Fenix PD20 vs Olight T10 2008 vs LF3XT

[shoe2555]

Greetings. Looking for an EDC and have narrowed my choices down to the Fenix PD20, Olight T10 2008 or LF3XT.

Looking for a more discreet one cell version of my E2D LED (first real torch) - the bezel is quite sharp on the Defender and is difficult to pocket - no clip is a non issue. The light will have to be easily slipped into a pocket, have a strobe and SOS function as i'd be taking it camping during the warmer months. Small enough to palm (around 3.5 inches or less) while walking the dog helps too.

Only owning a Surefire and an LoD Q4 (for the Mrs.) at this point, i'm looking for the one that may be best in (build quality, ease of function and dependability) Appreciate any thoughts/suggestions - thanks

 

[Henk_Lu]

I can't tell you about the LF3XT, but about the PD29 and the T10!

The Fenix seems to be a tougher build, the Olight is sligthly longer. While the T10 has a long reflector, half OP, half SMO, the one of the PD20 is a little bit shorter and SMO. I would say the Olight has a more defined hotspot than the Fenix and probably more throw, less flood.

Talking about the UI, it's what you like best. The Olight has a memory, Strobe and SOS are accessible via Clicky at each output, which is changed by a short twist. Nice, but you need two hands to change the output. The Fenix works differently : Head not tightened means different outputs via clicky and SOS, head tightened means turbo ans strobe via clicky. It always starts at low output.

To carry in a pocket, size matters, a plus for the Fenix, but for my big hands, the Fenix is a little bit too small for me to switch it on while holding it correctly. No problem to change the output though.

Finally, the Fenix has an anti-roll design, the Olight is all round. As for my other Fenix, I attach the lanyard to not have it fall from the nighttable.

Currently, my wife has the T10, I will only get the PD20 for christmas (but I got an hour to play with it last weekend). Out of these two, I have chosen the PD20, but there's always a plan in the back of my head to get the T10 from my wife and to give her another light instead. Last time I played with the Olight was yesterday evening and teh change stays a plan! :laughing:

So, I preffer explaining you the lights and not tell you which one is best. Let's wait what others say about the LF3XT!

 

[phantom23]

Liteflux has very complicated UI. E2DL and L0D are pure simplicity compared to LF3XT.
I'd stick to PD20 which is smaller than T10. New smooth reflector should throw well.

 

[Henk_Lu]

Liteflux has very complicated UI. E2DL and L0D are pure simplicity compared to LF3XT.
I'd stick to PD20 which is smaller than T10. New smooth reflector should throw well.

After having posted my answer here, I really got interested in the LF3XT, the light looks awesome, gets the highest review note, comes in a nice box and is quite cheap for what it offers. I got myself ready to log on to Paypal...

But, I had a bad feeling when I read the offer on Marketplace, so I decided to read that whole thread, the manual and the thread on CPF about it. Nope, that ain't my light, sorry! Don't buy it, unless you really know what you buy there. I know now that I'll stay away from all the programmable lights, including Twisty, Clicky, Novatacs... :huh:

Nobody likes everything, that's quite normal. If you feel fine with a little computer in your light and if you are willing to study a manual and keep it in reach, the LF3XT is the most exclusive one of the trio. If you're looking for a simple light, forget about it!

 

[BabyDoc]

Actually, the LF3XT has 2 different interfaces built into the light. You can choose from a fairly simple interface with defaults for high and low along with a rampable user defined mode, which can be retained in memory for your next time use if you want. It also offers you the opportunity to switch to a full featured interface which lets you program up to 5 different levels of light intensities, and all sorts of beacon and sos options. Once you set up the light like you want it, you never have to program it again or even remember the instructions. It is then nearly as easy to operate as any of the listed lights. Another advantage of the LF3XT over the Fenix and Olight models you listed is the low 0.2 percent output the LF3xt has. The Olight and Fenix don't go anywhere near that low. If you want the simplest interface and the smallest light, and don't have patience to read instructions, the Fenix is the best choice. It also offers a nice little holster. Still, IMO, a little patience with the LF3XT instructions will be well rewarded. It probably has the best beam with the fewest Q5 artifacts of any of the listed lights.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I think that all of their UIs are atrocious.

 

[BabyDoc]

I think that all of their UIs are atrocious.

???? Are you speaking only about one of these lights or all of them?
If they are all atrocious, what interface is more to your liking?

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

???? Are you speaking only about one of these lights or all of them?
If they are all atrocious, what interface is more to your liking?

All of them.

I like SF A2/L1/L2 style, EagleTac, Muyshondt Aeon, etc. KISS all the way.

 

[snakyjake]

When deciding on a light, look at the output, runtimes, form factor, ergonomics, size, and how you plan on carrying. Another very important factor will be the UI.

You may want to investigate Nitecore. The D10/EX10 have nice form factors. The only major complaint I have is losing hte user selected output when switching modes. Love the piston switch.

I would get the LF3XT if it comes with a pocket clip. The piston switch is fantastic.

 

[Henk_Lu]

I would get the LF3XT if it comes with a pocket clip. The piston switch is fantastic.

Maybe that it id fantastic as long as it is lubed as it should be, but the LF3XT doesn't have one!

In fact, it looks like a piston drive, but it's an electronic switch, which means a clicky...

I would get it too if they offered it with the simple UI only and if that one had 4 or five fix modes including the ramping.

I thought about the EX10 too, but I don't think I would like the PD. :thinking:

 

[snakyjake]

Maybe that it id fantastic as long as it is lubed as it should be, but the LF3XT doesn't have one!

In fact, it looks like a piston drive, but it's an electronic switch, which means a clicky...

I would get it too if they offered it with the simple UI only and if that one had 4 or five fix modes including the ramping.

I thought about the EX10 too, but I don't think I would like the PD. :thinking:

I'll have to look more into LF3XT's electronic switch (they are all electronic switches...right). The EX10's piston drive switch is really nice. I think the only thing not to like about it is that it isn't submersible, probably will not like dirt, and the UI or PD seems sensitive to doing stuff I didn't want it to do (but this only happens during ramping or mode switching). If you need a tactical light to depend on, I probably wouldn't pick the piston switch. But if you want something that is smooth and elegant feeling, the PD definitely is a winner.

 

[BabyDoc]

I would get it too if they offered it with the simple UI only and if that one had 4 or five fix modes including the ramping.

. :thinking:

Actually, if you never turn on the full featured interface, you have the simple interface only. (It isn't so easy to accidentally turn on the full interface .) On the other hand, if you take a half hour and read the instructions for the full interface, you can then program the light with 1 to 5 fix modes they way you like. Then throw away the instructions (you won't need them any more), and you have a perfectly programmed 1 to 5 fixed mode light, customized the way you want. I programmed my LF5XT the first night I got the light. I haven't needed to reprogramthe light or look at the instructions since then.

 

[BabyDoc]

I'll have to look more into LF3XT's electronic switch (they are all electronic switches...right). The EX10's piston drive switch is really nice. I think the only thing not to like about it is that it isn't submersible, probably will not like dirt, and the UI or PD seems sensitive to doing stuff I didn't want it to do (but this only happens during ramping or mode switching). If you need a tactical light to depend on, I probably wouldn't pick the piston switch. But if you want something that is smooth and elegant feeling, the PD definitely is a winner.

I agree with you that the EX10 and its PD is prone to ramping trouble if a bit of dirt gets under the split ring. The LF3XT will not have this problem and yet it still has a silent short throw switch, albeit electronic. Furthermore, you won't have thumb fatigue or eratic switching while ramping if you don't apply heavy pressure to the switch like you must with the EX10 PD system.

 

[OrlandoLights]

I don't understand this fear of the LiteFlux UI. I have two of their flashlights, and they come with factory settings you can use like any other light, no programming involved. Or if you want to bother to learn how to work the UI, you get to set up the light just how you want, plus get a battery check and protection circuit. I took the time, and set a very low low, which is invaluable for the way I use the light. The instructions could be clearer, but there's additional help at this forum.

 

[shoe2555]

hey everyone, thanks for the feedback i've decided on the PD20 - ordering from 4Sevens.com (use the code, "10turkeybucks" to get $10 off any purchase of $70 or more) for black friday 11/28 only.

LF3XT seems like a great light but would be too small to operate palmed in my hand atleast - may consider it for the mrs. when she tires of her LODQ4 - also by then i'll have more time to program it to its full capabilities.:twothumbs

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

RE: LF3XT (got here by a google search)

I read that it can be programmed and then used as is.

But what about PWM?

I have come to LOVE my Zebra H30, Lumapower Connexion and Incendio and Regal EDC for the fact that they have NO PWM. For that matter neither does P2D Q5 which STILL hasn't gotten bumped off my belt!

 

[PetaBread]

LITEFLUX LF3XT!

BAYBAY!

The only foreign light you need, then go USA made! (Surefire, etc)

or just call me crazy. :wave:

 

[Pontiaker]

All of them.

I like SF A2/L1/L2 style, EagleTac, Muyshondt Aeon, etc. KISS all the way.

It does not get any easier than the PD20, click it on and you get full hot high, bump it once or slick it again and you get the strobe, two modes, seems pretty Kiss to me. If you want some more a quick simple twist and you get even more options.....Love my PD20. Cant wait to get a LiteFlux to try that out too!

Did you get your PD20 yet, do you like it?

I just measured my PD20 and it is almost the exact same size as the LF3XT, at least from the specs I read about it.Anyone have these two to show side by side? How about side by side beam shots?

Matt

 

[h2oflyer]

If you want a nice programmable toy, get the LF3XT.

If you want a real flashlight, get the PD20. Better output/ longer runtime/ anti-roll flats/surprising ring free Q5 beam with white tint/recessed clicky doesn't go off in your pocket/simple 3 press UI with twist for max.

I tried the LF3XT as a work EDC ... didn't cut it. Replaced it with PD20...couldn't be happier. Oh yeah...comes with a real good holster.

Walter

 

[kts]

My vote goes to Fenix too :thumbsup: