Need help on choosing Fenix light

[dantecubit]

I need a new flashlight and after doing some reading on this forum it seems like the one to get is a Fenix. I'm the type of guy who likes to research something before I buy it. If I need a flashlight, I won't just grab the cheapo brand at the supermarket checkout. The fact that a large number of people at a forum dedicated to lights recommend Fenix appeals to me (BTW, I am a knife nut and love Spyderco). I think I will start with two lights, a AAA-battery-powered keychain one AA battery belt light. I may add a lithium-powered light as well for long-term storage in the car.

My question is about how to choose a Fenix. I searched for, but couldn't find, a guide to them. The obvious difference is runtime and brightness, but it gets more confusing. Some of the models have multiple choices based on LED module type with seemingly identical outputs and runtimes. Would these models have mostly small differences based on LED type, or are there major performance differences? Also, I have one more question on the L1D. I see that it has 6 modes of output. After having the flashlight on and then wanting to turn it off, does one have to cycle through all 5 remaining modes, or is the light smart enough to turn off with the first push?

Thank you for any guidance you can provide.

 

[qip]

its smart enough to turn off on first push ...to cycle it takes light taps to turn on & off you push in to click .... pretty much all fenix cree are the ones to get LOD L1D L2D P2D or P3D all depends what battery setup you are gonna use you can even save some money and buy all of them if you get

1. LOD
2. L1d & get L2d body and P2d body with tailcap here you get 3 lights for less
3. P3d

 

[mdarby]

I went through the exact same question recently.

I bought I L0D and L2D with L1D body. I preferred the L1/2D setup because I can use alkaline batteries or NiMH rechargeable. The 2-AA can be used when I want really bright (comparable to a double lithium setup) or 1-AA for compactness.

The AA L0D is amazingly bright. The process for switching through the different modes is very sensible.

I may buy the other parts later just for the heck of it, but I see no need now.

Best,
Michael

 

[Kilovolt]

Hi Dantecubit, welcome to CPF !

You will find a useful chart comparing all Fenixes here:

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=23

As to my advice:

1) L0D CE always in your pocket
2) L1D CE for your belt
3) P2D CE as next purchase

I have also P3D CE but personally I find that the additional size and weight in respect of P2D is not justified by the slightly higher performance so I seldom use P3D.

 

[yellow]

simply all "D-CE" models feature the more efficient Cree emitters and multistage output.

L1D-CE (with turbo mode locked out by a sheet of paper put into the body) for most uses,
L2D-CE when You want the full Fenix brightness with common batteries

A mod with a Cree/Seoul and running on an 18650 Li-Ion for sheer power + runtime instead of the CR123 models offered

 

[dantecubit]

I take it the reason for purchasing another model's body/tailcap is that I get the functionality of two flashlights while only paying for the lamp module of one. Smart. Are the tailcaps on the L1D CE and L2D CE interchangeable, or do I need too buy both the body and tailcap? Thanks.

 

[qip]

i know the L1d and L2d have interchangeable tailcaps not 100% on p2d but doesnt matter anyway as fenixstore is only selling P2d body with tailcap not seperate BUT you can still save more as Lighthound.com has a L2d body for $12 so

1. L1dce here
2. L2d body here
3. P2d body & tailcap from fenixstore $23.50

3 lights estimated $85 give or take dont forget the cpf coupon

if bought each whole light seperate your lookin at over $160

 

[dantecubit]

NM, answered my own question. Will report back when I receive my lights.

 

[vic2367]

welcome to the forums,,,id recommend the L2D CE ...great light,,,cant go wrong with it,,

 

[FliGuyRyan]

I recently bought the:

LOD CE
L1D CE body, to use with P2D CE.
P2D CE
P3D CE

I will get also a complete L2D CE as well so I can expand and make two of three flashlights at any given time. A P2D CE, L1D CE, and L2D CE setup is awesome. I LOVE the P2D CE. I had many hesitations about the 123 lithiums, but just bulk order like 10-15 and you'll have plenty on hand at only a buck a piece. They keep the weight down as well as lithiums are lighter. Also, the full 135 lumens is handy as the full lumen power of the L1D CE is kind of "disappointing" compared to the P2D CE and P3D CE. Although I imagine the L2D CE will be great, but it's really long.

If you had to go with just two. I would buy the:

P2D CE
LOD CE
and an extra L1D CE body... that's perfect!

 

[dantecubit]

3 lights estimated $85 give or take dont forget the cpf coupon

Is the coupon for fenixstore or lighthound? I think it's posted in another thread, but can someone PM it to me or post? Thanks.

 

[FliGuyRyan]

Bookmark this link... it's the specials of CPF

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=56067

 

[TORCH_BOY]

You can't go wrong with the Fenix, The L1D-Ce has been popular

 

[BlackDecker]

I own a Fenix L1P (1aa - single stage 1watt luxeon) and the L0P SE (1aaa - 3 stage 1 watt luxeon) and they are 2 of my favorite lights. You won't find better lights for the price with Fenix.