Fenix P3D Q5 vs L2D Q5 for helmet light

[milese]

Firstly I'm sorry if this has been done to death already but here we go again! I've searched and a lot of whats been said is right over my head!

I'm after a light to use as a helmet light for mountain biking.

I dont know any of the science behind lights so please dont confuse me!

Looking on the net I've found these 2 lights, which would be the best for my use, or is something else better at this price?

What would be more suitable the smooth or textured lens?

http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_p3d_q5.html

http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_l2d_q5.html

I know the L2D uses the AA batteries which makes life easier.

Whats the reality of using the 3V CR123A batteries? If I get some rechargables will they give the right run time / power?

Thanks to all in advance.

 

[mechBgon]

I use the L2D Q5 as a helmet light for riding singletrack (with a DiNotte 600L on the handlebar as the primary light). I got the textured reflector, but I wish I'd bought the smooth-reflector version for slightly better throw, OR bought a different light that has better throw and decent runtimes, possibly something like a Tiablo A9 or Dereelight DBS. The DiNotte covers the close-range needs, so what I really need from the helmet light is a way to punch way down the trail, and I can give up some beam smoothness in favor of throw for that role. So between the two reflector types, chalk up one vote for smooth

Between the L2D Q5 or the P3D Q5, your best bet is probably the L2D Q5 with high-capacity NiMH AA's for decent 2hr+ runtimes at full power.

 

[RGB_LED]

milese, I think it will be more of a personal choice... I have gone night riding on singletrack trails almost every week this past fall and I combined two LED lights; either a PT Apex or Huntlight FT01 on my handlebars and a P3D-CE on my helmet with the TwoFish blocks.

Since it's the older CE version and not the Q5, the reflector is smooth and not the OP version and I found that the beam was too narrow for my liking on singletrack. I was getting tunnel vision and not really seeing the whole trail. I wished I had the OP version!

As for runtimes, using AW's 750mAh RCR123s, I get runtimes of approx. 3.5 hrs on High but only 1.5 hrs on the Turbo setting, then it flickers badly, so I just keep it on High. I have tried using a 17670 battery instead and I got over 4 hrs on High(!) but runtimes for the Turbo mode are disappointing with this battery.

Since I have the Huntlight with OP reflector on the bars, it gives a pretty good overall illumination on the trail and the P3D is for the tight and twisty stuff. As mechBgon indicated, I do wish the P3D gave better runtimes on Turbo; both the Tiablo and Dereelight look promising but I'm also concerned about putting a larger and heavier light on my helmet. The weight of a P3D is noticable over 3 hours of riding but it's not annoying.

Once my bike light with 3xSeoul LEDs arrives in 2-3 weeks, I won't have to worry next spring but I'm still going to pick up a P3D-Q5 as a back-up helmet-mt'd light or to give to one of my friends during our rides.

You may have to try a couple of setups before you decide on a setup so good luck!

 

[iggs]

Because it looks like your in the UK I'd go with the AA version as that will give you the best chance of getting decent batteries.

People tend to prefer a tight beam on their helmet and a wide beam on their handle bars. I'm not sure how tight the 'tight' beam is on these though.

Loads of people on STW have recently been buying these torches for nightriding. You'll get some good feedback there at the moment on the spot / food dilema

 

[matt303]

I use a P3D-Q5 but had to modify it to run off an external 4 x AA pack to get a good run time on turbo. Given the brightness I'd say the L2D should be bright enough and have the advantage of using AA batteries. I also went for the orange peel reflector which seems to give a really good beam for a helmet light.

 

[jirik_cz]

I use a P3D-Q5 but had to modify it to run off an external 4 x AA pack to get a good run time on turbo. Given the brightness I'd say the L2D should be bright enough and have the advantage of using AA batteries. I also went for the orange peel reflector which seems to give a really good beam for a helmet light.

Please can you write something more about your modification? I think that P3D Q5 with 4xAA can be very good solution. But without modification I would rather use L2D Q5.

 

[milese]

Thanks for all the replies.

I've ordered the L2D Q5 smooth reflector with the fishblocks.

Hopefully it will hook up to my helmet ok.

Any advice on which decent rechargable AA batteries to use?

 

[vkan]

Thanks for all the replies.

I've ordered the L2D Q5 smooth reflector with the fishblocks.

Hopefully it will hook up to my helmet ok.

Any advice on which decent rechargable AA batteries to use?

The Duracell 2650mAh AA's that you can find at BJs, etc. work fine in the L2D, though they can be a tight fit in some lights (e.g. they won't fit in the 2AA MiniMag I got as a gift many years ago).

Did you get two kinds of the TwoFish mounts, one with the curve sections in line with each other, the other with them at right angles? I'm thinking that would be good just in case one or the other doesn't quite work with your helmet.

 

[mechBgon]

Another attachment option would be to use O-rings through the helmet vents to attach the light to the helmet, which is what I did. I've tried both top mount and side mount, and these photos show the latter, which puts the light in a more convenient spot for me since I'm right-handed.

Note that the O-ring attachment method isn't ideal if you want to switch the light from the Turbo range to the Normal range at times, because that is done by twisting the lens end of the flashlight, and the entire flashlight will rotate in the O-rings if you're trying to do this one-handed. That's not a major issue for me because I very seldom use anything but Turbo, except if I'm stopped and want to use Low as a worklight, at which point I have both hands free anyway.

 

[matt303]

Please can you write something more about your modification? I think that P3D Q5 with 4xAA can be very good solution. But without modification I would rather use L2D Q5.

I drilled a hole in the side of the light (sealed with epoxy) and ran wires to the battery terminals, these connect to a 4 x AA battery holder (2 rows of 2) that sits under the flashlight when it's attached to the helmet. If you are going to mount a connector in the side of the light you'll need to use an insulated one or you'll bypass the switch on the back.

This is a quick test lash-up I did to test it out on a ride, I need to tidy it up now. To be honest I think the L2D is a simpler solution for a helmet light.

 

[Hack On Wheels]

The Duracell 2650mAh AA's that you can find at BJs, etc. work fine in the L2D, though they can be a tight fit in some lights (e.g. they won't fit in the 2AA MiniMag I got as a gift many years ago).

Did you get two kinds of the TwoFish mounts, one with the curve sections in line with each other, the other with them at right angles? I'm thinking that would be good just in case one or the other doesn't quite work with your helmet.

What are the best rechargeable batteries for the L2D? Also, do you have to use 1.5V AA batteries to get the optimal light output? (I don't know how the digital regulation and such works, so I can't answer that question for myself.)

 

[jirik_cz]

What are the best rechargeable batteries for the L2D? Also, do you have to use 1.5V AA batteries to get the optimal light output? (I don't know how the digital regulation and such works, so I can't answer that question for myself.)

check this http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l1dce-l2dce.htm

You will get very poor runtime with alkaline batteries. They are not made for high current drain.

I use sanyo 2700mAh and I'm very satisfied with them.

matt303: thanks.

 

[Hack On Wheels]

check this http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l1dce-l2dce.htm

You will get very poor runtime with alkaline batteries. They are not made for high current drain.

I use sanyo 2700mAh and I'm very satisfied with them.

matt303: thanks.

Thanks! That is a great link, the lithium AA batteries are all single use though, right? 1:50 isn't a great run time on turbo, but I still think it would be a better option in general than the P3D.

 

[BentHeadTX]

I changed my "L1D RB100" for a 2AA "L2D RB100" for winter darkness use. My Powerex 2700 NiMH AA cells work great and the output is very impressive on my bicycle helmet light. A bit long and heavier but for winter darkness, I need all the help I can get.

 

[ggg300]

I drilled a hole in the side of the light (sealed with epoxy) and ran wires to the battery terminals, these connect to a 4 x AA battery holder (2 rows of 2) that sits under the flashlight when it's attached to the helmet. If you are going to mount a connector in the side of the light you'll need to use an insulated one or you'll bypass the switch on the back.

This is a quick test lash-up I did to test it out on a ride, I need to tidy it up now. To be honest I think the L2D is a simpler solution for a helmet light.

Why not run the cable n batterys to the back pocket?

 

[matt303]

I didn't want a long cable floating around, the first idea was to attach a 4 AAs in a square holder on the back of the helmet. After my first test lash up (see below) it seemed that having the batteries under the light would work.

Having the batts in a back pocket would move a little weight to a better place.

 

[ggg300]

I didn't want a long cable floating around, the first idea was to attach a 4 AAs in a square holder on the back of the helmet. After my first test lash up (see below) it seemed that having the batteries under the light would work.

Having the batts in a back pocket would move a little weight to a better place.

I run 4 AA in the back pocket and a 200L on helmet...I like it...I used an old cell phone charger cord...

 

[UnderDaHill]

I've been trying to get a bike commuting light setup figured out as well. I picked up the Q5 L2D, which came with the textured lens. I'm very happy with it. It has sufficient throw for paved trails, and road use. I use the strobe mode in traffic and it makes a HUGE difference on how well people see me at night. My first day with the light almost got me run over 4 times until I put it in strobe mode. Since I started using strobe, I haven't had anyone pull out in front of me.

Now I'm also using a halogen system to light up the road close to me when I'm riding in the dark. So the L2D is more of a "don't run me over" light in traffic, along with a good distance light when I'm riding on predictable surfaces and not in traffic.

With the hologen system slowly fading (slow battery death) I'm looking into getting a second light to use for my bars. In fact I think the L2D with textured lens will migrate to the bars and I would like to find a light for the helmet that has a bit more punch/throw. The P3D seems like a logical solution. I'm just not sure I want to invest in CR123A rechargeables at the moment and there is no way primaries would fit the bill because I'd be burning through at least 2 every day.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Wicho]

I finally did some experimenting with my Fenix lights this weekend on my mountain bike. If any of you are familiar with the Bonita (Sweetwater Summit) to Rancho San Diego (Steel Bridge) trail in San Diego, that's where I did my riding.

I have Minewt X2 duals on the bars, but mounted two L2D Q5's on the bars as well and an L1D Q5 on my helmet. I can say that while the two L2D's work well, they aren't floody enough for the twisty or technical stuff. I ran the Minewts on low with the L2D's on high most of the time. Never hit turbo, but that was only because I forgot my spare batteries.

On the helmet, I ran the L1D on high most of the time. I liked it quite a bit, but really do think the Turbo setting will be better with a P2D body on it, which is what I intend on trying next time. The L1D on the helmet was nice and light and gave off enough light to where I felt comfortable on the twisty stuff (on the North side of the hut for those who may be familiar with the ride). It was nice being able to see where my head was pointing versus where the bars were aiming. Like I said, though, I think I will be much happier with a P2D on turbo. 2 123's seems like a small price to pay for a good ride.

I thought of trying the L2D on the helmet, but I thought it would be too heavy. I'll have to try it next time.

Anyway, I know the L2D and L1D's aren't you question, but I thought I'd give my thoughts. You might want to consider them as a lighter alternative.

 

[Mountain Bike]

Hi
I'm also considering either the P3D Q5 or the L2D Q5 for bike lighting.
Can anyone tell me what the useable voltage ranges are for these models?
And are there any gains or pitfalls using higher voltages?
(Or lower voltages?)

I wil probably be modding to use remote battery packs.

Cheers