Okay, I started a thread a short while ago about my desire to acquire a light to replace an Arc LS. I was given a lot of great information from various CPF members - some lights were true to the Arc reputation ie. durable, reliable, well-engineered, relatively bright, expensive, etc. The problem with some of these choices was my need to have a light powered by 1AA or 2AA. That was a must for me and it ultimately eliminated some lights from the running.
I decided to pick up a Fenix power pack (P2D Q5 w/L1D body) and a Fenix L2D Q5. Here are my thoughts.
First, these ain't Arc's. Not a complaint however, just a fact. Part of being a responsible consumer is knowing what you're buying before you buy it. I knew Fenix wasn't up to Arc's quality and fit & finish before I ever placed the order, and I was right. The Fenix logo on both lights is "out of focus", the threads aren't as clean as on the Arc's, the finish isn't even close to being as good, and it doesn't have the Arc "feel." Again, just pointing out what I already knew.
Performance - the performance of these lights kill the Arc's in every way. The L1D powered by a single alkaline AA puts the old Arc4+ to shame in terms of brightness. The L2D and P2D embarass it. Not sure if Fenix skimped out on the LED's the way they did on the rest of the light, but if they did, you wouldn't know it judging from the performance of these lights. Plain old progress I suppose.
Fit and finish - I already mentioned it, but Arc has (had) it all over Fenix in this respect. If Fenix destroys Arc in terms of performance, Arc destroys Fenix in terms of fit and finish. Not even close.
Quality - Again, Arc has this one covered... mostly. The only area where the Fenix is better in terms of quality is the switch, at least compared to the kroll switch on my 2AA Arc LS. That thing was the most unreliable switching mechanism I have ever had the misfortune of operating. Time will tell how long the Fenix's switch will hold up.
Overall, I am more than satisfied with my Fenix purchases. I think I got exactly what I paid for and I'm looking forward to putting these lights through their paces. My favourite light is the L1D. Free lighting (for me), small size (the L2D is waaaaaaay too long for my liking), great performance even on cheapie alkalines. It all adds up to a great light. Believe me guys, if these lights are junk, I'll be the one to tell you. The L1D is my worklight and will see VERY frequent everyday use. It'll be dropped, scratched, covered in brakleen, covered in parts cleaner, covered in snow and ice, and it'll go through one or two alkalines per day. If it truly is junk, the light won't last more than a week or two. I'll let you know how things progress.
I decided to pick up a Fenix power pack (P2D Q5 w/L1D body) and a Fenix L2D Q5. Here are my thoughts.
First, these ain't Arc's. Not a complaint however, just a fact. Part of being a responsible consumer is knowing what you're buying before you buy it. I knew Fenix wasn't up to Arc's quality and fit & finish before I ever placed the order, and I was right. The Fenix logo on both lights is "out of focus", the threads aren't as clean as on the Arc's, the finish isn't even close to being as good, and it doesn't have the Arc "feel." Again, just pointing out what I already knew.
Performance - the performance of these lights kill the Arc's in every way. The L1D powered by a single alkaline AA puts the old Arc4+ to shame in terms of brightness. The L2D and P2D embarass it. Not sure if Fenix skimped out on the LED's the way they did on the rest of the light, but if they did, you wouldn't know it judging from the performance of these lights. Plain old progress I suppose.
Fit and finish - I already mentioned it, but Arc has (had) it all over Fenix in this respect. If Fenix destroys Arc in terms of performance, Arc destroys Fenix in terms of fit and finish. Not even close.
Quality - Again, Arc has this one covered... mostly. The only area where the Fenix is better in terms of quality is the switch, at least compared to the kroll switch on my 2AA Arc LS. That thing was the most unreliable switching mechanism I have ever had the misfortune of operating. Time will tell how long the Fenix's switch will hold up.
Overall, I am more than satisfied with my Fenix purchases. I think I got exactly what I paid for and I'm looking forward to putting these lights through their paces. My favourite light is the L1D. Free lighting (for me), small size (the L2D is waaaaaaay too long for my liking), great performance even on cheapie alkalines. It all adds up to a great light. Believe me guys, if these lights are junk, I'll be the one to tell you. The L1D is my worklight and will see VERY frequent everyday use. It'll be dropped, scratched, covered in brakleen, covered in parts cleaner, covered in snow and ice, and it'll go through one or two alkalines per day. If it truly is junk, the light won't last more than a week or two. I'll let you know how things progress.
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