PD30 or LD20

[sybaris]

[follow-on from this thread]

I am down to two options now.
The Fenix PD30 or the LD20.

They are both thin, I love the slightly wavwy bezel and both are recomended.

For every day use I am not sure if the 215 lumens v 180 lumens is going to be noticable in cupboards, risers, lofts and garages.

The LD20 is Kubotan size and can hand held when alone walking back to the car in a multi level car park. It can also be used to illuminate those dark corners where someone can lurk in wait for you to pass by.

The next stumbling point is batteries. The LD20 takes regular AA batteries but the PD 30 takes more specifc batteries that do push up the cost.

Ultimately its a torch. Only to be used in the dark when there is no available light. In the middle of present day London, its unlikely to be caught in total darkness, but then again you can never tell when you actually are going to need a handy and reliable light.

On the other hand I like my gadgets, and if i am going to invest in one then I would prefer to spend a little more (within reason) and but the better option.

Are the Lithon batteries the PD30 takes rechargable?
Can anyone help on batteries here?

Thanks

 

[Federal LG]

Both can take rechargeables.
My vote goes to LD20.

I´m a AA fan...

 

[LED_Thrift]

sybaris Welcome to CPF.

If I were choosing between two lights with similar outputs, one important criteria would be batteries as you mentioned. To me there is a good rechargeable option for AAs but not for 3.0v RCRs. I have four protected 3.0v RCRs [I wouldn't use unprotected, especially in a multi-cell high-output application] and they don't have good enough runtime. I was using them in a headlamp and I had to recharge them every night. AA size batteries have the most options of any battery size I know of:
Cheap or Premium alkalines
regular or high-capacity NiMH rechargeables
Low self-discharge NiMH rechargeables [RECOMENDED]
Lithium e92 for cold weather, or when max runtime or light weight is critical [ex: backpacking]

The fairly new low self-discharge rechargeables are great, you only loose a bit of capacity [runtime] and they will always be ready when you need them. Sanyo Eneloops, Rayovac Hybrids, white topped Duracells are a few of the brands CPF'ers seem to like best.

 

[TONY M]

If you plan on using rechargeables then go for the LD20 as runtime will be much better.
The difference in brightness between the two is not very noticeable to the naked eye at all.

 

[powernoodle]

I chose the LD20, primarily because AA batteries can be found or scavenged from just about anywhere, and CR123s are not so easy to find in an emergency. I feed my LD20 with rechargeable Eneloops. The 2xCR123 is a little shorter and brighter, but the brightness increase to the eyeball is minimal.

 

[Henk_Lu]

You also should consider the size, if that matters, the LD20 is a bit longer.

As for the output, you won't notice that much. I use my L2D Q5 in my backpack as a backup light, powered by low-selfdischarge rechargeables. It's a very bright light with a somewhat nice beam. Last friday I had the chance to try the LD20. Though it has teh same power, it looks brighter as it has another reflector, which tightens the hotspot. If you want to go AA, that's your light! Note that you can get it with an SMO reflector or an OP. There's not much difference, but if you preffer more flood, take OP, if you preffer more throw, take SMO.

My PD30 could fit in a pocket, the LD20 won't. I get the CR123A for 1,40 € over the net. A very good price, but surely more expensive than rechargeable AA. I'm not into rechargeable lithiums, if I were, I would only take lights that can take the 18650 (protected of course). Lithium cells aree more reliable than AAs, they work at all temperatures and they have a shelf life of 10 years.

Now, you must know where you use your light, under what circumstances, if your life could depend on it or if you just use it when you could need more light but could do without as well. The LD20 will be your candidate if you just want to have a light for a situation where you could need one.

Last but not least, the usual warning : Buy your light and forget that CPF exists. If you don't take the warning seriously, you'll end up with both lights and many other as well... lovecpf

 

[Saint_Dogbert]

Keep in mind that with the LD20 + regular alkalines, you'll take a hit in runtime on turbo, and probably output, too. However you probably won't end up using the light on turbo mode very often anyway. For most tasks around the house, even the 50 lumens that my Eagletac P10A2 puts out on low is more than enough, sometimes too much. My vote would go for any AA light for multi-purpose use just because AAs are cheap and easy to find.

On the other hand, during a power outage or similar, AAs will fly off the shelves while CR123s will probably stay put. Something to think about.

215 vs. 180 will not be noticeable at all except side-by-side, and even then, barely.

 

[Gunner12]

Output wise, there won't be much of a difference.

The PD30 will be smaller but the LD20 runs on AA batteries.

LD20, LD10, PD20, L1D, L2D, P2D, L1T V2.0, L2T V2.0 all have compatible bodies. The tailcaps of the AA lights are compatible with each other and the clickie CR123 lights are the same. If you get the LD20 you have a few more battery options.

 

[sybaris]

I am very excited today.
My first proper torch arrived.
I decided to go for the LD20, and I am very happy with it.
Now I can understand and relate to poeples obsessions with these things.
Im already thinking what else should I get.
I like the PD30 and also the Jetbeam III pro.
The LD20 is a prefect sized light for one particular purpose I have.
I am also looking for a smaller pocket sized light too. Not too small like the LD01.
One day I may even buy that surefire defended exec I have my eye on but even for me the £120 price tag is a little too much.

 

[Gunner12]

I'm glad you like the light!

 

[TONY M]

I am very excited today.
My first proper torch arrived.
I decided to go for the LD20, and I am very happy with it.
Now I can understand and relate to poeples obsessions with these things.
Im already thinking what else should I get.
I like the PD30 and also the Jetbeam III pro.
The LD20 is a prefect sized light for one particular purpose I have.
I am also looking for a smaller pocket sized light too. Not too small like the LD01.
One day I may even buy that surefire defended exec I have my eye on but even for me the £120 price tag is a little too much.

I'm glad you like the light too. You haven't got to ten posts on this forum yet... One you are in the double figures the addiction is there for good and there will not be one light that you would not consider buying weather you need it or not...

Have fun.:devil:

 

[sybaris]

Well its a year on and my LD20 has been invaluable on those rare occasions when the lights go out in the office or at home. Or when I drop my change under the car or when you just need a torch handy.

Now i am thinking i should get a spare because if I lose this its almost as bad as losing a mobile phone.

i would reccomend one to anyone .... oh also great kubotan replacement and legal

 

[luke_DF]

maybe we should set up a london get together for flashlight enthusiasts some day, I know I would come

 

[Steve'O]

Sybaris, if you're not a flashlight nutcase like most on here, go for the LD20.
Cheaper to run, safer, = better for you.

Edit: Oh... now i see, this was an old thread, but you made the right choice.