Fenix Light Comparison

[bubba az]

We were recently given the opportunity to review and compare a few different models of Fenix brand LED flashlights. We reviewed the Fenix; TK10, L2D, PD30 and PD20. These are mid priced, high quality lights that push a lot of light from standard size batteries. Three of these lights use the common CR123 size battery, one uses AA size batteries. We looked at three lights with 5 separate functions and beam intensities. One of these Fenix lights (the TK10) is a tactical design with two brightness intensity options and a less complicated interface. All of these lights include replacement parts and other accessories in the package when you buy them.

Click Here for Full Review & more pics

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I'm really impressed with Fenix lights so far, we plan to do some torture tests next to see how well they can hold up to abuse
Any ideas?

Click Here for Full Review & more pics

 

[Magnus1959]

Link would not work for me.

 

[Henk_Lu]

Link would not work for me.

The link works for me though, perhaps it has been updated...

I was looking forward to red that review, because I also own each of these lights, except the PD30. The review is well done with some nice pics of the lights and the disasembly of the tailcap.

The beamshot-pics are really too small, they should link to bigger images. The dog in some pictures is nice, but for a real comparison it shouldn't be in the pictures.

Before torturing the lights, you should test them "in the field" first! I don't give you any torture ideas, I don't really like that, but I would begin with normal situations, the lights falling down a staircase eg, make a waterproof test...

I'm looking forward to read more!

Greets,

Henk

 

[kts]

The new tailcap design look like its more fragile than the old, the holes for the lanyard looks like a weak point, if you drop it on a hard surface it will probably bend/break...

Thats why I just ordered a L1D Q5 instead of the LD10...and the L1D fits better in the pocket, the new antiroll system looks like a big ugly nut on a otherwise nice light.

 

[EngrPaul]

I look forward to reading it. :twothumbs

It's a shame the TK20 isn't included.

 

[StarHalo]

I think the whole torture test idea has already been done to death, particularly with Fenix lights; we know you can freeze one in a block of ice, run it through the wash, and that you can't shoot it with a 9mm, etc. I just don't foresee any new torture test that will provide any critical information or that we won't already know the outcome of.

I think you'd get a much better response if you simply put the lights up for sale after reviewing them.

 

[Crenshaw]

on the other hand, i think a picture documented torture test for your own site would be cool. People who visit there, and are not CPFers will apreciate it.

Drop tests would be the most crucial.

Crenshaw

 

[bubba az]

thanks for the comments!

While I've taken pictures of gear, etc for years.. posting to such an interested audience (like here) is new and I'm having a good time learning from you all

I'll post larger pics and update the existing review, and do that right away in future reviews (it just takes more time so I got out of the habit)

I didn't think of freezing the lights, but I did think of the 'dashboard heat test' (I'm in Arizona)
I like the idea of dropping them, shooting them hardly seems fair

I gave one to a 13 yr old.. I figure that's torture.. the switch got turned on and off about a thousand times in the first few minutes

We have some plans to do some indoor testing, so we'll include that soon

As for the dog.. try to tell a 90 pound doberman not to be interested in what I was doing shining a light into his back yard

thanks again for the input, it will help our next reviews be even better

 

[parnass]

When reading a flashlight review, one of the things I want to know is how warm or hot the light becomes during use.

I have owned lights which became uncomfortably warm after just a few minutes of use and I would not have bought them had I known ahead of time.

 

[bubba az]

cool (pardon the pun)
I have access to a temp gun I could try for this

 

[Toohotruk]

Nice review! But +1 for bigger pics.

That looks like a beautiful dog...I love Dobies!

 

[Vincent]

In the review the review the Fenix l2D seems to be much brighter at 40 Lumens medium mode, than the medium mode at 47 lumens of the PD20. Why is this?

its not just a little brighter its utterly drastic.

 

[Stereodude]

I'm surprised how different the beam looks between the L2D is from the PD20. I wonder if that is due to the difference in reflector designs.

 

[Zatoichi]

and that you can't shoot it with a 9mm, etc.

There go my plans to use a TK10 to fend off bullets. Hey ho. :shrug:

 

[Federal LG]

It's a shame the TK20 isn't included.

Ditto!

For me, TK20 is the best Fenix light till now.
Amazing throw for just a 2xAA, and the bombproof body kicks ***!

I have one suggestion about the only "cons" that I saw in the TK20: the way you carry the light is bezel up. So, you can´t put a real good lanyard in the tailcap, because it won´t fit inside the holster.

So, or you use lanyard, or you use it in the holster. It´s impossible to use both, unfortunately.

 

[Federal LG]

Oh, very nice review, by the way!

Bubba is the dobermann ? I love dogs!

 

[StarHalo]

There go my plans to use a TK10 to fend off bullets. Hey ho. :shrug:

It might have been before your time/when you became a flashaholic; When Fenix introduced the T1, 4Sevens invited CPF users to sign up to receive a loaner for abuse testing, and of course this set off a tidal wave of flashaholics coming up with new and creative ways to torture a flashlight. One was run over by a sedan 90 times, one was put in a lump of dough and baked in an oven, one was exposed to a 2kW Tesla Coil, and two were shot - one by a 9mm and one by a .30-06. Search "T1 Abuse" for some highly entertaining and destructive reading..

 

[kaichu dento]

...two were shot - one by a 9mm..

I've got that one! It's sitting on my car seat waiting for me to decide what to do with it! :laughing: