Fenix LD22r dies after 5 years

[Unsure]

Just wanted to communicate my disappointment about my Fenix LD22r dying a few months past the 5 year mark.

The torch side switch normally switches between 4 levels of brightness but now it only switches between 2 and it is much dimmer than before. Checked the batteries as well as ensuring it hasn't been switched to tactical mode.

The head of the torch smells like one of the components may have gone bad.

Shop that I bought it from in AUS said since it is over 5 years old, nothing they can do.

I thought I would get 10 years out of a torch like this. Only has light use around the house 3-4 times per week for a couple of minutes per day at most.

Won't buy Fenix again.

 

[340pd]

Surefire, Malkoff, and a very few others may have been a better investment.

 

[busseguy]

Just wanted to communicate my disappointment about my Fenix LD22r dying a few months past the 5 year mark.

The torch side switch normally switches between 4 levels of brightness but now it only switches between 2 and it is much dimmer than before. Checked the batteries as well as ensuring it hasn't been switched to tactical mode.

The head of the torch smells like one of the components may have gone bad.

Shop that I bought it from in AUS said since it is over 5 years old, nothing they can do.

I thought I would get 10 years out of a torch like this. Only has light use around the house 3-4 times per week for a couple of minutes per day at most.

Won't buy Fenix again.

Maybe try contacting Fenix directly before writing them off over a single light?

 

[yazkaz]

I thought I would get 10 years out of a torch like this. Only has light use around the house 3-4 times per week for a couple of minutes per day at most.
Won't buy Fenix again.

When it comes to longevity of modern LED lights, YMMV. I had however been told no flashlight electronics could last forever, and that they would fail at some point. Those SMT components, ICs, etc. etc., you name it.

But modern LED lights are also very non-serviceable, such that when it breaks, you have better luck getting an new one -- unless you could find geeks who can access to service parts etc. as well as repair skills.

If a light can last for 3/5/7 years before failure then that's kind of expected. Ten years is quite an overkill, but that also depends on brand and particular model.

For the record I also have a Fenix which lated for some ten years now. It's a PD30 circa 2011 which was upgraded with a newer LED since around 2016. The flashlight electronics still work great; it's just the bare electrical contacts within the light that need frequent attention and cleaning/conditioning.