Help decide - Fenix LOD-CE or Liteflux2 AAA light

[regulator]

I have made a few purchases lately due to the new Cree LED's. I now want to get a small AAA light with either a Cree or Soul. I have narrowed it down to the Fenix LOD-CE and Litflux2 and would like to hear opinions from someone who has both who can provide some likes and dislikes between the two and which do they prefer.

Having multiple brightness options is nice and both have them. But my primary wish is to obtain a "reasonable" amount of light for between 3-5 hours. I presently like my Fenix E1 but want to upgrade due the the more efficient Cree/Soul LED's. Can anyone comment on which of these two lights provides a better medium mode in regards to regulation and runtime? From looking in the reviews forum it appears that the runtime graphs for the Liteflux2 are flatter and better regulated on alkaline. Any real world experience with using these two? The Litflux2 also seems to be pretty cool since you can program it to work the way you want - but is it a pain.

 

[Krit]

1 vote for LF2. I have SSC version and I can not notice high PWM from low level at all. We can program the light level we want and easy to use with normal 2 stages twist out.

 

[SoundMix]

Buy both...sell one. I have the LOD-CE. As far as I'm concerned it is flawless.

 

[aceo07]

How do the runtimes compare?

 

[powernoodle]

I have the LOD-CE. As far as I'm concerned it is flawless.

Same here.

I'd get rid of the stupid SOS, but thankfully its at the end of the cycle (medium-low-high-strobe-SOS), so it doesn't get in the way. In all other ways its really a great light and is on the Powernoodle Top 10 list. If there was one, that is.

cheers

 

[freefall8]

I have the LOD-CE, and think it is great. The levels are set right, and I really don't notice the PWM.

I did consider the LF2, but I did not need all the intricate settings. YMMV

 

[Glen C]

I have both, the LOD is fractionally brighter, the LF2 is more programmable and the 2 stage is nice on turn on. Can I remember how to program my LF2 2 months later without the manual? No :laughing:

 

[Flying Turtle]

I have both, the LOD is fractionally brighter, the LF2 is more programmable and the 2 stage is nice on turn on. Can I remember how to program my LF2 2 months later without the manual? No :laughing:

I'm in the same boat, trying to decide which to buy. Of the two lights, Glen, which one do you use or carry the most? If you lost both which would be replaced first? Thanks.

Geoff

 

[sixfellas]

this might help: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=154068

runtimes just updated for SSC too.

I've got both the L0D and LF2. LF2 is cool but L0D is a better light for output and efficiency. I vote the L0D CE.

Programming is not really the issue with the LF2, but still.

 

[aceo07]

this might help: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=154068

runtimes just updated for SSC too.

I've got both the L0D and LF2. LF2 is cool but L0D is a better light for output and efficiency. I vote the L0D CE.

Programming is not really the issue with the LF2, but still.

I was really hoping for the LF2 (SSC) to be the one. But with lower output and now the much short runtime, it's not really a choice. I hope they improve the efficiency a lot for their next version.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Thanks for your assessment, sixfellas. The LF2 sounded pretty neat, especially with the shorter length of the SSC version, but the efficiency makes me reconsider. Maybe another player will emerge before I pull the trigger on the L0Dce.

Geoff

 

[Ice]

I have the L0D-CE and the LiteFlux LF2 (P4 version).
First of all: Both are just great lights!!! I would not want to sell any of them!
Both are actually very similar.
The L0D is more "straight on", very bright, easy to use, that's all.
The LF2 is more versatile.
And to me the thought that there are flashlights that can get a bios or firmware update is really cool!!!!!
So which one would I buy? Definitely both!

P.S.:
Maybe you should decide if you want to use rechargeabel 10440 lithium batteries first. If so, I'd go with the LF2. (It's extremely bright with 10440s and has an over discharge protection.)

P.P.S.:
You could have a look here, too: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=165809

 

[bray]

maybe this will help i had the lodce and i gave it away when i recieved my lf2 with seoul, gottta love that wide beam and overcharge protection

 

[gunga]

I have both. Got an LOD-CE a while ago and love it. Just got an LF2 cree and I'm still learning to use it.

I like the low low mode possible with the LF2 using 10440. I also like the programability and overcharge protection. I'm still determining if the battery life is okay, seems a bit short at times vs the LOD-CE, but I didn't do full runtime tests so can't really say.

I like that the LOD-CE is simple to learn and works well with 10440s (crazy bright, but no low mode anymore).

I like the many options and features on the LF2, but wish it had 3 modes. I also sometimes lose the programmed levels (programming is a PITA).

So, all in all, I guess it depends on what is most important to you. If I get to figure out the LF2 and don't get anymore weird programming glitches or low battery life, I think it will be my EDC.

I don't need the pocket cannon effect so much, and it's pretty useful to have a low low mode...

 

[regulator]

I am very disappointed in the runtime plot posted for the Soul LF2 in the reviews section and also from what another poster confirmed. I wonder what is going on. I was very interested in the Soul version due to the shorter length but it has pretty poor runtime. The Cree LF2 is a bit long compared to the LOD-CE.

I thought the Soul and Cree LED's were pretty much equal (unless like someone mentioned that the batch of Sould LED's being used in the LF2's are not very good). Its does not provide a good feeling when the first two posts from people who have received the Soul version both report of short runtime. So far the LOD-CE appears to a more efficient light - from what others are posting (all parts taken into account - LED, circuit etc.)

I would very much like to hear what the response from the MFG/Dealers is in regards to the much poorer runtime with the Soul LED and if it will be addressed. And if it is addressed, how can one be assured they have the fixed light.

 

[sixfellas]

might want to check out post #64 on this thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=154068&page=3

answers a few questions.

 

[Glen C]

I'm in the same boat, trying to decide which to buy. Of the two lights, Glen, which one do you use or carry the most? If you lost both which would be replaced first? Thanks.

Geoff

Geoff, probably the Fenix. Due to a couple of things, slightly brighter and there is a good dealer www.torchworld.com.au in Aus, our equivalent of 4 sevens. When I emailed three times to Liteflux re the SSC version, they never responded, even after I had bought a Cree and enrolled on their website. I thought that might present a problem if a fault occurs. I was going to translate to see if that got a reply but never got around to it.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I would go for the Fenix LOD-CE

 

[BMRSEB]

I don't have an LF, but can speak on the Fenix L0D-CE and I love mine. It's small, bright especially on 10440's, which is all I have been running since I got it a few months back. Plus, on regular Alkalines or Energizer E2 Lithiums it's still very useful. It's sturdy, I've already dropped it a few times, simple UI, for me it's my EDC. :thumbsup:

 

[regulator]

I just read some additional information posted by someone who has tested a few Cree and Soul LF2's. If both the Cree and Soul version "overall outputs" and not lux readings to be the same, the runtimes would allow a better comparision of efficiency.

If the Soul model is putting out more overall lumens than the Cree version, its runtime will be shorter (and may be what is happening). The Cree misleadingly has a higher Lux reading but may be putting out less overall light than the Soul model. So maybe nothing to worry about. One can just lower the output of the LF2 to increase the runtime. A few more observations would be nice to hear to confirm. Thanks everyone for posting information.