this class are more thought of as key chain lights so maybe that explains the lack of clip. Still, I'd rather have one.

The suggestion I've seen is to buy a River Rock 1xAA 1W LED flashlight at Target and use its clip on the NDI -- apparently it happens to be a perfect fit.

See photos here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=193737&page=2#post2423215

 

[IMSabbel]

I would chose the NDI. I dont own it, but i have seen pictures.
I have a P3D, and its a bit too big for EDC, for my taste. I still often carry it, but its the first thing to go, usually.
(True EDC for me is AAA, anyways. I am not a big fan of slugging around a manpurse or a keyring heavy enough to beat an elephant to dead with)

 

[RoyArms]

The energizer 1xAA 1watt LED light has the same clip aswell. I haven't seen anywhere to buy just the clip though.

 

[Tachion]

How about the P2D?

I don't have the defender but I have both a P2D (rebel 100) and P3D (rebel 100 and Q5). The P2D is the light that goes in my pocket every single day. The P3D (rebel) gets to ride in my backpack as a backup. IMO the P2D is simply a better size for an EDC. I can't compare the output against the defender for you. If I compare the P2D with P3D I think I can se a slight difference in output, but that could be just knowing that the P3D should be brighter makes it seem so. (The P3D is brighter, but not by a huge margin)

What about the P3D Q5 you might ask…. It sits in a drawer, waiting to be given away. Yes, sad but true… the earlier rebel has a smoother beam pattern than the Q5. This is probably true for the P2D Q5 as well, so if you are as nitpicky about beam pattern (or spoiled by Fenix) as I am, I recommend that you try to find some beam shots to look at so you at least know what you get.

 

[cat]

I wish they'd make more with the Rebel LED.

I can carry my P3D in my left pocket, with my TyTn phone and a pack of cigarettes. Not a problem.

Yes, the P3D is only slightly brighter than the P2D, but what's more noticeable is that the Rebel P3D version gives a better beam, better light.

@Ecko: You've already got the TK10, that uses CR123 batteries, so...go with the P3D. If you want it slightly shorter for pocket carry - and it's a personal choice - get the P2D. The advantage of the P3D is that 2 CR123's give you better runtime.

 

[cat]

@ Tachion: Is your P3D Q5 the smooth reflector or the textured reflector?

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I love the looks of the NDI myself, but I can't stand how you have to loosen the bezel to change levels. I almost bought one, until I remembered that little fact. Still, I had the opportunity to play with one, and should I ever feel like swapping out the driver on one, it will be my EDC.

 

[Nyctophiliac]

Tough choice Ecko.

I have both - and the large overdraught to prove it!

However, I agree that the P3D is a bit too big for pocket carry, though it is always on my belt in its holster since I've had it. Great low level and, of course, very bright turbo. The UI is not to everyones taste, but I get along fine with it.

The NDI is small enough for pocket carry, but has quite sharp bezel crenellations that put me in fear of my pockets being holed by it and losing stuff. Also, the thing is not a one handed operation like the P3D. You can switch it on and off easily enough with the tail switch but changing levels and accessing other setting is a real pain! My NDI is mostly in my drawer these days. I try to carry it, but I guess it is not for me.

If you have to have an AA carry then there are more satisfactory items out there. P1D or Olight T15 spring to mind. ( Olight is also two handed UI set but easier to do).


Be lucky...

 

[AyeMayanor]

Here they are pictured as you requested:

And in hand:

I've only had it for 3 days but the NDI is currently my preferred EDC. It's small, it's bright, and it uses 1 AA. The P3D is brighter and was my favorite EDC but it is currently out of action (long story) and in need of repair. Even after I fix it, I foresee carrying it only when those extra lumens will be needed.

Battery type, overall, isn't important to me and I buy both CR123 and AA lights. Unless the situation warrants it, I don't carry spares of any size, so for that reason AA wins as an every day carry because they're cheaper and easier to acquire.

Have you considered the L1D? It's a little fatter than the NDI but is the same length and $30 less.

The P1D is another good choice.

 

[yekim]

I am kind of up in the air about the Nitecore. I have a couple, the output is not that amazing, the UI is alright, but the shape of it does not lend it to being that comfortable for pocket carry. I know it is HAIII but with the sharp edges and angles it will get dinged up in my pockets, and sooner or later my pockets will get tore up by the NDI.

I do not have the P3D, but from the above pics it does not look ike there is all that much of a size penalty. I prefer 2X AA lights myself, as I carry mostly in a holster or in the ruler pocket of my jeans.

 

[gilly]

I use my NDI with 14500 Li ion rechargeables. Very bright, compact and useful. I carry it inside a pocket with the light inside the holster it came with (purchased from HK Equipment on Ebay). Even in its holster, I find it reasonable in size. My vote is for the NDI.

 

[AyeMayanor]

I barely notice the NDI in my pocket. Then again, I also never suffered the pocket mangling from Surefires that others talk about. Probably because I don't carry anything else in the pocket.

I recommend the P3D, it is a great light and is comfortable in a pocket. Anything larger and I need a holster.

 

[Soundchaser]

Sorry to recommend one that's not on your shortlist...

but I agree with the suggestion above... take a long hard look at the P2D. Supremely pocketable and very bright.

 

[BlueBirdTS]

How about the P2D?

I don't have the defender but I have both a P2D (rebel 100) and P3D (rebel 100 and Q5). The P2D is the light that goes in my pocket every single day. The P3D (rebel) gets to ride in my backpack as a backup. IMO the P2D is simply a better size for an EDC. I can't compare the output against the defender for you. If I compare the P2D with P3D I think I can se a slight difference in output, but that could be just knowing that the P3D should be brighter makes it seem so. (The P3D is brighter, but not by a huge margin)

What about the P3D Q5 you might ask…. It sits in a drawer, waiting to be given away. Yes, sad but true… the earlier rebel has a smoother beam pattern than the Q5. This is probably true for the P2D Q5 as well, so if you are as nitpicky about beam pattern (or spoiled by Fenix) as I am, I recommend that you try to find some beam shots to look at so you at least know what you get.

Is this universally true for all new Q5 Fenix lights? I'm considering getting an L1D for my first LED light, but if the beam profile is questionable...:shrug:

 

[Tachion]

@ Tachion: Is your P3D Q5 the smooth reflector or the textured reflector?

It's the textured reflector. The beam still has a sort of eclipsed dark(er) ring around the hotspot. I can't imagine what a smooth reflector would make the beam look like. :/

Is this universally true for all new Q5 Fenix lights? I'm considering getting an L1D for my first LED light, but if the beam profile is questionable...

I'd have to say no to that question. I have a T1 and a TK10. Both are fitted with a Q5 and they have gorgeous beams. As good as I have ever seen in any flashlight (I haven't seen that many tough )

I don't have a L1D so I can't answer the question for that light. But assuming the reflector is of the same or similar size and design, my best guess would be that it could also have a dark(er) eclipsed ring around the hotspot. I'm sure someone here can tell you for certain.

I've noticed that Fenix seems quite willing to update and improve their light so the situation might have changed since I bought my op P3D Q5 before Christmas (2007).

 

[AyeMayanor]

My P3D and P1D are both Q5s with textured reflectors and had/have flawless beams.
Same goes for the textured L1D CE I gave as a gift this week.

Tachion: Perhaps the head of your P3D wasn't assembled properly and the LED isn't set into the reflector the correct distance?

When I got mine the head was visibly crooked. As expected, I opened it up and found that the glue was applied unevenly and in a big glob on one side. Perhaps yours was an assembly error too.

But....if you still want to give it away I will gladly accept PM me if you're serious.