Fenix flashlights - which ones to get?

[txgolfer45]

I'm looking to get a new tactical flashlight and looking hard at the TK10 to use with my handguns for home defense. But, I'm also thinking of getting a flashlight for the car, hunting backpack and general ED use. Suggested models for more general purposes than tactical/HD?

 

[Igor Porto]

LD10 and LD20 are good, if you like AA batteries.

Have you considered the Nitecore D10 or D20 for general purposes? It's a great light.

 

[ypsifly]

I have a TK11 R2 and a PD 20. Both might suit your needs. The TK11 is nice and bright and has a very simple UI. The PD20 has a nice range of settings for everything from navigating your home late at night to hiking dark trails to checking bumps in the yard at night. The sos could be useful in the car in case of break downs. The small size really lends itself to EDC.

I keep an L2D CE in my back pack. Great hiking light.

 

[ResQTech]

But, I'm also thinking of getting a flashlight for the car, hunting backpack and general ED use.

So are you looking for 2 separate lights or just one that will be good for everything?

 

[KingGlamis]

I EDC a PD30 and LOVE it. Almost as bright as their tactical lights but smaller and with several modes.

 

[txgolfer45]

So are you looking for 2 separate lights or just one that will be good for everything?

Two separate lights.

 

[yazkaz]

The decision depends on how many types of batteries you can live with -- assuming you are to get the TK10/11.
If you want to stick with just one type (ie. CR123), then get the PD30. If however you want to stick to AA for more convenience, then get the LD20.
In either case, I'm recommending two-cell lights because they're easier and more secure to hold, as well as having better regulation. The output curve of the LD20 is impressive.

 

[xenonk]

One notable difference between the TK10 and TK11 is that the TK11 can take a single 18650 battery for more run time.

I prefer the single-AA lights like the LD10 for EDC myself, simply because they're comfortably pocketable and their food is everywhere if my eneloops run out of juice.

 

[yazkaz]

One notable difference between the TK10 and TK11 is that the TK11 can take a single 18650 battery for more run time.
I prefer the single-AA lights like the LD10 for EDC myself, simply because they're comfortably pocketable and their food is everywhere if my eneloops run out of juice.

The TK11, when powered by a 18650, is unable to achieve constant regulation, as opposed to other battery options. Meanwhile, the TK10's performance with one 17670 is even more pathetic.

I do not recommend single-celled lights because they lose out in the regulated output category. Afterall, the drivers can't squeeze out much juice from just one cell.

 

[Marduke]

The TK11, when powered by a 18650, is unable to achieve constant regulation, as opposed to other battery options. Meanwhile, the TK10's performance with one 17670 is even more pathetic.

I do not recommend single-celled lights because they lose out in the regulated output category. Afterall, the drivers can't squeeze out much juice from just one cell.

The newest TK11 appears to be much better regulated on 18650. You can see that from the runtime graphs. And there are plenty of lights which are perfectly regulated on a single cell.

 

[Gunner12]

For an everyday light, it would be good for us to know how much throw, output, and runtime you would usually like. A price range would be good too.

The LD10 or LD20 could be a good EDC, the heads also accept the LD10, LD20, PD20, L2D, L1D, P2D, L1T V2.0, and L2T V2.0 bodies so you have 1AA, 2AA, or 1 CR123 battery option.

The Olight, Jetbeam, Liteflux, and Nitecore lights might be good choice too.