Maglite XL100 vs Fenix E21 vs Fenix LD10R4

[Batang Regla]

Hi candle power

I will buy this three flashlights. But not all at once.

I just want to ask if these three models are different and im not buying redundant?

But also im having second thoughts about maglite xl100. Anyone who owned this is it worth it?

 

[fvdk]

But also im having second thoughts about maglite xl100. Anyone who owned this is it worth it?

Yes, I own two of them and I like them very much.
For me it has the perfect balance between throw and flood and I would consider it to be one of my most useful lights for every day use.

 

[goldenlight]

I won't buy ANY flashlight that runs in 3 AAA cells.

It's a terrible form factor giving very short run times. AAA cells have just a little over 1/3 the capacity of a single AA cell.

So you get the run time of a single AA cell, in a much, MUCH larger flashlight.

The fact that Maglite uses 3 AAA cells in their 'top of the line', multi function LED flashlight speaks VOLUMES about how far out of touch this company is with the real world, and how cheaply they build this flashlight.

Sure, it's cheaper to build using 3 AAA cells, because you don't need REAL electronics.

Every time I see one of these XL100 flashlights in a store, a small groan can be heard, when I think of all the resources the Magliite has, and this 3 AAA cell POS is the BEST they could come up with.

What a joke.

I recently purchased a Fenix E21, and it's without a doubt one of the very best flashlight 'bargains' on the market today. Extremely well made, 2 very useful settings, simple and easy to use. It would be nice if it had 3 levels, but I can live with 2. And I paid LESS than $35, shipped to my door. I bought the E10 specifically because it has a smooth reflector, and a fairly tight beam with a lot of throw.

The Fenix LD10 is an excellent choice for a small pocket flashlight. It has all the features you could ever want, in a nice small size.

The only thing I can't figure out is WHY you are even considering buying the XL100.

Once you use the Fenix flashlights, you will realize what a piece of crap the Maglite really is, if you compare them side by side.

Use the money you would WASTE on the XL100, and by some really GOOD quality rechargeable AA cells, like Sanyo Eneloops, or Duracell Duraloops, and a good battery charger, to feed the Fenix flashlights. You will get MUCH better battery life using good NiMH AA cells in high drain use, compared to alkaline cells. And, they don't leak, as alkaline cells tend to do. The newer chemistry NiMH cells have a very low self drain rate; they are good for about a year.

And, every time you leave your house, you can start out with freshly charged batteries.

Fenix makes some of the very BEST flashlights for the money available anywhere in the world.

Maglight makes some of the very WORST. They made great flashlights 20 years ago....and they have hardly updated their flashlights, since then.

 

[fvdk]

I won't buy ANY flashlight that runs in 3 AAA cells.

Fine, that's your good right.

The fact that Maglite uses 3 AAA cells in their 'top of the line', multi function LED flashlight speaks VOLUMES about how far out of touch this company is with the real world, and how cheaply they build this flashlight.

Sure, it's cheaper to build using 3 AAA cells, because you don't need REAL electronics.

I wonder who's out of touch here.
There is nothing cheap about the XL100 besides the price.
Build quality is excellent and with one of the most inovative UI's I would say that they certainly used REAL electronics. The 3AAA holder they made certainly isn't cheap either.

Every time I see one of these XL100 flashlights in a store, a small groan can be heard, when I think of all the resources the Magliite has, and this 3 AAA cell POS is the BEST they could come up with.

What a joke.

Maglites are made to appeal to the general public and as such I think they did a great job. I happen to like the 3AAA form factor and with a runtime of 2.5 to 200 hours depending on the dimm setting, I see absolutely no drawback. I can use Eneloops if I want but 8 AAA's for just $2.- fits me just as well.

The Fenix LD10 is an excellent choice for a small pocket flashlight. It has all the features you could ever want, in a nice small size.

Perhaps it is, I don't have any Fenix flashlights as I was never attracted to them but I won't say anything bad about them.

The only thing I can't figure out is WHY you are even considering buying the XL100.

Perhaps because I actually have used it and because like I said, for every day use it happens to fullfill all my needs.

I have all kinds and brands of flashlights, throwers as well as flooders as well as EDC's but for general use, I like this one the most.

Once you use the Fenix flashlights, you will realize what a piece of crap the Maglite really is, if you compare them side by side.

It's fine that you like your Fenix lights but calling the XL100 crap is nonsense.

 

[Mathiashogevold]

The XL100 isn't crap, and you're right; it has VERY innovative UI!
I find it still very annoying that it uses 3AAA, but the general public don't care..
However, i can't find it enough powerful and small enough for beeing a EDC, the Fenix LD10 R4 should be better i think.
The LD10 R4 is brighter and smaller than the XL100, and i find it more tough too.
I would go for the LD10 R4, it is a EXCELLENT little flashlight you will be very happy with. I would be happier with the Fenix than the XL100, i have tried both and my choice is the Fenix

 

[Batang Regla]

Thank you for the advice.

I consider the xl100 because of its "cool" adjust at the back. By the way what is a UI?

Im having second thought because of three aaa batteries.

Speaking of batteries. How many aaa to even 1aa?

 

[fvdk]

By the way what is a UI?

UI = User Interface

Speaking of batteries. How many aaa to even 1aa?

AAA primaries on average have 1000 to 1200 mAh while AA primaries have roughly double the capacity. Older Duracells had 2200 mAh but I assume that has been improved.

 

[ncka1234]

It's funny how people can bash a company who continues to keep jobs in the USA along with their entire manufacturing base.

Take a step back and look at the marketplace, the American consumer is not a stricken with being a "flashlightaholic" they simply want a light they can count on to be bright and come on when they want/need it to.

Maglite employs over 700 people and corespondingly supports 1000's of other American employees (supplier side, retailer etc). Fenix might produce a batch of a couple thousand lights at a time and has ZERO distribution. When you have to support an entire community you have to pay the bills first and that means producing millions of units. The niche markets have their winners to be sure, Fenix makes a great product, I own several of them. In fact I know the Fenix reps and some of their execs...they fill a need in the marketplace, its not a question of whats best or whats worst, it boils down to what the consumer wants. Do they want "good old reliable" or "something a little more cutting edge"? Or maybe the best of both worlds.

Take a bird's eye view of the marketplace, you might be surprised that affordability in this economy counts, last I checked, if you could find a Fenix on the shelf, the price was ridiculous.

As for power source, it boils down to a question of economics, what can the masses afford and also what is available, not every retailer carries CR123's and if they do they are pretty expensive compared to other power sources.

You wanna talk about innovation, look up relevant flashlight patents and see who owns most of them and when they were filed, you might be surprised. Either way be objective from a bird's eye view before running off and making statements about a company's quality....

As I mentioned I probably own more types of flashlights then most, every brand has something to bring to the table, a niche they carved out, a design that the public loves, whatever, the main thing is that the market is diverse enough for everyone to pick and choose. You like Fenix, great, I like Maglite, Surefire, Inova, Streamlight, Blackhawk, Novatac, LED Lenser, Energizer, Dorcy etc and then all the brands that Americans don't have access too, and there are plenty.

 

[chanjyj]

I wonder who's out of touch here.
There is nothing cheap about the XL100 besides the price.
Build quality is excellent and with one of the most inovative UI's I would say that they certainly used REAL electronics. The 3AAA holder they made certainly isn't cheap either.

A plastic lens?

I don't see the advantage of 3AAA vs 1AA either, IMHO.

 

[Robin24k]

goldenlight, there is a product attribute called quality. Based on your post history, it's clear that you prefer specifications over quality and refuse to pay for more expensive, quality goods, and you are rightfully entitled to your opinion. However, for most of us, quality plays a large role when comparing products.

I don't know why you're so opposed to US manufacturers, but I prefer a domestic product over its imported competitor because domestic products are known for quality, which sometimes do comes at the expense of specifications or price.

It's a good thing the CPF community is quick to dispel the rubbish that you post. Let's see what inaccuracies exist.

It's a terrible form factor giving very short run times. AAA cells have just a little over 1/3 the capacity of a single AA cell.

It is not terrible, that is just your opinion. It has its advantages and disadvantages. Runtime is not terrible, the XL100 is rated for 5.25 hours and the XL50 is rated for 8.75 hours.

Capacity is completely irrelevant when comparing battery source. The proper way to compare is with power. 1AA Eneloop contains 2.4 Whr. 3AAA Eneloop contains 2.88 Whr. In addition, the higher voltage of the 3AAA increases efficiency of the driver.

So you get the run time of a single AA cell, in a much, MUCH larger flashlight.

In an ideal situation, yes, you would get similar runtime. However, boost drivers are not as efficient. The flashlight is also not that much larger, 0.6" AA vs 1" 3AAA.

The fact that Maglite uses 3 AAA cells in their 'top of the line', multi function LED flashlight speaks VOLUMES about how far out of touch this company is with the real world, and how cheaply they build this flashlight.

Maglite's products are designed for the consumer, so you are left with 1AA or 3AAA for a light of the XL100's size, so they are quite in touch with the real world, which consists mostly of non-flashoholics, versus one user called goldenlight.

Sure, it's cheaper to build using 3 AAA cells, because you don't need REAL electronics.

That also means the light is brought out to the market faster, and who wouldn't like a nice combination of quality with lower price?

Once you use the Fenix flashlights, you will realize what a piece of crap the Maglite really is, if you compare them side by side.

Perhaps with regards to performance, but not from the perspective of quality.

Fenix makes some of the very BEST flashlights for the money available anywhere in the world.

That is an opinion, one which I completely disagree.

Maglight makes some of the very WORST. They made great flashlights 20 years ago....and they have hardly updated their flashlights, since then.

Progress takes time, and in 2010, Maglite has made a lot of progress.

 

[CarpentryHero]

The maglite I've seen on the shelf a couple times and though the ui thing looks like fun, I won't buy one as I've already got the 2 aa and the 2D maglites.
I'd buy a 2C maglite for modding before I get an xl100.
It's just not bright enough for the sticker price. I am an on a kick about drop-in type lights or single cell lights like my Fenix PD10, the LD10 looks cool too. For a 3 aaa flashlight I'd buy the Solarforce L2i
For dropins.

 

[CarpentryHero]

As far as overlap, I think you have good diversity in the three lights you picked.
I'd certainly like to here your impressions on there differences.
I like the differences in the lights I EDC.
At work I carry a Surfire 6p with a nailbender Sst-50 on my hip, and a Fenix LD20 in my carhertt side pocket. In my work coat as back ups to those two I have a Surefire with a Nailbender P7 and a Quark AA2. I'm all about overkill
Yet when not at work a Fenix PD10 is all I'll have on me (unless I'm wearing a coat)

 

[goldenlight]

UI = User Interface



AAA primaries on average have 1000 to 1200 mAh while AA primaries have roughly double the capacity. Older Duracells had 2200 mAh but I assume that has been improved.

Thee published capacity for a AA alkaline cell is now around 2900 mah. so 3 AAA cells are close in capacity to 1 AA cell...while costing 3 times as much.

But the 'published' capacity is at a drain rate if like 50 ma, IIRC.

Alkalines do so poorly at high drain, whether in a digital camera, or a high drain flashlight.

Because of their chemistry, they are poor at putting out large amounts of power in a short time.

Rechargeable batteries, specifically the newest NiMH do dot have this problem. And unlike the older design NiMH, they don't self discharge NEARLY as fast.

'Standard' NiMH cells can self discharge from full charge to dead in about 100 days, give or take. The newer NiMH retain about 70 to 80% of a full charge for about a year.

A vast improvement.

 

[RedLED]

I won't buy ANY flashlight that runs in 3 AAA cells.

It's a terrible form factor giving very short run times. AAA cells have just a little over 1/3 the capacity of a single AA cell.

So you get the run time of a single AA cell, in a much, MUCH larger flashlight.

The fact that Maglite uses 3 AAA cells in their 'top of the line', multi function LED flashlight speaks VOLUMES about how far out of touch this company is with the real world, and how cheaply they build this flashlight.

Sure, it's cheaper to build using 3 AAA cells, because you don't need REAL electronics.

Every time I see one of these XL100 flashlights in a store, a small groan can be heard, when I think of all the resources the Magliite has, and this 3 AAA cell POS is the BEST they could come up with.

What a joke.

I recently purchased a Fenix E21, and it's without a doubt one of the very best flashlight 'bargains' on the market today. Extremely well made, 2 very useful settings, simple and easy to use. It would be nice if it had 3 levels, but I can live with 2. And I paid LESS than $35, shipped to my door. I bought the E10 specifically because it has a smooth reflector, and a fairly tight beam with a lot of throw.

The Fenix LD10 is an excellent choice for a small pocket flashlight. It has all the features you could ever want, in a nice small size.

The only thing I can't figure out is WHY you are even considering buying the XL100.

Once you use the Fenix flashlights, you will realize what a piece of crap the Maglite really is, if you compare them side by side.

Use the money you would WASTE on the XL100, and by some really GOOD quality rechargeable AA cells, like Sanyo Eneloops, or Duracell Duraloops, and a good battery charger, to feed the Fenix flashlights. You will get MUCH better battery life using good NiMH AA cells in high drain use, compared to alkaline cells. And, they don't leak, as alkaline cells tend to do. The newer chemistry NiMH cells have a very low self drain rate; they are good for about a year.

And, every time you leave your house, you can start out with freshly charged batteries.

Fenix makes some of the very BEST flashlights for the money available anywhere in the world.

Maglight makes some of the very WORST. They made great flashlights 20 years ago....and they have hardly updated their flashlights, since then.

Dude,

You Don't know what you are talking about, the XL 100 is a wondrful light.

I have one, and find it is a great light for travel, as the sleep function is fantastic in a hotel room. It has a great UI, good quality, nice price and made in USA.

They are by no means crap. Have you ever used one or seen one out of the package?

Really, your rant is a little too much.

Oh, and where is Right Here, located? Just wondering?

 

[Robin24k]

Oh, and where is Right Here, located? Just wondering?

It probably refers to the rock he's hiding under. The only one who is out of touch with the real world is him, as his recent posts only confirm that he is arguing out-of-date facts.

 

[crossliner67]

You are a Pinoy dude like me right? If you are in Manila then you have plenty of lights to choose from. Pm me if you need some help.

 

[shark_za]

If you have a LD10 there is absolutely zero use for a XL100 Maglite.
Its a horrible light that feels fragile and weak in the lens portion, runs a gimmicky interface on a horrible power source.

The LD10 is solid and more powerful that the Maglite and is ever smaller.

I have a XL100 and a LD10-Q5, I'd take the Fenix 100 times out of 100.
Seeing as they overlap in use I would not bother with the Maglite.

 

[Shikar]

I just bought the Fenix LD10R4. Its my first foray into the LEDs. I think my old incandescent Streamlights need some new friends!!

Regards.