I used to stay away from zoomable flashlights since i discovered quality flashlights and manufacturers here, those zoomies were generally of the 1st price with the crappy quality... but that was before
Fenix has been offering for several years lamps that offer both a tight beam and flood via two reflectors and it is a relevant solution in lighting quality (tk51, hp25)
The FD41 brings a new technical solution: with a sliding TIR lens that allows to adjust the beam width continuously.
Unpacking:
The usual packaging includes the lamp, a nylon pouch, spare seals, a wrist strap, a removable tactical "ring", multi language notice (seems well translated for the French part btw), warranty card and a some advertisement...
The competition sometimes offers two disposable cr123 batteries and a plastic sleeve to avoid rattle in the lamp...
The holster has a velcro fastener in addition to a stitched loop, and the flap is repositionable by velcro also to accommodate a longer lamp ...
Due to the width of the head, you can only position the lamp bezel-up, and the tactical gripping ring will stuck a little on the lower edges ... for quick release this is not ideal.
Fenix offers cordura cases as option (tasmanian tiger iirc) which seems a much better carrying solution.
Almost 200gr. with battery, it is in the higher standard for an 18650 lamp of this type.
The quality of manufacture is typical of Fenix: beautiful anodization, clean threads, anodized (think mechanical lockout) and well lubricated, the battery is mounted between two springs which avoids false contacts (when mounting on a weapon for example, note the width of 1" on the central part of the lamp)
in use:
The Xp-l HI LED is not visible behind a sliding TIR lens, this lens is plastic which can be a plus in matter Of strength but to the detriment of a surface more sensitive to small scratches.
The mechanism of sliding is very firm at unpacking (it is cool outside at this moment, it does not help) but softens at a more mild temperature and with a taste of silicone lubricant.
Anyway, no risk here of having the focus setting moving in pocket/bag.
The beam with lens screwed to the bottom ( flood mode) is excellent, comparable to what we have with a frontless reflector (old series H-zebralights)
It is very nice for close works because there is no dazzling hot spot, for photo lighting or searching for small objects that is really impressive.
The beam width is very large and with 900 lumens, it illuminates without problem a whole room (at 4m distance the beam width is almost 5m!)
In throw mode, the beam is also very clean of any artefacts with a well-defined hot spot typical of a TIR lens with a relatively small angle, but still usable peripheral illumination (the light is concentrated on the center point, 4m distance the spot is about 50cm wide)
Between the two the beam is a little less clean, a small donut in the center or rings around the beam. It is not very nice inside by aiming a white wall, but outside it should not be a concern.
The selection of the modes is done by this side button, the on / off (with momentary) is done by the tailcap.
-the lamp keeps in memory the last mode used
-the 4 modes scroll by successive presses
-the strobe is hidden (long press)
-no SOS (very good to me :twothumbs
This type of UI is a solution that has been well proven in terms of simplicity and for this type of tactical flashlight this is really what I recommend.
-the 900 lumens mode is conditioned to a timer (5min) re-engageable on demand by simply pressing the mode button.
New at Fenix, the regulation is of the "step" type: the lamp goes down one level each time the battery starts to run out of juice, and will flash every 5 mins in the lowest mode when the battery is Flat: this is an excellent improvement !
The tailcap does not allow to hold up in candle mode, but in return the access is excellent even with gloves,
With a snap ring or a makeshift tool, it can be easily disassembled to replace the cap (included) or optionally to replace the switch (not included) it is a guarantee of longevity and ease of maintenance.
The tactical ring is removable, it leaves apparent threads but if you have preserved your old 2007 TK11 you will be able to recycle your beautiful smooth spacer ring and give it a more edc friendly aspect !
As is often the case with Fenix in the TK series, the grip is excellent, the grid is not aggressive but it holds well in hands.
Short-term notice:
This new FD41 provides a response to a specific request for variable beam lamp, with the recognized Fenix quality.
I particularly liked:
-the step regulation with indication of low level of the battery
-the quality of the beam in flood and throw, without any artefacts (a little less good between the two positions by cons)
-the simple user interface, it is a lamp that can be loaned without worries
-quality of manufacture: it is a beautiful tool realized with care.
I do not really like it :
-the plastic lens
-the firm focus ring
-the cheap holster
-some lubricant tends to stay on the passage of the crown when the lens is unscrewed completely.
This Flashlight was provided by Fenix for free for review.