Q5 Fenix or Ultrafire

[PaulHsu]

How much better a product is the Fenix over the cheaper Ultrafire? Is the Ultrafire junk?

I'm sure its not a tank like my Surefire M2 but is it reasonable? :thumbsup:

 

[PaulHsu]

sorry i mean for 2xAA

 

[lightbug]

Fenix: More efficient, HA III, better quality control, but 3x the price over the budget lights such as ultrafire and Romisen.

Ultrafire: Type II anodizing , Less efficient, more variation on quality control. Good price budget light.


Bottomline:
For normal daily usage, most budget lights such as Ultrafire or Romisen are sufficient enough. However, if you looking for quality and durability, then Fenix is probably a better choice.

 

[Marduke]

I'm sure its not a tank like my Surefire M2 but is it reasonable? :thumbsup:

Funny you should mention being built like a tank....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WvhJWE3_Oc

Fenix: More efficient, better HA (HA III),

Ultrafire: HA II,

There is no such thing as HA-II. Type II anodizing is not "hard". It's the same type you find on a MagLite. It will scratch and wear very quickly.

 

[lightbug]

Thank you for the correction Marduke. :thumbsup:

 

[PaulHsu]

Funny you should mention being built like a tank....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WvhJWE3_Oc




There is no such thing as HA-II. Type II anodizing is not "hard". It's the same type you find on a MagLite. It will scratch and wear very quickly.

what is HA III?

 

[Buck91]

I've been EDC'ing a Ultrafire 1xAA light (sku 1892 on dealextreme) since about June. Since then I've upgraded to a Q5 and a driver board that supports AA and li-ion... It has been very durable and survived many drops and a lot of time on my bicycles handle bars...

 

[Marduke]

what is HA III?

Hard Anodizing, type 3

 

[PaulHsu]

on the ultrafire should I go for the 5 position tail cap or just the on off? Is the 5 position one actually brighter?

What do you think?

 

[Marduke]

on the ultrafire should I go for the 5 position tail cap or just the on off? Is the 5 position one actually brighter?

What do you think?

There are dozens of models of UF, which one are you talking about? Perhaps a link??

 

[PaulHsu]

There are dozens of models of UF, which one are you talking about? Perhaps a link??

sorry

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10727
Ultrafire C3 Cree Q5 LED Flashlight with Extension (1.5V~4.2V) $20.90

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7938
UltraFire Cree C3 5-Mode Flashlight with 2xAA Extension Tube Bundle $20.69


looks like they only make the q5 in single mode - whoops

are some brands better than others on DealExtreme?

 

[Marduke]

Have you read the review for the single and 5-mode UF C3?

It only reviews the older P4 bin C3, so the Q5 should have the same runtime characteristics, but be proportionally brighter due to the Q5

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=178942

 

[PaulHsu]

Have you read the review for the single and 5-mode UF C3?

It only reviews the older P4 bin C3, so the Q5 should have the same runtime characteristics, but be proportionally brighter due to the Q5

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=178942

If i am reading it correctly it does indeed get better brightness in the five stage over the single stage - right?

 

[Fallingwater]

I'm a big fan of cheap lights. I've EDCed several during the years, and never had any trouble with them.
If you're looking for an absolutely-positively-must-work emergency light, then it pays to go for a bigger brand. If you just need an ordinary EDC and don't foresee finding yourself in a situation where your life depends on your light turning on NOW, I'd go for a cheapie. Not that they are likely to fail you even if you do find yourself in such a situation, but y'know, better safe than sorry.

 

[Marduke]

If i am reading it correctly it does indeed get better brightness in the five stage over the single stage - right?

Depends on the setup. Each light is capable of running in either a 1xAA or 2xAA configuration.

The single mode has the advantage of rock solid regulation. It will put out the same amount of light in any configuration. Only the runtime changes with different cells, or in the 1xAA or 2xAA setup.

The 5-mode in a 1xAA setup is dimmer on Hi than the single mode is. In the 2xAA setup, the 5-mode pulls ahead in high.

Keep in mind, the 5-mode currently uses a P4, and the new single mode you linked uses a Q5. This should bring the single mode Q5 up to nearly the same brightness of the 5-mode on high.

Personally, I would get the single mode. I have two of the older single modes using a P4 and I like that it's a simple, single mode light that will put out the same amount of light no matter what rechargable battery I put in there. Before I got a Nitecore DI, it's what I EDC'd, and I still keep one in my bag for a backup/loaner. I also put a clip on one in the 1xAA setup for bezel up carry setup, and sometimes clip it onto the brim of a baseball cap for a makeshift headlamp. Sure beats those cheap 3xAAA multi-led cheapo's with bulky straps.

 

[colin]

I pondered this same question for a few days now. But after reading all the reviews and discussions (I'm new here... just been reading all I could) decided to get a Fenix L2D Q5 and an additional L1D body. I was in the market for a AA flashlight since I have a rather large collection of rechargeables.

I definitely wanted a flashlight that had a nice low power setting, but the 5-mode Ultrafire didn't have a Q5 unit, so I ruled both Ultrafires out. I was also concerned with the build quality reports. But for that price I suppose one cannot complain. They are wonderfully cheap.

In any case, I got my Fenix just today, and couldn't be happier. I'm not a flashlight expert like the rest of you guys on here, so I can't say anything definite other than the fact that I love it. The build quality and finish are really nice, and the UI is quite reasonable.

I don't know if it's normal, but compared to my Inova Bolt 2L the my Fenix seems quite a bit less focused. It doesn't seem to cast a very concrete circular pattern... and indeed seems slightly off center maybe. I don't have a camera or anything so I can't provide beam shots.

(yes I got the Bolt 2L before finding this site. I don't like it that much.)

Anyways, I love this forum. You guys are a great resource and help!

 

[lightbug]

:welcome: Colin,

I know you going to buy a lot more new lights soon. :devil:

 

[colin]

Thanks!

But yeah, I didn't even have anything more than generic rubbish and the occasional Mag before now... and yet suddenly I seem to have found at least 5 important things in life that all need distinct, and perhaps multiple, high-end LED flashlights for each role.


These flashlights are a cancer...

 

[lightbug]

I have been EDCing a cheap ($12.90) MXDL CR123A CREE light since March of 2007. It still functions great after almost 1 year of normal usage. I have dropped it to the concere floor few times by accident, but didn't seem made any harm to it.

I also have two 2xAA Ultrafire C3 single mode flashlights. One of them stopped working after my little nephew wacked it to the hardwood floor. :ironic:


http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1996

 

[lightbug]

LOL,
You are right Colin, light addiction is worse than cancer.
Just in the past 2 weeks, I have ordered 4 lights. :shakehead :mecry: