Fenix RC09: XM-L2(U2), 16340-cell, 550 lumens, magnetic charging,(beam)shots, compare

kj75

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
Messages
892
Location
The Netherlands
After the big RC40-2016 that I reviewed here, time to have a closer look at the "baby-member" of the RC-series. The RC09 is the tiniest rechargeable flashlight Fenix ever made (together with the limited RC09Ti) and is also the first Fenix that has magnetic charging. In this review I will share my thoughts about this edc-light, and I will compare it also to some lights that have equal output and size. Let's see how the RC09 performs!

the baby-member of the RC-series, the RC09
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that has magnetic charging
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powered by XM-L2(U2)
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an "every-day-carry-light"
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As usual, we'll start by looking at the manufacturer specs:

Features:

· Utilizes Cree XM-L2 U2 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
· Powered by one 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery or one CR123A Lithium battery can be taken under emergency circumstance
· Magnetic suction charging port in the neck, one included 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery
· Tailored magnetic charging cable also available in portable MICRO USB devices
· One-switch for fast and convenient operation
· Specialized two-position body clip, magnetic suction bottom
· Lock-out function avoids accidental operation
· Intelligent over-heat protection to avoid high temperature of the surface
· Low-voltage warning reminds when battery replacement is needed
· Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
· Digitally regulated output maintains constant brightness
· Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
· Premium type
hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
· Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating

Dimensions:

· 72mm (2.83'') length
· 21.5 (0.85'') mm head diameter
· 45-gram weight (1.59 oz) excluding battery and charging cable

And the output specs:

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Unboxing:

I'm happy that it seems Fenix has banned out their blister-packages. The RC09 comes in a nice, transparent box. Through the window we have a look at the RC09, the accessories, leaflets and manual are hidden in a white carton. I like these packages: it looks neat and attractive. The light and RC09 and the parts can be (re)stored neatly. Above this, the box is complete and ready to go: All parts you need are there! Have a look at the pictures that show what's inside!

this is the new Fenix house-style
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an attractive transparent box
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almost all features are mentioned
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all-in: this package is complete!
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Impressions:

First impression: A sweet little one! I'm a lover (and not the only one I'm sure off) of little lights like this. This is really a tiny rechargeable! And it's a Fenix, that means: Excellent built, machined, anodized and finished, and the well-known "sturdy" feels. I couldn't detect any defect at first look. The grey laser engraving is well done, but personally I don't like the CE and the trash at the tailcap engraved. I think this is needed because of the "rules", but it doesn't have the looks. The clip seems a big one because of the little length of the light, but is sturdy and will prevent against accidentally loss. The smooth reflector is clean and the XM-L2(U2) is perfectly centered. More about the surprising beam later in this review! The magnet in the tailcap is a handy feature to use the RC09 hands-free. The RC09 has stable standing (to use it as a candle) also because the lanyard hole on the side. Good point! The lubed threads run smooth and also inside the RC09 is finished well. Summarizing I can tell you the overall quality and my impressions of the RC09 are very good. Please scroll down for more impression-pictures!

the RC09, a tiny Fenix
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the clip is about two thirds of the light
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easy to carry, easy to hide in your hand
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the clip added on reverse here
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stable standing to use the RC09 as a candle
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the smooth and clean reflector
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machining and finished (again) excellent done
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runs on a 16340 cell
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mind to remove the cell protection!
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personally I prefer a button that has stiff structure
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not my favorite: the engraving at the tail
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a close up to the magnetic charging port
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the reflector brings a surprising beam
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the well centered XM-L2(U2) led
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nice looks and black color!
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a look inside the tube and the head
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stable standing, even with added lanyard
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runs on 16340-cell
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but CR123A can also be used
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hidden in the holster
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with added-on lanyard
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blinking during the progress, steady when fully charged
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the cable can charge the light and (for example) a smartphone, but not both at same time
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hands-free working thanks to the magnet in the tailcap
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a "sweet" little Fenix
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User interface:

The RC09 is a lightweight torch that is easy to hold and carry. The shape of head (around the button) and the knurling at the body will give good grip. Because the clip is rather big, some users prefer to remove it and add a lanyard.

Charging the light works fine and without problems. Handy that the cable can charge a micro-usb device too. Charging both isn't possible. Normally, it takes about 1,5 – 2 hours to charge a completely empty cell.

Controlling the RC09 isn't a difficult job: All modes are controlled by the same button. To turn the light on or off a long press (about 1 second) is needed. When on, short presses will guide you through the four normal modes. This works all fine and without problems. But personally, I would like to see some extra features: For example instant-low / turbo and an illuminated button to locate the light in complete darkness. The button has some special functions too: Press and hold (both from on and off) to enter strobe. Good and safe function, that can be helpful in threatening situations. Also a good feature, and a must on an "edc-light": A quick double press will (de)activate the lock-out function. The light can be locked-out by releasing the head a little too. So, the RC09 is an easy light to work with, but I have some wishes that I would like to see in future!

Modes:

The RC09 has total four normal modes, starting with: LOW > MID > HIGH > TURBO. The spacing is good, but all Fenix –fans would like to see an extra mode (1 lumen or less). One special mode, STROBE, no SOS this time. To prevent accidentally-on, the RC09 has in total two LOCK-OUT-modes. The RC09 has LOW-VOLTAGE warning mode too: If stepped down to lowest mode, the light will blink (3 times every 5 minutes) to notify the cell has almost run out of power. As expected, no momentary-on here. So, most needed modes are there, but I would prefer some extra ones.

Overheat protection:

After about 5 minutes working at turbo, the RC09 will have a step down to high. If wanted, you can directly turn to turbo again. For me, turbo is a nice feature on a light like this, but I don't use it often for longer times, because tiny lights like this aren't made for this.

Size comparison:

A comparison to some lights that have equal size and / or output. This shows also how compact this rechargeable RC09 is. I took for this the PD22UE brother and the Klarus RS16 with XP-L led.

16340-cell, Fenix RC09, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
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Fenix RC09, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
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Fenix RC09, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
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XM-L2(U2), XP-L (V5) and XP-L
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the tails: Fenix RC09, Fenix PD22UE and Klarus RS16
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Tint:

The coolwhite tint of the RC09 isn't bluish (like the PD22UE) and less neutral than the tint of the Klarus RS16. Check the picture below!

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Beamprofile:

As I mentioned earlier, the profile has surprised me. The combination of this reflector and the used led result in a big hotspot, medium corona and also a lot of spill. This will give the RC09 a nice, some floody beam with wide angle. Very useful at shorter distance, and that what a light like this is made for. The beam is clean, without defects. No PWM found at any mode. Please scroll down to see the outdoor pictures too!

Beamshots:

Will start my beamshot-session by shining at a white wall. Distance to the wall about 0,75 meters. Starting with the four output modes, followed by a GIF.

Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec, 35mm
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GIF-picture:
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Going outside now. I'll show you the output of RC09 when shining in the forest. Mind the wide beam here. After that some GIF's that show the RC09 against the PD22UE-brother and the Klarus RS16.

Camera settings: ISO100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4.0 sec, 35mm
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GIF-picture:
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the RC09 compared to the PD22UE, both lights at highest mode:
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the RC09 against the Klarus RS16, both at highest mode:
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Location 2; tree at about 35 meters:
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Conclusion:

I can say it in a few words: The RC09 will replace my actual edc-light. This tiny, lightweight Fenix, that can easily be recharged, is built well, feels durable and has a nice profile and enough output. For the price of around € 65,- (in my region) you'll receive a complete package, ready to go.

Compared to the PD22UE, I would pick the RC09 because of the size, the magnetic cap and the beamprofile; but I prefer PD22UE's interface above the RC09's. Again I would ask Fenix for a moonlight-mode and an illuminated or glow-in-the dark switch.

The magnetic charging will ensure waterproofness and simple charging. Only contra is that you'll always need the special cable, this is the advantage of a micro-usb charging port. Maybe Fenix will bring this as an accessory, for example to take it with you as spare-cable.

I can recommend the RC09 for those who look for a new edc!

Special thanks to Fenixlight and KATO for providing the RC09!
 
Last edited:

proceed5

Enlightened
Joined
Mar 20, 2016
Messages
227
Thank you for your efforts and great review kj75.
I like my RC09 and RC11 a lot. Bought mine since early April 2016, especially liked the bright spill on both the RC09 and RC11
Well done Fenix.

Oh by the way, Fenix, if you are reading this message, please do not keep us waiting and please launch that Upgrade to the TK32 (XHP 35-HI, please please! [wishful thinking :twothumbs])
 

kj75

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
Messages
892
Location
The Netherlands
Thank you for your efforts and great review kj75.
I like my RC09 and RC11 a lot. Bought mine since early April 2016, especially liked the bright spill on both the RC09 and RC11
Well done Fenix.

You have both! What's the diffence between RC09 and RC11's beam?
Oh by the way, Fenix, if you are reading this message, please do not keep us waiting and please launch that Upgrade to the TK32 (XHP 35-HI, please please! [wishful thinking :twothumbs])
I think it will be upgraded to XP-L HI V3.....
My wish is TK61 with XHP35 HI....sorry for a bit off topic :whistle:
 

proceed5

Enlightened
Joined
Mar 20, 2016
Messages
227
You have both! What's the diffence between RC09 and RC11's beam?

I think it will be upgraded to XP-L HI V3.....
My wish is TK61 with XHP35 HI....sorry for a bit off topic :whistle:

LOL, yes, bought both the RC's at the same time.
Difference, the RC11 is a smaller version of the UC35 with slightly more defined center hotspot, a slightly more balance beam. It is light weight (just a bit longer than the Olight S2 by say 1cm) love the RC11 !!
It would have been better for Fenix to incorporate a magnet at the tail.

Oh Yes, I welcome the upgrade TK61 with XHP-35-HI.

Hmm, TK32 with only XPL-HI V3, if this is the case, I have mix feelings. I don't really like XPL-HI on large reflectors, from my eyes, it simply does not produce the usual nice brighter spill as those produced by an XML2-U3/U2 (example I find my PD32-2015 and Olight S30R Javelot are "confused" lights) I mean off course and unless Fenix really spend time experimenting and producing a suitable reflector to use in the upcoming TK32 with XPL-HI, then I suppose it will be Nice.

Best regards & thank you again kj75 for your efforts and review of the RC09.
Kindly do more review.
 

Alabama_Man

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Aug 1, 2020
Messages
3
I'm resurrecting this thread to add my feedback on this awesome flashlight.

It was my very first Fenix light, which I got as a barter-refund from a local hardware store (the guy was like "so, you can have your 50 bucks refund or a 75 bucks flashlight, your choice").
I was very intrigued in getting a small yet expensive flashlight- mainly because back then I had no experience at all in flashlight technology.

To make a long story short, the RC09 has become an inseparable, never-leave-home-without EDC light.
I carried it through storms, seasailing, mountain hiking, cave spelunking, fishing trips as a trusty main or backup light.
I even forgot it for 15 days in my car's glovebox under a fierce 50°C / 122°F sunlight, and it never once failed.

16340 cells do not last very long in turbo mode, but the low and mid light setting grant 50+ and 8 hours of light, which is awesome.
the 35 minutes of 500 LM turbo mode is almost negligible, but it actually turned extremely useful in a few situations.
Anyways, it is easy to carry a few spare batteries in pockets and backapcks, and they recharge quickly with cheap USB solar panels.

It's compactness, ruggedness and overall performance make it the best Flashlight I ever owned- and I have other Fenixes and LEDs too, but none compares to this tiny magic pocket tool.

Too bad they discontinued it.
 
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