Fenix L2D Q5 or P3D Q5?

[fallvitals]

Hey, first post here, my name is AJ. I found this site and have done A LOT of searching, but couldnt really find a VS thread on these two lights.

First, let me start out by saying. A few years ago, I bought a Surefire G2 light. Awesome light! Crappy battery life. I use mine for hunting (I use a red filter on my surefire) and other things. I limit its use due to the short battery life.

I recently saw the new P60L lamp. Was gonna by it (my dad and I both) but BY CHANCE today saw a video about Fenix flashlights. I looked em up and saw that they arent all that much more then a P60L lamp itself. And the Fenix lights are much more versitle then the Surefire G2 I have. So New Toy time!

Im torn between the L2D Q5 and the P3D Q5.

I guess its AA vs 123 battle.. how kinda differance is there in light ouput in the two?

Having a AA powered light would be very convienant. But I also keep a large stock of 123 Lithiums. Andhave atleast 2 spare sets in each of my hunting/hiking packs.

Any opinions are welcome, thank you!

 

[LED-holic]

Welcome to CPF. My advice... buy both...

PS this thread might help... http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205449

 

[fallvitals]

Welcome to CPF. My advice... buy both...

PS this thread might help... http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205449

wonder if i overlooked that one when searching

I would love to get both But only one for right now I think ill retire my Surefire G2 to my AR15 :huh:

Thanks for the link to that post, looks like a lot of helpful info

 

[roof]

I can tell you from my own experience, that you must take the P3D. The L2D give less light because this light has a smaller reflector.

Maybe you must look for the TK10 of TK11, that's a super bright light. Also small only you don't have a strobe. But with the tactical switch you can do also the same.

 

[fallvitals]

I can tell you from my own experience, that you must take the P3D. The L2D give less light because this light has a smaller reflector.

Maybe you must look for the TK10 of TK11, that's a super bright light. Also small only you don't have a strobe. But with the tactical switch you can do also the same.

Alrighty. P3D Q5 it is. Almost thinking of a P2D but its small and not as bright. I want something that I wont loose in my back pack in the dark. (or on the ground in the dark like i did with my tan colored surefire... not that I would ever do something so stupid... :duh2: )

But, I can get a P3d Q5 for like $12 more then the 'basic' P3D. And being a guy, i want the one with "More Power" (insert Tim Allen grunt).

Only bad part is the Fenix is .8" OD and my surefire is 1.00" OD. Ill have to get the Fenix red filter. Which sucks.. cause my surefire one flips up. so i dont have to take it off each time!

Oh well. Thanks for the help.

by chance are there any other better lights that are similier to the P3D Q5?

 

[jzmtl]

If you get l2d you really need to use either rechargeable or lithium, alkaline cannot supply enough power to higher levels and will die quickly. My personal preference is 123a, they are only a buck each and you can use rechargeable as well if you wish.

I can tell you from my own experience, that you must take the P3D. The L2D give less light because this light has a smaller reflector.

Huh? they have the same sized reflector.

 

[fallvitals]

I last ordered some 123 lithiums from batteryjunction.com I decided to experiment with the cheap batterys. But I think when those start to run low ill stick wit hthe panasonics, since they are $1.50 a piece and apperantly are the same as the surefires.


But, I actually already have a nice battery charger, and several AccuPower 2900mAh NiMh AAs. I think later ill get a AA powered light, not sure which one yet, probably a cheaper Fenix, single AA powered.

I love Have awesome 'gadgets' like flashlights, and knifes. I didn't even realize there was communitys this dedicated to flashlights! lol, The wonders of the web, eh? I generally stick aorund the the bow hunting forums

 

[TONY M]

You would be happy with either.

The L2D is only marginally dimmer and personally I prefer to use rechargeables so for me the L2D is the way to go.

The P3D is the smaller of the two so that may a deal maker for you.

As jxmtl says the reflectors are identical on both lights but the P3D just puts out a tiny bit more light.

 

[Zenster]

You would be happy with either.

The L2D is only marginally dimmer and personally I prefer to use rechargeables so for me the L2D is the way to go.

The P3D is the smaller of the two so that may a deal maker for you.

As jxmtl says the reflectors are identical on both lights but the P3D just puts out a tiny bit more light.

+1
While the P3D does spec out with a higher lumen number, the difference to the eye isn't all that important. There is no situation I can think of where the P3D becomes a "deal breaker" due to it's brightness compared to the L2D.

For that reason when deciding between these two lights, it's all in the batteries.
Choose your favorite type of battery for a light of this type and go with whichever light uses that battery.

Oh yea (cough cough), don't forget to... buy 'em both.

 

[russwm]

Even though the P3D puts out a little more light, the choice is really more about whether rechargeable AA's vs. CR123's, and about size.

If you want something that can fit into your pocket, choose the P3D. I have both, and my favorite depends on which day you ask me.

Order from fenix-store.com and use the code cpf8 to get a discount.

 

[torpeau]

I last ordered some 123 lithiums from batteryjunction.com I decided to experiment with the cheap batterys. But I think when those start to run low ill stick wit hthe panasonics, since they are $1.50 a piece and apperantly are the same as the surefires.


But, I actually already have a nice battery charger, and several AccuPower 2900mAh NiMh AAs. I think later ill get a AA powered light, not sure which one yet, probably a cheaper Fenix, single AA powered.

I love Have awesome 'gadgets' like flashlights, and knifes. I didn't even realize there was communitys this dedicated to flashlights! lol, The wonders of the web, eh? I generally stick aorund the the bow hunting forums

I have both FLs and think you made the right choice. I have been shocked at how you can buy CR123A batteries for $5 or $1.50 for the same brand. I have some CR123A FLs with additional bodies that allow me to use AAs. This forum is invaluable to gadget addicts.

 

[fallvitals]

Well, now you got me thinking it over again... lol.

Batteries really arent a big issue, neither is size. But I dont want the light too long. My surefire fit in my pocket pretty nice. and the P3D is just a hair shorter then it... Hm Hm Hm. Ill have to think some more

 

[IceRat]

I was making the same decision as you and I bought the L2D and the body for the P2D for a little more just to try it out. The L2D head fits on both bodys. The P2D is very bright for it's size and weight.

When I 'm hunting I use a GPS to find my way and usually use a dimmer light to check my footing and low branches. I don't like to stir everything up with big bright lights. I will probably walk with my E01 and have the L2D for "just in case". I just need to find or make a clip for the brim of my hat for the E01.

 

[TONY M]

Batteries really arent a big issue, neither is size. But I dont want the light too long. My surefire fit in my pocket pretty nice. and the P3D is just a hair shorter then it... Hm Hm Hm. Ill have to think some more

The P3D is about 115mm long and the L2D is just over 145mm long so there is a fair difference in size.

Remember that if you plan to use rechargeables in the P3D then it will have significantly less runtime than on primaries, you will also lose the lower intensity settings. If you plan to use the P3D a lot then the cost of using primary batteries may put you off, but if not then the P3D may be a better choice.

As I said earlier both are very good and you would be happy with either light.

 

[jag-engr]

Let me see if I can further confuse you...

The L2D and P3D are pretty similar. If I recall correctly, the Q5 L2D puts out 180 lumens for 2.4 hours and the Q5 P3D puts out 215 lumens, but only for 1.8 hours.

The 35 additional lumens are only a 19% increase, but will probably only be perceived by your eye a 10% ± increase.

It really comes down to battery preference and size preference. The P3D will be smaller, but I wouldn't call it pocketable. I actually prefer the extra length of the L2D for a flashlight that I'm not carrying.

I wouldn't necessarily write off the P2D if pocketability is a concern. It's every bit as bright as the L2D, but it's a lot more compact.

If you're not set on the P2D/L2D/P3D UI, though, you might consider the L2T. If you're a Surefire fan, this light may be far more intuitive for you. If you want it in a CR123 format, just get an extra P2D body, tailcap, and forward clicky switch with it.

 

[Nake]

Remember that if you plan to use rechargeables in the P3D then it will have significantly less runtime than on primaries, you will also lose the lower intensity settings. If you plan to use the P3D a lot then the cost of using primary batteries may put you off, but if not then the P3D may be a better choice.

The lower settings are not lost using rechargeables with the P3D, only with the L1D/P2D head.

 

[roof]

Choose the P3D for godsake

 

[TONY M]

The lower settings are not lost using rechargeables with the P3D, only with the L1D/P2D head.

Thanks for correcting me.

 

[roof]

If you get l2d you really need to use either rechargeable or lithium, alkaline cannot supply enough power to higher levels and will die quickly. My personal preference is 123a, they are only a buck each and you can use rechargeable as well if you wish.



Huh? they have the same sized reflector.

That's not true!!.:ironic:

 

[TONY M]

That's not true!!.:ironic:

I thought they shared the same reflector, no?
How is your's different?

Thanks.