My first LED flashlight purchase: Fenix L2D Q5

[pipsqueakspace]

So after reading through practically every thread on this site with any information i could use, i finally made the decision to buy a Fenix L2D (2XAA) with Q5 emitter.

I was about to buy an Ultrafire C3 Q5 (1 or 2XAA) from dealextreme for about $21 but decided on spending about $50 for a new L2D. I wasn't planning on spending more than twice as much as i wanted, but i decided to go with a light that was well regarded and recommended...wasn't an easy decision to spend $50 on a flashlight

However, im not too sure that the L2D was completely worth it for what ill be using it for, mostly camping and fishing. maybe some hiking. Now i'm thinking that the Ultrafire would have been just fine for my uses.

So basically i'm wondering if you guys think i should keep the L2D or save over 50% on the price tag by going with the Ultrafire....i'm a poor student, lol.


ps: i know most of u guys would say to stick with the Fenix, but is it really worth it for my purposes? Is it a good starter light? Or should i start with something cheaper and see if i like it?

 

[concept0]

The Fenix is a light you could keep and hand down to your children. I don't think anyone would say the same about an Ultrafire.

That being said, if you're like me and fret over every little nick or scratch in your "good" stuff, or if you tend to lose stuff, you might be better off with something cheap (Ultrafire) that you wouldn't have to worry about while camping...

 

[spikeytree]

So did you buy the light yet? It sounds like you have already bought it. Anyways I had mine L2D for over a year and it kept shining through all the abuse i put it through (i am a mechanic). At this point i can not imagine a better light. For what you are doing you might want a light with a low low setting since ones your eyes become adjust to the dark you will need much lesser light and even the low setting can become blinding. A good headlight also sounds like a great opinion since it will free up your hands for all your activity.

 

[pipsqueakspace]

yup i already bought it but i have 7 days to return it.

 

[AA6TZ]

So after reading through practically every thread on this site with any information i could use, i finally made the decision to buy a Fenix L2D (2XAA) with Q5 emitter.

Just wanted to offer my hearty congratulations on your intelligent purchase. I've heard nothing but positive feedback surrounding the Fenix L2D_Q5. Way to go!

-Clive

 

[Jarl]

+1. The L2D is a great light which you shouldn't have any problems with... Enjoy!

(it was my first light as well, don't regret it at all )

 

[Zatoichi]

I would keep it, especially if you go camping and hiking etc. I've had a few bad experiences with cheap lights, so if I'm out in the middle of nowhere I think it's important to have one you can rely on. $20+ won't seem like much compared to being left in the dark.

 

[Yucca Patrol]

You will regret returning it more than you will regret spending the extra $$$.

The L2D is my general all-around workhorse.

 

[Flying Turtle]

A nice light, the L2D, and you can add other body tubes for 1AA or 1CR123 usage. An echo of spikeytree's comment about a lower power light being quite adequate for really dark conditions. A headlamp or light small enough to easily mouth-hold if necessary makes things much easier. Of course, you still need something stronger, like the Fenix.

Geoff

 

[korolev]

congrats on your purchase. i am a proud owner of my Fenix P1 Q5 (for over 2 months now).

my first option was the L2D Q5 but concluded that i'd require something more compact.

i like the L2D for it's mini lightsabre characteristics and the fact that it runs of AAA.

i now have the E01 and L0D Q4 as well (they're great too).

even so, i am still considering on picking up a L2D....i believe my interest has grown beyond pure practical usage.

i'm fraid it's now an obsession

 

[TONY M]

I have had both lights, 2 L2Ds and the UF C3 Q5 (5 mode). There is no comparison in quality and build the L2D is far better in that regard. It may be over twice the price but it is over twice the light.

 

[pipsqueakspace]

I have had both lights, 2 L2Ds and the UF C3 Q5 (5 mode). There is no comparison in quality and build the L2D is far better in that regard. It may be over twice the price but it is over twice the light.

Thats what i was hoping to hear. Its also great that you've had both and can compare them directly. Is the ultrafire C3 Q5 fairly new though? Do people not regard it very highly because they haven't had much experience with it or because its simply not very good? I know the L2D has been been out for a while and thus its had more testing...

BTW, thanks everyone for the responses so far...been very helpful

 

[Henk_Lu]

The L2D wasn't my first light, but the first one after the Surefires. I didn't know much about flashlights, only, that Surefire was a class of its own and I wanted something cheaper with more throw, as the L4has only flood.

Many people recommended Fenix, and the L2D was what I was looking for. I only began really reading on CPF afterwards, but I don' regret that buy, the L1D followed a little bit later. If you want AA and not a tactical, the L2D is a great choice!

Which reflector do you have? I had the choice between OP and SMO, as I didn't trust the P for throw, I took the SMO. I should have taken the OP, as I didn't have the choice for the L1D, the heads are exacly the same, so you can interchange them

Have fun with the light and feed it with some NIMH! :twothumbs

 

[Gunner12]

Ultrafire C3 was a decent budget light, but quality seems to have gone down and some seem to break with a small drop. The Q5 version just has a higher bin LED.

I think you'll like the L2D more then you would have liked the Ultrafire. It should last much longer too. If you bought it from Fenix Store/4sevens, you can always contact them whenever the light has a problem.

 

[roymail]

Keep it! You made the right choice the first time. Don't second guess yourself. Doubt that any experienced CPFer is going to tell you to return an L2D-Q5.

 

[asfaltpiloot]

I have a L2D and like it very much.
I've also bought P2D And L1D body's so i can adapt it to my needs.
1x AA, 2x AA or 1 x CR123.

 

[txmatt]

I think you'll like the L2D... keep it.

If you have a bike, spend $7 and buy a Twofish Lockblock (LightHound and BatteryJunction carry 'em) and the L2D makes a pretty darn good bike light. That and say 4 Sanyo Eneloop AA's and you'll have a very flexible, reliable, bright, long running, and cheap-to-run light for years of use.

 

[yellow]

The Fenix is 2 times the money but 10 times the value than an Ultrafire

 

[pipsqueakspace]

The Fenix is 2 times the money but 10 times the value than an Ultrafire

hehe, i know the fenix is a better light, but 10 times better?

Like what happens if you lose a flashlight that cost you $55? I think i'd go into a corner and sob for a little bit, lol :mecry:
Not to mention it would frustrate my entire trip. Now if i lose a $20 light, it wouldn't be so bad....


And to be honest, i dont really rough up my lights and don't plan on going caving or whatever with them.

It seems that many people think that Ultrafires dissolve in your hand and evaporate after 2 months of use. While Fenix lights will fall into a tub of boiling mercury and come out just dandy and with a smoother finish than before, hehe. But i dont know.

 

[Zatoichi]

Like what happens if you lose a flashlight that cost you $55? I think i'd go into a corner and sob for a little bit, lol :mecry:
Not to mention it would frustrate my entire trip. Now if i lose a $20 light, it wouldn't be so bad....

That's a fair point, but personally I'm far less likely to lose an expensive torch (or lighter, or pen etc) than a cheap one. Whether you lose a cheap one or an expensive one you still end up left in the dark, so perhaps the higher value making you more careful with it is a good thing? :laughing: