Newbie needs advice

[stevet47]

I'm sure you guys get this ALL THE TIME, so I apologize, but the search feature on here keeps giving me "fatal errors".

Anyway, I am new to the scene, and am looking for a flashlight that meets the following requirements:

I already have a super-small light (KeyMate), a super-long lasting light (Lightwave 4000), and a super-bright light (2Million CP spot), so now I need something that falls in between.

- I want something that I can easily carry in my hand (no more than ~6-7" long).
- Preferably has a Hi and Low setting, at least a 1hr. runtime on High.
- Preferably LED (I prefer the color of them over Incans)
- Has decent throw and decent flood (I don't want an amazing throw, or an amazing flood, I want a nice balance of both)
- Can use rechargeable batteries.
- Costs no more than $50-60.
- And obviously puts out as much light as possible while meeting all of those other requirements! (I want something bright!!!)

There is probably nothing that meets ALL of that, but that should at least give you an idea. This is going to me my main "go to" light, the one I will always grab first.

Any suggestions?

 

[Marduke]

Fenix L2T fits the bill perfectly, from www.fenix-store.com

 

[Patriot]

Steve, do you have a battery preference other than "rechargeable?"

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy stevet47,
I think Marduke's suggestion of the Fenix L2T (version 2), is right on target at $48. It's a very nice 2 x AA light. Personally, for a few dollars more I'd go with either the L2D-CE (uses a Cree LED), or the L2D-RB80 (which uses a Luxeon Rebel LED):

https://www.fenix-store.com/product...d=332&osCsid=1447762c6aba1008811866241a8535ce

I like the very useful mid levels (80 and 40 lumens) in addition to the 140 lumen Turbo mode and the 9 lumen low level. I also like that you can set the light to come on in either Turbo mode (very bright) or the lowest level (9 lumens). It's nice to have that choice.

Want something smaller (1xAA), check this one out:
http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/jecv2pr.html
It won't be as bright as the L2D, but it's very suitable for a small pocket light.

Add either of these battery/charger combos and you will be set:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IV0RD6/?tag=cpf0b6-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IV0REA/?tag=cpf0b6-20

The Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries are superior because they hold their charge longer than standard NiMh rechargeable batteries.
Happy hunting!

 

[stevet47]

Steve, do you have a battery preference other than "rechargeable?"

Nope. I don't know enough to have a preference yet. lol.

That you guys for all the suggestions!

What is the actual difference between the L2D RB80 and the L2D RB100? It appears to be the same flashlight, except the L2D RB100 is rated for more lumens at every given runtime. Is is the way flashlight is regulated? Is all that worth the extra $6, I would think so, correct?

 

[thiswayup]

Nope. I don't know enough to have a preference yet. lol.

Your main choices are:

2xAA - easy to find emergency cells, but a bit too long for pocket carry except in a overcoat. It's what I have been using, but the length makes it a pain.

1xAA/14500 - easy to find cells, easy to pocket, high energy 14500's make single cell light very bright but can restrict your choice of light

1x or 2x Cr123 - hard to find the disposeable cells while travelling, but you at least stockpile them for emergencies.

Rechargeable only.

I went for the 14500/single AA option as it combined maximum brightness with maximum pocketability, which is what I wanted in an EDC. Look at the discharge protection for 14500 use carefully, as this can be tricky unless you use protected cells (which introduce compatibility problems because they can be a little long for some lights tubes). The Lifeflux LF5 seems to offer the best battery options/brightness for AA/14500, but it's a pain to find as the manufacturer can't seem to keep it in stock. The new Jetbeam II might be a good alternative.

 

[thiswayup]

Nope. I don't know enough to have a preference yet. lol.

That you guys for all the suggestions!

What is the actual difference between the L2D RB80 and the L2D RB100? It appears to be the same flashlight, except the L2D RB100 is rated for more lumens at every given runtime. Is is the way flashlight is regulated? Is all that worth the extra $6, I would think so,
correct?

It's the LED used. For $6, who cares? Just check that the light isn't too long for the clothes you'll wear while carrying it. Oh - and make sure you use non-self discharging NIMHs like Eneloops, I'd suggest.

 

[JackHays]

The L2D RB100 uses the Rebel 100 LED, while the L2D RB80 uses the Rebel 80 LED. The 100 is slightly more efficient than the 80, so it gives slightly more light for a given amount of power. The same is true of the Cree XR-E LED's. The Q5 bin is the latest Cree to be available (well, technically the R bins appear to have just become available; although I'm not aware of any production flashlight that uses them at this stage), and is slightly more efficient than its predecessor, the Q4 bin, which was slightly more efficient than the earlier Q2, et cetera.

I have both an L2D RB100 and an L2T v2.0 RB80. There is indeed a difference in the brightness of each light, though not a huge difference (just enough to notice). Is it worth the extra money? Well, remember that the actual difference in light output is not that great. On the other hand, I do prefer the Rebel 100, and wish Fenix would put a premium LED in their L2T flashlight head.

Also, remember that the lumens ratings that Fenix gives are emitter lumens, not torch lumens. Not all the light produced by the LED (or bulb, in an incandescent light) actually makes it out of the flashlight. For incandescents, the figure of 65% is usually given as a good rule of thumb (i.e., only 65% of the total light produced comes out of the flashlight itself). Based on some of CPF member chevrofreak's measurements, LED lights seem to be a bit better, but you can still probably figure on only getting about 70-75% of what is quoted.

Note that most manufacturers quote emitter lumens, and not torch lumens. Surefire and Novatac give torch lumens, but they are exceptions to the rule. So therefore in the Fenix lights you are considering, a difference of 35 emitter lumens would only be about 25 lumens difference in actual light output. Still that is enough to possibly make a difference.

The bottom line is that for $6 I would go ahead and get the brightest LED I could.

 

[MikeSalt]

Fenix L2T fits the bill perfectly, from www.fenix-store.com

Just to clear this up, Marduke is referring to the L2T V2.0, and not the original L2T as some have interpreted it. The L2T V2.0 has a Lumileds Rebel 80 emitter, which gives 15 lumens at low, and 140 at high.

I believe this would be more suitable for the original poster than the L2D-CE simply because of the streamlined Hi/Low modes. However, the L2D-CE Q5 is simply brighter, at 180 lumens in the highest mode!!!

 

[KingGlamis]

Welcome to CPF Stevet. Good suggestions so far. I would also like to suggest the P3D RB100. At $66 it is an incredible light.

https://www.fenix-store.com/product...d=315&osCsid=65ee91a55fe3dc52d7b8e0c1a57eb0c0

 

[stevet47]

I never thought I could be as confused as I am right now. All of these terms are new to me, and all the models seem so similar.... I guess now I know how my girlfriend feels when I talk cars.

There are definitely good suggestion here, thank you. Now you guys have pointed me in the right direction, I just have to read up on a few lights, instead of EVERY light, so I should be able to make a wise decision. THANK YOU!

 

[DanielG]

I never thought I could be as confused as I am right now. All of these terms are new to me, and all the models seem so similar.... I guess now I know how my girlfriend feels when I talk cars.

There are definitely good suggestion here, thank you. Now you guys have pointed me in the right direction, I just have to read up on a few lights, instead of EVERY light, so I should be able to make a wise decision. THANK YOU!

I'll throw two more into your confusion

OLight T-10
1X123A battery with 11, 25, 60, 105, and 180 Lumens 1Hr run time at the brightest

OLight T-15
1XAA battery (can use rechargeables)
8, 20, 40, 70, 90 Lumens with .8Hr runtime at brightest

 

[Gunner12]

Another great thing about the Fenix digital series(L1D, L2D, P2D, L1T v2.0, L2t v2.0) is they have interchangeable bodies so if you buy the L2D-CE Q5 for example you could also buy the L1D body and P2D body for 1AA and 1 CR123 battery use.

I'm thinking Olight or Fenix for your uses, any of the newer versions would work but the Rebel 100 and Q5 are the brighter ones right now.

The L2D-CE Q5 would be the brightest on 2 AA batteries, the P3D-CE Q5 would be a bit brighter but it uses 2 CR123 batteries, but it will turn on on low and not have a flash(the other lights seem to flash when you turn them on on low).

 

[Dantor]

all the suggestions are very good, you won't go wrong with any of them. I just got a L1D body for my L2D Fenix and it's great, I can use either 1AA or 2AA depending on my need (longer light that lasts longer or smaller for the pocket) . let us know what you got and how geeked you are!

 

[stevet47]

all the suggestions are very good, you won't go wrong with any of them. I just got a L1D body for my L2D Fenix and it's great, I can use either 1AA or 2AA depending on my need (longer light that lasts longer or smaller for the pocket) . let us know what you got and how geeked you are!

Thanks for all the help guys, you got me on the right track. I ordered an Fenix L2D Q5 on Tuesday. How long does it usually take to get these things? I went with the L2D because I already have a NiMh charger, and I wanted to save some $$ by not having to buy all new batteries and another charger. I'm sure I'll love it. I can't wait for it to get here!

 

[jumpstat]

If you have the cash, a McLuxIII PD-S should be on your want list. 2 stage, rechargeable, long runtime, excellent construction, small, and sellable

 

[JackHays]

It usually does not take very long for Fenix-Store.com to get your light to you. I don't know where you live, but Fenix-Store is in Atlanta, Georgia. Orders seem to be shipped very fast (usually same day, or the next day) and after that it is up to the US Postal Service. To my residence, orders have taken anywhere from 3-7 days. That is, the shortest time was an order that shipped either late Monday or early Tuesday and arrived in my mailbox on Thursday. The longest time was an order that shipped on Monday and did not arrive until the next Monday. Oddly enough, in the same week I had placed another order that shipped on Wednesday and arrived on Saturday! (hard to figure that one out!)

 

[stevet47]

It usually does not take very long for Fenix-Store.com to get your light to you. I don't know where you live, but Fenix-Store is in Atlanta, Georgia. Orders seem to be shipped very fast (usually same day, or the next day) and after that it is up to the US Postal Service. To my residence, orders have taken anywhere from 3-7 days. That is, the shortest time was an order that shipped either late Monday or early Tuesday and arrived in my mailbox on Thursday. The longest time was an order that shipped on Monday and did not arrive until the next Monday. Oddly enough, in the same week I had placed another order that shipped on Wednesday and arrived on Saturday! (hard to figure that one out!)

Thanks, I went away for the weekend and when I returned Sunday night, it was waiting for me! It must have came on Saturday. Anyway, I threw some batteries in it, and after a few minutes of confusion I figured out the UI, and now I LOVE it! The only other LED lights I have are a Streamlight Keymate, and a Lightwave 4000, and both of them put off a very blue/purple light, so I was expecting a little of that from the Fenix, but this is definitely not like that at all. For such a small light it seems to have pretty decent throw. I was expecting a larger difference between the various output levels, and I was expecting "Turbo" to be a little brighter, but for the size of this light, I definitely can't complain. Now I think I am going to have to pick up the L1D body for it, so I can use 1 AA if necessary.

 

[KevinL]

Welcome to the addiction

I was going to recommend the L2T V2, and you've already bought it, so it's all good.

The small 5mm LEDs tend to have this very blue-ish tint. Higher-powered LEDs have largely resolved this issue. Enjoy your new light!

 

[Dantor]

Thanks, I went away for the weekend and when I returned Sunday night, it was waiting for me! It must have came on Saturday. Anyway, I threw some batteries in it, and after a few minutes of confusion I figured out the UI, and now I LOVE it! The only other LED lights I have are a Streamlight Keymate, and a Lightwave 4000, and both of them put off a very blue/purple light, so I was expecting a little of that from the Fenix, but this is definitely not like that at all. For such a small light it seems to have pretty decent throw. I was expecting a larger difference between the various output levels, and I was expecting "Turbo" to be a little brighter, but for the size of this light, I definitely can't complain. Now I think I am going to have to pick up the L1D body for it, so I can use 1 AA if necessary.

alright Steve! ain't it sweet I just got a L1D body last week for mine, it's great. only problem is now the sheath is to big! but it still works. also when your ordering look into the red filter and the candle diffuser too, handy accessories (don't tell the gf I said that!)...