LD20 or E21 for general use???

[arjay]

Alright, I'm thinking about getting some decent lights that runs on AA batteries for home and emergency use. I was offered a great deal on Fenix lights by my supplier so I'm sticking with that brand.

I've narrowed my choices down to those two lights. I'm thinking about getting 8-10 lights to stick 1 or 2 into each of our cars and the rest into regular duty around the house. I like the lights to be pretty simple as my non-flashaholic family members would also be using them regularly.

I think that the low mode of the E21 would suffice for most tasks but is having second thoughts if more modes would give the user a better options or just confuse them. I also like the tail-stand ability of the LD20 as I think it would be regularly used for area lighting during power outages which are common in my neck of the woods. Candles and oil lamps are banned at home due to the fire risk.The only thing holding me back from getting the LD20 is that it costs about twice as much as the E21. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

 

[TMedina]

The LD20 would likely confuse anyone not a gadget-head. The E21 is a simple bezel twist, high/low. And most users won't even try to switch the settings, so leave them on low.

That said, if you know some gadget heads who won't be intimidated by the more complex UI of the LD20, get them personal lights and leave the E21s as general purpose.

-Trevor

 

[menoceros]

I have several Fenix lights and would agree with Tmedina. Get the E21 for the GP light and save the more complicated for personal lights. I've just done the same at my house with several E21's for everyday use replacing the last of my incand. lights.

 

[robostudent5000]

what about the LD25? it's priced between the two. simple interface like the E21, wider beam and more spill probably make it more useful for general use. plus it has a warmer tint which is nice.

 

[bbb74]

what about the LD25? it's priced between the two. simple interface like the E21, wider beam and more spill probably make it more useful for general use. plus it has a warmer tint which is nice.

+1. LD25 has a higher high, and more modes (it has more modes (somewhat hidden) that can be used such as a lower low at about 3 lumens). And its neutral white. It can't be tailstood though, but that is what cups are for :) The LD20 can tailstand but it would be a bit precarious IMO.

 

[TMedina]

Anything more than two modes, and that's pushing it, in my opinion, and the average user is going to get confused. Then frustrated, then annoyed and probably not use it at all.

Remember what the general public usually buys - off the rack at Sprawl-Mart or Target or whathaveyou.

-Trevor

 

[bbb74]

Anything more than two modes, and that's pushing it, in my opinion, and the average user is going to get confused. Then frustrated, then annoyed and probably not use it at all.

In general I agree. The LD25 (if that is what you are responding to) has 2 modes (high and medium) available by tightening or loosening the head. The other modes are hidden and can only be reached by rapidly twisting the head loose and tight a number of times in quick succession.

 

[kramer5150]

E21 is a good choice for this... but I don't see why you have to go with either one or the other for all 10 lights. The E21 lacks the low long running modes of the LD20, and it has a very tight spot throwey beam. There are definitely things the LD20 can do that the E21 can't. I say go with mostly E21s, and get a couple LD20s too.

 

[arjay]

I have several Fenix lights and would agree with Tmedina. Get the E21 for the GP light and save the more complicated for personal lights. I've just done the same at my house with several E21's for everyday use replacing the last of my incand. lights.

How does the setup of E21's work for you? Any complaints from your household?

+1. LD25 has a higher high, and more modes (it has more modes (somewhat hidden) that can be used such as a lower low at about 3 lumens). And its neutral white. It can't be tailstood though, but that is what cups are for :) The LD20 can tailstand but it would be a bit precarious IMO.

I've seen the LD25 but honestly can't figure out how to switch modes. All that twisting confuses me and output doesn't really change much. Exactly what I was thinking, I would just use cups to hold the E21 upright.

In general I agree. The LD25 (if that is what you are responding to) has 2 modes (high and medium) available by tightening or loosening the head. The other modes are hidden and can only be reached by rapidly twisting the head loose and tight a number of times in quick succession.

I think the rapid twisting of the head to reach the hidden modes would be helping as I would have to teach everybody at home how to switch modes an they would have to remember. Unlike the LD20 where you can get to the modes simply by twisting the head once and tapping the tailswitch.

E21 is a good choice for this... but I don't see why you have to go with either one or the other for all 10 lights. The E21 lacks the low long running modes of the LD20, and it has a very tight spot throwey beam. There are definitely things the LD20 can do that the E21 can't. I say go with mostly E21s, and get a couple LD20s too.

That's a great idea! Get like 8 E21's and 2 LD20's, I might just go with that. Thinking about deploying the E21's for regular use and just break out the LD20's for those long power outages where their low low would be beneficial. Seems like a lot of money just sitting there though. What do you think?

 

[mmace1]

That's a great idea! Get like 8 E21's and 2 LD20's?

I also think that is a great idea, and was what I signed on to post. Cheaper, simpler, and probably more appreciated E21's for family; LD20 for yourself/long-term power outage time. The LD40 low (5 lumens) bounced off the ceiling is actually enough to do most anything sans reading.

You said your supplier is giving you a great price. How great? 4sevens.com has these prices shipped to the Philippines (intl. shipping is free):

E21: 1,502 Pesos
LD20+: 2393 Pesos.

After the 8% discount for using the discount code "CPF8", and assuming your credit card doesn't charge anything for buying in a foreign currency.

I've used them to ship lights to S. Korea - about 7 or 8 days after ordering, they arrived. Then again, prices are low in the Philippines, so it's very plausible you knew this and your supplier is doing way better.

 

[bbb74]

I've seen the LD25 but honestly can't figure out how to switch modes. All that twisting confuses me and output doesn't really change much. Exactly what I was thinking, I would just use cups to hold the E21 upright.

I think the rapid twisting of the head to reach the hidden modes would be helping as I would have to teach everybody at home how to switch modes an they would have to remember. Unlike the LD20 where you can get to the modes simply by twisting the head once and tapping the tailswitch.

The LD25 is basically same as the E21 - twist tight for high, loose for medium. Only difference is the LD25 has more modes that your family wouldn't discover by accident so no explanation necessary. Alternatively, you can get the E21 in neutral white. I've got the LD20 R4 and LD25 and the LD20 is a nasty blue colour.

 

[arjay]

I also think that is a great idea, and was what I signed on to post. Cheaper, simpler, and probably more appreciated E21's for family; LD20 for yourself/long-term power outage time. The LD40 low (5 lumens) bounced off the ceiling is actually enough to do most anything sans reading.

You said your supplier is giving you a great price. How great? 4sevens.com has these prices shipped to the Philippines (intl. shipping is free):

E21: 1,502 Pesos
LD20+: 2393 Pesos.

After the 8% discount for using the discount code "CPF8", and assuming your credit card doesn't charge anything for buying in a foreign currency.

I've used them to ship lights to S. Korea - about 7 or 8 days after ordering, they arrived. Then again, prices are low in the Philippines, so it's very plausible you knew this and your supplier is doing way better.

Wow! I feel honored that you signed on just to reply to my thread kind sir. Much appreciated. :)

I am actually getting the LD40 and a couple of others for myself so I got that covered.

The prices I was given is just a couple of pesos higher than of 4sevens. Now if I do order it from 4sevens, my Credit Card company charges higher conversion rates so it's going to be more expensive. Then upon passing through customs, I will be taxed a big percentage. As such, the light will be much more expensive. Add to that those crooks might find that they like the lights and keep it to themselves. :mad:

Prices in the Philippines are not always cheap. Some distributors here usually add a very huge margin to the goods they are importing. Sometimes by as much as 100%! :shakehead

The LD25 is basically same as the E21 - twist tight for high, loose for medium. Only difference is the LD25 has more modes that your family wouldn't discover by accident so no explanation necessary. Alternatively, you can get the E21 in neutral white. I've got the LD20 R4 and LD25 and the LD20 is a nasty blue colour.

I mean how do you switch from the general mode to the camping mode? that's the part that I don't get. Output looks the same to me so I'm not sure if I have indeed switched to the other mode.

That's the thing that I'm worried about, no use in buying a higher priced light with modes that will never be used due to the complicated procedure. At least with the LD20 I know that they understand how it is done as they are able to switch modes on the LD20 and TK40 that are currently in service.

Unfortunately, the neutral white version of the E21 is not available locally. I have the LD20 R4 and LD10 R4 and both have a slight greenish tint that I actually like for outdoors. It's my R2 lights that has the nasty blue tint. It might be that tint lottery we all play.

 

[bbb74]

I mean how do you switch from the general mode to the camping mode? that's the part that I don't get. Output looks the same to me so I'm not sure if I have indeed switched to the other mode.

Trust me you can tell when the low is 3 lumens or something :) You just twist it loose and tight 3 times and it will switch to camping mode. Same thing again for rescue mode, then next time you're back to normal mode.

That's the thing that I'm worried about, no use in buying a higher priced light with modes that will never be used due to the complicated procedure. At least with the LD20 I know that they understand how it is done as they are able to switch modes on the LD20 and TK40 that are currently in service.

Unfortunately, the neutral white version of the E21 is not available locally. I have the LD20 R4 and LD10 R4 and both have a slight greenish tint that I actually like for outdoors. It's my R2 lights that has the nasty blue tint. It might be that tint lottery we all play.

True no point in paying for modes you aren't going to use. I was mainly recommending it for the simple High/Medium twist interface, and the fact its a neutral white. My LD20 is the R4, its probably the worst tint out of all my lights! Very blue. If you like cool white then the E21 will be the way to go.

I've played with a LD40 and I really, really liked it, it is a neutral white and I really liked its tint. I'm waiting to see how the new Zebralight Q50 turns out though. And I have a TK41 in the post to keep me happy in the meantime :)

 

[arjay]

Trust me you can tell when the low is 3 lumens or something :) You just twist it loose and tight 3 times and it will switch to camping mode. Same thing again for rescue mode, then next time you're back to normal mode.

True no point in paying for modes you aren't going to use. I was mainly recommending it for the simple High/Medium twist interface, and the fact its a neutral white. My LD20 is the R4, its probably the worst tint out of all my lights! Very blue. If you like cool white then the E21 will be the way to go.

I've played with a LD40 and I really, really liked it, it is a neutral white and I really liked its tint. I'm waiting to see how the new Zebralight Q50 turns out though. And I have a TK41 in the post to keep me happy in the meantime :)

oh! 3 times! I remember the instructions saying twice, I feel stupid. Thanks for the instructions. I can see now how it can take the place of both LD20 and E21.

I don't really get all the neutral tint craze, I've never used one outdoors. Maybe someone can show me the light? :D

Anyone with both the E21 cool white and LD25, can you please post an outdoor beam shot.

 

[kramer5150]

That's a great idea! Get like 8 E21's and 2 LD20's, I might just go with that. Thinking about deploying the E21's for regular use and just break out the LD20's for those long power outages where their low low would be beneficial. Seems like a lot of money just sitting there though. What do you think?

Well.. yes it is a LOT of $$ just sitting around. $100 for the 2x LD20, and at $30 each thats $300 for 10x E21. If it were me and I were to spend $400 on flashlights I don't think I would spend it all on one or 2 models. Every light has its strengths and weaknesses. 10x any one model will only multiply those elements by a factor of 10.

One major drawback of the E21 is its STRICTLY a hand held light (IMHO). It can't tailstand, it lacks anti-roll features (so it will roll all over the place on a smooth surface). It can't be clipped on to anything, and its fairly big and heavy too. So it can't do hands free area flood very well.

IMHO it would be better to get an LD20 or an E21... and look into AA lights of differing form factors. Headlamps, lanterns come to mind immediately. The gerber Infinity ultra is an EXCELLENT emergency light, when paired with a neck lanyard and E2 lithium cell. I think a few of these placed around the house would be a great low $$ alternative. But I am of the opinion that long running, low lumen (~15L), hands free area flood is more useful than a tight throw beam.

I dont think you are going to get an answer to this question in one thread. You're better off surfing CPF and weighing your options.

Good Luck and post back what you end up getting!!... there is no right or wrong here.

 

[arjay]

I agree but the problem lies in how I source those items you've mentioned. I don't think that international shipping to my exact location is possible. Also, there are already a couple or headlamps and lanterns in use so that should cover it.

I'm strictly looking for a hand held light to scatter around the house and leave some in the cars. I must admit that the major reason why I'm doing this is that I hate it when they grab lights from my collection and using it without my knowledge, only for me to later find out that the batteries are flat or worse somebody dropped it on pavement. :shakehead