LD01 or LF2x as my new EDC?

[underconstruction]

So i am torn between these two lights. Which one do you guys think should reside on my keychain?

I like the lower low on the lf and that it can reliably handle the 10440. Is the LD01 more robust and brighter?

 

[JBorneu]

The Liteflux will be able to go both brighter and lower. But it is less efficient than the LD01.

If you don't need a super low low you should think more about how you plan to use the light. The highest mode on the Liteflux is very bright, very big "wow" factor, but it won't last for long. It's not a very useable mode. Also, the keychain / necklace attachement comes off too easy. That said, I have the Liteflux as a keychain light, and I don't think the LD01 would have suited me as well. The low low is really nice and IMO the user interface is a lot more practical. I just need to find a way to attach it to my keychain without it falling off.

 

[LEDninja]

I bought an Arc AAA souped up by Millermods. It replaced the L0D CE on my keychain.

 

[kts]

Is your arc brighter than a LD01?..How was it souped up?

Do they still use a foam disc in the arc, or did they discover the spring?

 

[Marduke]

Do they still use a foam disc in the arc, or did they discover the spring?

Still foam. It's still a battery crusher design, using conductive threads.

 

[nars42]

Hmm, just some observations by me:

-why did Fenix decide to go for medium > low > high? That doesn't really make a lot of sense to me.

-I like the look of the built in pocket clip of the LF2x, do owners of the light like it too?

-does the LF2x have memory function and can it be turned off?

 

[clintb]

Hmm, just some observations by me:

-why did Fenix decide to go for medium > low > high? That doesn't really make a lot of sense to me.

-I like the look of the built in pocket clip of the LF2x, do owners of the light like it too?

-does the LF2x have memory function and can it be turned off?

Doesn't make sense to me, either.

Love the LF2x pocket clip. It's just plain functional. Should you ever bend it, no problems with a replacement.

No need for memory on the LF2x since it's a twisty, and it only has positions P1 and P2. It does have memory in the way of coming on in the last SWx mode you used. Meaning, if you just did a SWx2 to get to user defined brightness, then turn it off and back on, you'll be at SWx2. Likewise with SWx3 for beacon flash and strobe. SWx1 and you'll be back at the first mode.

The LF2x is a fantastic little light. I wouldn't even consider another AAA light.

 

[nars42]

Another question: when in the variable brightness setting, let's say I had it set to 25% or so and turned it to 100%. Next time I turn to the variable brightness setting, will the output be 25% or 100%?

I should probably just get this light, seems like fun... Having a super low setting seems great. I currently own 2 Fenix L1T V2's that I mount on my bike and the 16 lumen low is a bit much for any close up things.

 

[Ainsley]

I just wanted to add that I love my LF2X! It blows the L0D I have away. The UI just makes so much more sense and is much easier.

I can't really comment on the variable brightness question, I just set mine to a nice low and 100% high and leave it. I also can't comment on the keychain attachment, I use the pocket clip. That said, it lives clipped to my left front pocket any time I have pants on.

Again, I suggest you get the LF2X, you won't be dissapointed.

 

[Marduke]

Hmm, just some observations by me:

-why did Fenix decide to go for medium > low > high? That doesn't really make a lot of sense to me.

Market research showed that sequence and levels were the most preferred with the average user (CPF members are NOT average users)

 

[JBorneu]

Another question: when in the variable brightness setting, let's say I had it set to 25% or so and turned it to 100%. Next time I turn to the variable brightness setting, will the output be 25% or 100%?

I should probably just get this light, seems like fun... Having a super low setting seems great. I currently own 2 Fenix L1T V2's that I mount on my bike and the 16 lumen low is a bit much for any close up things.

It will be 100% . The variable brightness mode is developed to make it easy to get any brightness setting you want without starting the programming sequence. The user adjustable mode is not included in the programming sequence, that's the whole point of the mode. There's a manual somewhere which describes the whole user interface. It's in "good foreigner's english" but very understandable and it shows maps of al the functions and the programming sequence. Very useable and helps to remember it all. Read it before you buy it, it really tells you what you're getting. If reading the manual doesn't make you think "oh my god, why put this all in a keychian light", you'll probably like the Liteflux.

I really like the pocket clip, it has just the right ammount of tension, not a chance of this light falling off your pants. But I want to use this as a keychain light, s I'm trying to figure out a way to use the pocket clip as a keychain attachement. I can just put the keychain on the loop of the clip, but that will allow it to move around too much for my liking. The quick release keychain attachement may be nice when you hang the light off the supplied neck lanyard, but I don't like things hanging off my neck.

 

[Derek Dean]

I liked the bright output, build quality, and ease of use of the Fenix LD01, but found the beam a little too ringy for my taste, so I reluctantly returned it (and yes I tried it out in the real word, taking it out on walks and using it around the house... I REALLY wanted to like it but simply found the beam to distracting).

I was ready to buy the Liteflux LF2x but was dismayed to find that it has no attachment point for a keyring (what's up with that?).

I ended up spending almost twice as much (arrgh) but finally got what has turned out to be the perfect keyring EDC, the ARC mania Extreme III, which is a customized version of the Liteflux LF2x.

Yes it was expensive.... but it fills my keyring niche perfectly.

 

[Flying Turtle]

I was in the same place recently. Factoring in a concern about the reliability and efficiency of the LF2x versus the reputation of Fenix I ended up getting apparently one of the last L0D Q4's in olive finish. I preferred that finish and really don't mind the PWM or having strobe and SOS. And, appealing to my cheap side, it only cost about $40 from 4Sevens. Nice light, though I may still end of with an LF2 or LF2x eventually.

Geoff

 

[LED Flashlights.]

In my opinion, 1 AAA flashlights always make a better task light because you can always put it in your mouth if you need both your hands free.

1 AA alittle too big and heavy in my opinion to be comfortable in your mouth.

 

[regulator]

I had both a new LOD-Q4 Olive and the LF2X. They are both great lights but I ended up keeping the LF2X. I just liked the versitality and the build better. The LOD is lighter and easier to operate with one hand.

As far as efficiency - I put a cheap alkaline in both and adjusted the LF2X output to the medium setting on the LOD. They both had identical runtime with the LF2X holding flat regulation better at the very end and the LOD running about 5 more minutes. I don't remember how many hours they ran but they were approximately equal in runtime. I was happy to see this result.

I think the LOD would be a better basic light for someone who does not like to bother with the programability of the LF2X.

 

[LEDninja]

Is your arc brighter than a LD01?..How was it souped up?

Do they still use a foam disc in the arc, or did they discover the spring?

The Millermods uses the Arc foam disc. Twist to turn on low. Twist, twist, twist some more for high.
The Millemods is available in 25, 50, 75 mA low. I chose 50 mA for a 3+ hour runtime. A little dimmer than an early L0D CE medium.
The Millemods is available in 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 W high. I chose 0.75 W for max runtime. A little brighter than an early L0D CE medium. (probably very close to an L0D Q4).
My Millermods has a Q4 WH LED. The warmer tint is noticeable compared to the WC/WD of the early L0D CE. Millermods is sourcing higher bin XREs.
Millermods on the left. The light is actually brighter but the camera does not show it.

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-why did Fenix decide to go for medium > low > high? That doesn't really make a lot of sense to me.

Medium is the brightest for a 2 hour runtime.
Low is dim for a lot of people and high may not have sufficient runtime for a lot of tasks especially if using alkaline batteries. The strobe & SOS are rarely used by most people so are left till the end.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Hey regulator, that's just the test I was hoping someone would do. Makes me feel better about the LF2x. I wonder if the old LF2 is equally efficient? I know it's not as bright, but I mostly want a low low plus good efficiency.

Geoff

 

[regulator]

Hi Flying Turtle. The LF2X is really pretty efficient and a nice AAA light. I consider the LOD to be a benchmark and the LF2X is just as efficient.

I had a Jetbeam u that was not efficient at all and was disappointed with its runtime. I was glad to see this versital light to also have good efficiency. The LF2X will run for many hours at the 15% level (which is somewhere in between the LOD-Q4 low and medium setting).

I use a 14400 cell in mine and typically find the 15% level is all I need (which is almost as bright as the LOD on medium) and will run for several hours.

I am not sure if the older LF2 with SSC is as efficient (from memory of tests I seen it may have been a little less efficient).

 

[this_is_nascar]

I prefer the LF2X over the LOD and LD01 for a few reasons.

-- the pocket clip of the LF2X is awesome.
-- better beam quality fromthe LF2X.
-- although I don't use them, the LF2X is published as being 10440 capable.
-- user settable brightness levels.
-- quicker access to those 2-levels when in use.
-- LF2X is capable of coming on in a low brightness mode 1st.
-- the lowest brightness level of the LF2X is unmatched in just about every other 1xAAA light.

 

[regulator]

Good to see ya TIN. I agree with all those items you listed and is also why I prefer the LF2X. I also agree about the beam - one note, I bet the new larger reflector on the latest LOD (or whatever its now called) has made an improvement. Both very nice lights.