Fenix LD10 Premium Q5 vs. Fenix LD01 Q5......

[snatiep]

Hello Everyone!

I am about to place an order for my first "Professional" flashlight.

I have decided on the Fenix LD20 Premium Q5 rather than the L2D Q5.

I also want to order a smaller flashlight to carry on my belt in a sheath or in a pocket. I can't decide between the LD10 Premium Q5 and the LD01 Q5.

Any thoughts?

ps. I just noticed the PD30 Premium Q5. How do you all like that light?

 

[JeffN]

Welcome to CPF. There are numerous write-up and comparison threads for both lights -- do searches for "LD10" and "LD01" and see what you think. I have an LD01 and it's a wonderful pocket light, but read some other threads and make up your own mind. Enjoy!

 

[Niconical]

The LD10 will use the same batteries (AA) as your LD20, so that is a bonus.
It also comes (I think.....) with a belt sheath.

 

[Toaster]

There's no point in ordering both an LD20 and LD10 imho as they are the same lights except for the body. The LD01 is a nice AAA light but you may want to consider instead the Liteflux LF2X. The LF2X is programmable and capable of a truly low low unlike the Fenixes and also has an outstanding clip for belt/pocket carry.

 

[Igor Porto]

Well I disagree, they're the same light, but they're different sizes. One for EDC and one when you go out and need longer battery life and more lumens.

LD01 does not have lumens enough for me to EDC, but that's my opinion.

 

[Toaster]

Then all you need is to buy a 1xAA tube and swap out depending on desired form factor. All you get going from LD10->LD20 is increased runtime and slightly more output on max. Brightness remains the same on all other levels and beam profile is the same so you gain no versatility from carrying both LD20 and LD10 at the same time. You would be better served going with another 1xAA light such as a Nitecore D10.

 

[Igor Porto]

Well I have both L1T and L2T, so when I'm out in the woods camping or hunting I can use both, the L2T as the main light and the L1T as a backup. So it does make sense for me to have both, and not just a longer body to use when I need it.

 

[Toaster]

Sure and then we go right back to my previous argument. Looks like you prefer carrying a backup that does the exact same thing as your main light. Nothing wrong with that. However I prefer carrying a backup that provides some additional functionality to compliment as well as backup my main light.

 

[Igor Porto]

That's a valid argument. But in the case of the OP, what would the LD01 compliment a LD20 as a backup?

 

[Toaster]

I don't really think the LD01 would make a good compliment to the LD20. Hence why I'm not too keen on recommending it to the OP. In fact I agree with you that LD01 does not provide enough lumens as EDC. Personally if it were me I would go with Nitecore D10 + Fenix TK20 as combo if I wanted to stick with AA batteries. But OP seemed pretty set on LD20 already

 

[snatiep]

Thanks everyone for the helpful information.

I'm going to look at the Fenix TK20. I haven't placed my order yet, so maybe I'll get the TK20 rather than the LD20.

I'll also look into the Nitecore D10.

 

[Toaster]

If you want my reasoning on why I recommended that combo:

D10
- Smallest and lightest 1xAA
- Floody beam profile great for short-medium range use
- Capable of extremely low output for night adapted eyes
- Optional pocket clip is convenient for EDC use

TK20
- Larger size more comfortable for extended use
- Large smooth reflector makes for class leading throw for better medium-long range use
- Neutral white LED better for color rendition and use in rain/fog/snow


So these two lights cover a broad range of use and gives you maximum versatility while relying on only one type of battery. A jack of all trades light like the LD10/20 is great if you're only carrying around one light. But I find it tends to take a backseat when you're carrying two or more lights that can afford to be a bit more focused in their uses.

 

[Igor Porto]

That's a good combo, a thrower and a floody

 

[snakyjake]

I have the LD01. I've made this my primary carry because it is small and bright. Something I can easily carry anywhere. The 80 lumens is the right amount for most EDC needs.

No need for a sheath or hang on the belt. Small enough to carry in any pocket. I typically have the pocket clip attached, and sits in my Levi's 5th pocket.

My only complaints (I'm hard to please):

1. Pocket clip is not secure. It comes off too easily. I will probably glue it. Problem solved.

2. Th twist switch is too sensitive to pressure. I want to operate the light one-handed, while it works okay, it's fussy. There's room for improvement here.

3. I don't like hunting for my selected output. Twisting the head back and forth to find the output I want is frustrating. The output differences are sometimes difficult to notice depending on light and distance. I usually cycle all the outputs a few times so I can recognize medium output.

I'm tempted to try out the LiteFlux LF2X to see if I like the interface more. But I really wanted a light that I can operate one-handed. I may just wait for an improved LF3X or EX10. The EX10/LF3X is small enough to be EDC.

Right now you can get the LD01 for $37 + free shipping at LA Police Gear.

Jake

 

[jenskh]

I have the lf2x. It has the advantages that it can run on a 10440 battery (makes it very bright) without voiding the warranty, and that it is programmable. I have also had the L0D, but I am very sorry to say that I lost it. It has the advantage that it is a bit smaller than the lf2x, and is simpler to use.

I find an AAA light much more comfortable to have in my pant pockets than an AA of CR123 light.

 

[snakyjake]

I find an AAA light much more comfortable to have in my pant pockets than an AA of CR123 light.

+1. I'm sitting at my office desk, and I don't even feel my light (LD01) there. And no one around the office can tell I'm carrying the light.

The light is in my pocket on a pocket clip. I like the clip because it holds it exactly where I know it's at. But even without the clip, inside of my pocket, I don't even notice it there.

Plenty bright. Plenty of runtime. And I like rechargeable batteries.

That's my idea of an Every Day Carry light.

Jake