Fenix offered me a to review their new lantern, if you remember the former CL20, this new lantern is slightly smaller with upgraded electronics and UI :
it's main updates :
- smaller and lighter (2.8" x 1.6" x 2" weight 3.2oz)
- it is rechargeable (built-in 1600mAh battery)
- the outpute and modes spacing are upgraded (300 lumens)
- the runtime is better
unpacking:
the lantern comes with a micro usb cable, warranty card and instructions for use.
no replacement gasket here as there is no option for replacing the built in li-po battery
Note that the provided output curve shows a significant drop in power in High and Turbo after a few dozen of minutes, in practice it is not very visible and should not be a problem. it allows a greater useful autonomy.
the body of the lamp is made of plastic and the only visible metal part is the small retractable ring that allows to hang it easily.
two non-removable magnets make it possible to fix it on metalic surfaces
under the frosted dome, 12 neutral white leds and two red leds
(oddly, the effiency is better in white than in red light)
in hands :
the lantern fires up by a long press and always starts in the white 1 lumen (lowest) mode, a short click switches to the next mode, a long click turns off the lamp.
a double click switches to 1.5 lumen red light mode, a single click activates a blinking red light, there is no highest mode available
the ignition button is translucent, a red/green led underneath helps to know the approximate battery level by a short click when the lantern is off.
in practice after a short period time in which one will change modes instead of turning off the lamp, we get used fairly quickly to the UI of this lamp.
Note: the lamp has an electronic switch, so there is a small current consumption, but the manufacturer has announced a very low standby consumption of about 35uA (about 5 years before full discharge); )
recharging by micro-usb port, take about 1h30 to 2h for an almost empty battery (red blinks on the power switch).
the lamp can be used even when charging, but only in lowest modes 1 and 40 lumens
Short-term toughts:
the improvement compared to the previous generation (CL20) is noticeable, especially since this is not done at the cost of an excessive overcharge (price is less than 40 $)
I was a bit skeptical at first about the usefulness of this kind of micro-lanterns compared to a small EDC lamp (with a diffuser), and I must say that I'm starting to change a bit of my opinion on the subject:
- firstly the format is not intrusive, the diffused light is fine (although I would have preferred a little warmer CCT)
- there is no PWM effect on any of the modes.
- the snail form factor, acts for an excellent stability.
- it always starts in the lowest mode : you won't be blinded by a full power blast if you forget the to depress the switch at the right time
the "all in one" solution is a nice addition that is more and more generalized, that will allow a wider audience to try modern flashlights and lanterns
I am however a little puzzled by the use from a manufacturer such as Fenix of a built-in not replaceable battery.
I appreciated :
- the very small format, handling and stability
- the lamp always starts in low
- the very well diffused beam
- the neutral tint, and the absence of PWM effect
- the battery level indicator
I do not really like it :
- everything is sealed, one can not replace the battery
- a large power drop (but not very sensitive to the eye) in the first hours of use in High and Turbo
Fenix CL20R
Manufacturers product link : http://www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=2256&tid=31&cid=30