Fenix P1D reliability

[GregU2]

Hi everyone,

I EDC a Fenix P1D Q5 , or a Surefire L1 Cree because I feel the twisty is one of the most reliable switches. Has anyone ever had either of these lights fail due to switch problems?

 

[LED-holic]

Hello GregU2, I have several Fenix flashlights but not the P1D. However in general the quality / reliability of the Fenix lights have been outstanding. I would depend on my Fenix lights in almost any situation.

However if you require a reliability that may be the difference between life and death, then I would suggest you go with the Surefire. I've heard of some Surefire switch failures but in general if you want a bullet proof light then Surefire is the way to go.

 

[StarHalo]

The only time either of my P1s have problems is if I'm lax in cleaning them and the "magic black grit" gets between the positive nub of the battery and the contact on the head. As long as you maintain your P1 regularly, there isn't really anything that can go wrong..

It should be noted that a few other posters here have accidentally run their P1s through the washing machine, and one even purposely takes one diving, and all still work normally. Don't try that with a clicky.

 

[GregU2]

Thanks for your input. My Fenix P1D is an amazing light for the size and the easiest to EDC. Also, the P1D beam is awesome. However, the L1 feels great in the hand and the momentary function is so efficient. The L1 really has the best of both worlds, a pushbutton and a twisty.

 

[Crenshaw]

i would call the Fenix P1D very reliable....

Crenshaw

 

[nerdgineer]

...if you require a reliability that may be the difference between life and death, then I would suggest you go with the Surefire...

If I required life and death reliability, I would go with multiple lights. Two and a 3rd backup, at least. Probably all spring loaded type twisties.

I'd also be thinking about ways to avoid ever letting my life depend on a stupid flashlight again...

 

[gadget_lover]

The switch on my L1 broke after a few months of very light use. The little metal fingers that make contact with the body broke off, leaving it with high beam only.

A new tailcap arrived in less than a week.


I have a couple P2D, and have had no problems. Both came with a second switch body, though I'm not sure I'll ever need either. I modify things, so I picked up a spare tailcap for under $10.

I have two surefires (L4 and L1) and don't find their switches to be especially reliable. The clicky on my L4 needed a spacer to make it work (more or less) every time.

Daniel

 

[paulr]

I think nobody has ever made a really reliable EDC flashlight clicky. Lights like the Ra clicky seem to have given up on mechanical clickies and are using electronic switching controlled by a momentary pushbutton.

 

[Nathan]

I've never had any problems with either of my P1D's or my older L1.

 

[Tomcat!]

I have had a bucket load of Fenix lights and never had any go wrong. Mind you, neither have my Surefires. I think you reach a stage where you have so many lights in rotation that they never get enough use to actually wear out.

The P1D Q5 is my current EDC keychain light of choice and before that the P1DCE. It's an excellent piece of kit that has proved it's reliability. When I 'retired' the P1DCE from front line duty, the only damage I saw was the very edges of the metal all round had a thin line of anodizing worn off to show bare aluminium. That's it. No damage to the glass, knurling still good, no surface dents, and this is after two straight years of battering by my keys and a few dozen accidental drops. Money well spent I'd say. :twothumbs

 

[crocodilo]

One more here speaking for the P1DQ5 reliability. I also rotate a SF L1, and the switch does not seem as sturdy, because the rubber boot is quite long and will certainly wear out and suffer from lateral pressures when in a pocket.

The Leef body with forward clicky for the P1D, however, is well protected by the crenelations, which will also allow it to tailstand. Pure genius!

 

[BytorJr]

Mine failed on me. It was one of the first P1s (luxeon). I liked it. I think it got too warm one day and I toasted it; yet it worked for almost a full year after it got very hot.