XTAR SSC P7-C2 vs Fenix PD30 R4

[d2eux]

Most people on here Im assuming are familiar with the Fenix lights, I was less aware of the Xtar lights:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=185171

In short, I am looking for a strong, all purpose light with significant brightness that I can take on camping trips among other things.

From what I know, the fenix R4 is pretty bright compared to its predecessors, but its around the same price as the XTAR P7-C2.

Both lights seem to be priced in similar ranges, but if it comes down to which has the better build and will last longer I would settle with that over brightness any day. Since I am not sure about the quality of Xtar lights I was hoping you all could chime in. In the review I read I heard it was 'good', but how good compared to fenix?

Thanks!

 

[awid]

I haven't seen anything on that light, but it looks a lot like the Spiderfire P7 from DX. Maybe the quality is better though.

 

[kramer5150]

Regarding Xtar... My personal belief is that many of their lights are rebrands of the popular DX products. Xtar packages them nicely and bundles them attractively however with cells, charger and lots of accessories. You can get them from lighthound and they do have representation on the CPF marketplace, so their CS should be superior to the other XXX-fire retailers.

 

[grunscga]

It looks like the Xtar you linked to can't use regular (ie. non-rechargeable) cells. I would never take a light on a camping trip that cannot use regular cells. Even CR123As can be bought in most places (admittedly at high prices). When your Li-ion runs out of juice, how are you going to recharge it? Yes, you can carry backups, but how many $15 batteries are you going to buy on the off chance that you might need them? After all, most people don't use their lights for more than a few hours per trip, so 1-2 batteries should be more than sufficient. However, if an emergency happens at night, you are suddenly going to need a lot more runtime. For ~$20 bucks online, you can get 10-20 CR123As for hours and hours of runtime in an emergency. They will also hold their charge for a very long time if you don't use them. That same $$ cost only gets you one more 18650, which you must remember to charge before every outing.

Now, Fenix lights have the opposite problem, in that they can't use rechargeables. This is actually less of a problem than the Xtar, it just costs you more in the long run, because even regular, everyday use costs you money. On the other hand, you can easily have lots of batteries ready to go in an emergency.

Personally, I'd recommend a light that is designed to run on either CR123As or rechargeables. You have plenty of options (Jetbeam, Nitecore, Dereelight, Olight, Eagletac, Quark, just off the top of my head). Which one you pick depends on how much you want to spend, how much light you actually want/need (do you really need 300+ lumens for camping in the dark?), how big/heavy you want the light to be (are you backpacking?), etc.

 

[jake25]

Regarding Xtar... My personal belief is that many of their lights are rebrands of the popular DX products. Xtar packages them nicely and bundles them attractively however with cells, charger and lots of accessories. You can get them from lighthound and they do have representation on the CPF marketplace, so their CS should be superior to the other XXX-fire retailers.

kramer, I think you might be referring to the old XTAR that did indeed have those 2 P7 lights which were simliar to the Ultrafire brands. XTAR now has many new lights that are designs of their own, including the WK30 hexagonal flashlight and the D30 beast:devil:

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?p=2428312#post2428312 I don't think you can find the revised version on DX

 

[bob4apple]

When your Li-ion runs out of juice, how are you going to recharge it?

Easy. Bring along your charger and an AC voltage inverter, the kind that plugs into your vehicle cigarette lighter.
Problem solved.

 

[CampingMaster]

Now, Fenix lights have the opposite problem, in that they can't use rechargeables.

I own Fenix PD30 Q5, R2 and R4 and they all work very well on RCR123A and there is no indication from Fenix not to use rechargeables. That mean that a very good choice presently for an EDC is the Fenix PD30 R4 for a nice spill and the R2 for the throw or the Quark 123/2 which seems also a very good choice with the R5 emitter.

 

[grunscga]

You don't lose all your low modes on RCR123s?

I could have sworn that I read somewhere that the PD30 didn't accept rechargeables. I own a PD30 (Q5) that never gets used, so maybe I need to go dig the manual back out and check...

 

[Rat6P]

The Fenix P3D (the older version) was compatible with 3 x CR123. Hence was also compatible with 2 x 4.2vLi-ion. Cant remember the Max voltage it could take.

4sevens used to sell a cigar grip 3 x CR123 body for them I believe, as well as the 2 x CR123 tube of the same style.

Maybe some one who knows, for sure, if the newer PD30 has the same compatibilty, can chime in. ???

 

[CampingMaster]

You don't lose all your low modes on RCR123s?

I could have sworn that I read somewhere that the PD30 didn't accept rechargeables.

For all three PD30's the Q5, R2 and R4, never I loosed any of the low modes and reading for hours and hours on Fenix PD30's never I read something about that, than, feel confident that we can use RCR123A with these torch lamps with no problem at all.

Pierre

 

[d2eux]

I found a couple more lights in a similar price range, the EagleTac P20C2, and the LED Lenser T7/P14

 

[CampingMaster]

In short, I am looking for a strong, all purpose light with significant brightness that I can take on camping trips among other things.

To help you make a choice consider the weight, the diam and the lenght
EagleTac P20C2
Length 5.1 inches (13 cm)
Head Diameter: 1" (2.6 cm)
Body Diameter: 0.8" (2.1 cm)
Body Weight:2.8 ounces (79 grams)

LED LENSER P14
Length 8.5"
Diameter1.8"
Weight 383.5 g
Uses of 4 AA
See what found on the CandelPower forum :" P14 has about 200 meters more beam but is 3 times the size of the P7... the P14 is about the size of a mag 2C with a smaller head. Its not something thats easy to carry in the pocket. The P7 is pocketable, even in jeans pockets but theres a very noticeable bulge which may take some explaining."
Very important : Take a look also at post #2 at this link : http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=253231
LED LENSER T7
Length 136,5 mm 5,5"
Weight 198 g 7.2 ounces
body 1.2"
head diam 1.4"
Uses of 4 AAA
Fenix PD30+ choice of XR-E R2 (thrower) or XP-G R4 (nice spill)
Lenght: 11.8 cm / 4.65 in.
Diameter: 2.15 cm / .846 in.
Weight: 53 g. or 1.87 oz
My own outdoor test for the R2 is 600' ; the R4 -> I did not have the opportunity to check it but should be 100' less (but the spill is fantastic still the throw is very good).
I should tell you that the pouch include is satisfactory but the best one is the one sold for Quark 123/2 at 4Seven.com for 8$USD.
Pierre

 

[d2eux]

oh wow thanks for the information, I didnt know the P14 was significantly longer.

I also didnt know that LED Lensers werent well received here.

 

[d2eux]

does anyone know the dimensions of the XTAR?

From this link, it appears they are similar in size to a fenix tk11 .

I just dont want to make the mistake on settling for a high-lumen light while sacrificing durability and quality.

 

[jake25]

d2eux. I don't think XTAR makes that product anymore, look at the date of when it was introduced.

To look at current XTAR lights go to http://www.xtarlight.com

 

[d2eux]

wow, you're right. Looks like the newest model is the XTAR TZ50
http://www.xtarlight.com/en/05-chanpin/p-001-1.asp?styleid=60​

Not bad, specs seem decent...if I can find it at a comparable price to the Fenix and EagleTac I can definately see some tough decision making​