Fenix L2DCE vs Huntlight FTX01SE vs Lumapower M1

[96TL]

Hey guys. I'm new to this forum, and interested in purchasing my first LED flashlight. I'm very into boating, and do a lot of night fishing. I'd like something with a very bright beam, used mostly to work in dark places, light up docks, or light up the water (in search of baitfish), or to signal other boaters (if I ever fall overboard).

I've been doing some research the past few days and learned that CREE LEDs are the brightest around. I'd like to spend under $100.00. I'm stuck between these 3 models. Any recommendations?

- Fenix L2DCE
- Huntlight FTX01SE
- Lumapower M1

Thanks!

Dom

 

[AlexGT]

Lumapower M1 Cree hands down, use smooth reflector for awesome throw and brightness, it has long runtime using 18650 li-ions and you can use regular 123's for backup

HTH

AlexGT

 

[redranger97]

Boating and fishing are two of my favorite things to do in my spare time. My reccommendation would be the L2D CE. Granted, all those you listed are awesome lights however, form is almost just as important as funtion to me as I like the slimmest possible (while still performing well) so i can comfortably carry it in my pocket. From what I see and hear, the L2D performs just about as well as the other two while still slim enough to comfortably carry in the pocket. The Huntlight and the Lumapower are just too bulky for me. Also, I like the L2D's user interface alot better because the two modes I use most are low for searching the tackle box and rigging my line and a less often high (turbo for the L2D) for a quick search of the water and these two modes are easily accessible from one to the other with a simple twist of the bezel. Finally, the L2D uses readily available and cheaper AA's which is great for me because when i use high, i like to use it and not worry about eating up the batteries. Oh, and the L2D comes with a friendlier price tag.. To me, upwards of 100 bucks is too much money to spend on a flashight.

Before the L2D, i carried the Nuwai TM-301X-3 which is similar to the Hunt and Luma and it was a great light in that it had plenty of output and two modes but it was a bit too bulky and used those 123A's. IMO, the L2D blows my old light out of the water in all aspects.

 

[LowTEC]

I will also vote for a M1, for its quality, pure power and throw capability. Throw in a 18650 and it runs forever. Having both Lumapower and Fenix product, I can tell your there is no comparison in terms of quality. Lumapower hands down

 

[selfbuilt]

FYI, flashlightreviews.com now has reviews of all 3.

Personally, I'd probably recommend the L2DCE for all the reasons given above. The choice between the lumapower/huntlight comes does to whether or not you need all the levels (huntlight), like/don't like PWM, or want the most throw possible (luma). Unfortunately neither is regulated on 18650, if that matters to you.

 

[96TL]

Excuse my ignorance, but does "throw" mean distance? If so, that is very important to me. I'd like the light to penetrate the water a little bit. We have some murky water here in NY.

redranger97, nice to see a fellow boater! What kind of rig do you run? I run a Parker 2320SL.

 

[96TL]

FYI, flashlightreviews.com now has reviews of all 3.

Personally, I'd probably recommend the L2DCE for all the reasons given above. The choice between the lumapower/huntlight comes does to whether or not you need all the levels (huntlight), like/don't like PWM, or want the most throw possible (luma). Unfortunately neither is regulated on 18650, if that matters to you.

I did read the reviews, but I don't really know/understand a lot of these terms or measurements that the reviews have to offer, so its hard for me to compare based on them. I figured some real world opinions from a message board would help me much more.

Do "regulated" lights keep the same brightness when the battery life starts to dwindle? Thats important to me as well. I'd like it to stay at the max brightness for the longest period of time (if possible).

Dom

 

[LowTEC]

If throw is important to you (distance), then you can totally forget about L2D, there is no comparison

M1 has the best throw out of all 3, and the only LED that can out throw a M1 that I can think of is the Striker VG Seoul, which costs around 175

 

[Supernam]

Don't forget to consider power source. You have the rechargeable cell in the M1. I don't know anything about boats and what kind of power sources you have on it, but it might be something to think about. Will you always be able to have a spare on the charger? The L2D CE uses AA's that are readily available. You also mentioned the possibility of signaling other boats. The strobe function of the L2D is a great attention getter (see guys? there really IS a use for the strobe!!!).

 

[96TL]

I have a 12 volt cigarette lighter plug. If they sell a 12 volt charger I can easily recharge it on the boat.

I'm thinking of going with both now. An M1 for the boat, and an L2D for the car.

Dom

 

[digitaleos]

How about the Lumapower D-Mini with the 2 stage switch

Chris

 

[redranger97]

redranger97, nice to see a fellow boater! What kind of rig do you run? I run a Parker 2320SL.

Niiice boat! I'd love to have a nice fishing boat. I have a 19.5 foot Bayliner Classic. I wakeboard so that's primarily what the boat is used for aside from just cruisin up and down the river.

 

[Lobo]

H or to signal other boaters (if I ever fall overboard).

Something you maybe should know is that manual signaling will be impossible on some of the lights, since they change the setting, every time you push the clicky (in a a preset time, like 2s).

 

[orionlion82]

I have a 12 volt cigarette lighter plug. If they sell a 12 volt charger I can easily recharge it on the boat.

I'm thinking of going with both now. An M1 for the boat, and an L2D for the car.

Dom

sounds like you made a good choice.
cant speak to the lumapower models, but it seems to me the fenix would do better in your car where it would be used less than on the boat.

 

[96TL]

I just ordered a Lumapower M1. When I actually have my hands on it, I'll decide if I want a Fenix L2D as well. At least I'll have something to compare it to.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Dom

 

[96TL]

I got my M1 yesterday. This light is amazing! Thanks for the help everyone!