[Review] Fenix E18R & Fenix E15 (2016) VS Fenix E18R Beamshots

Overview

This is my first EDC flashlight that has an electronic side switch. All of my other EDC lights are and have been twist operated lights.
This is also the first EDC light that I own that has magnetic charging, this is a great feature. Now I don't have to take out the battery every time to charge it then put it back in.

The Fenix E18R comes with a Lanyard, Magnetic Charging Cable, Key Ring, Spare O-Ring, and a printed out user manual and warranty card.
You can also download the user manual like I did on the Fenix web site. It is in a PDF file.

The E18R is a great flashlight! It is using the Cree XP-L HI LED. It is small, very bright, well made and in Turbo mode with the 16340 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable battery it is extremely bright!

The flashlight is small and light (33 grams) for an everyday carry flashlight, if you have extra large hands like I do then it will "just fit" in your hand without being too small to hold.

The finish on it looks excellent. It is made from premium type 3 hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish.
The flashlight is made of aircraft-grade aluminum.
The threads are nice and smooth.
The light has reverse polarity protection so you can't install the battery incorrectly and burn out the circuit. They look like two half moons located
in the head where the positive battery contact is for the battery.
The light also has over-heat protection and has digitally regulated output to maintain constant brightness.
Charging time with the included ARB-L16-700P Li-ion Battery is about 80 minutes.

The flashlight can stand on a flat surface to act as a candle.

The light gets warm fast in turbo mode, in 10-15 seconds the light will get warm. In two minutes the light was not hot yet and still can be held comfortably. After some time in turbo mode the
light will get hot. I ran it for 17 minutes, it could still be held but not comfortably at all due too the high heat. This is to be expected in a small light with a very high output.




Magnetic Charging

The magnetic charging cable should have been longer. If you are plugging it into a wall socket with and USB charger and want to put the light on a desk like me, then the magnetic charging cable
won't be long enough.
The magnetic charging cable is long enough if you plug it into a wall socket with a USB charger and set the light on the floor.
It is also long enough if you have a desktop computer on the floor or table, then just plug the cable into a USB port and set the light on the table.
The cable is also long enough if you have a laptop that you will be charging the light from.
The magnetic charging cable has two LED lights in it. The orange/red LED color = charging, the green LED color = charging complete

You can use the light while it is charging but the charging time will be prolonged. I tried using the light while it was charging and it worked fine.

From the review that I have read the magnetic charging cable and magnetic port are not compatible with Fenix's other magnetic charging cables and magnetic ports.
One example is the Fenix RC11 magnetic charging cable can not be used on the Fenix E18R, and visa versa.

Update: 12/14/2018 - I just found out that Fenix does have a magnetic charging cable that will work for the RC05, RC09, RC11 and E18R.
Spare USB cable with magnetic connection plus MICRO USB connection, SKU: FX-MAGUSB. MSRP: $7.00




Battery

The flashlight can be used with a 16340 Li-ion rechargeable battery or a standard CR123A 3.0V battery in emergency.
You will not get the ultra bright Turbo Mode (750 Lumens) using a standard CR123A 3.0V battery, it needs a 16340 Li-ion rechargeable battery to get the ultra high 750 Lumens.
You will probably get 350 lumes max with the CR123A battery. The Low-voltage warning feature will not work either using a CR123A battery.

The ARB-L16-700P battery that came with my flashlight had a charge of 3.65 volts. You will need to fully charge the battery before you use it. Turbo mode not work with the battery charge of 3.65 volts.

When the battery is fully charged and the voltage drops to 3.70 volts, turbo mode will no longer work, when you select turbo mode it will flash one time then drop to high mode. This is due to the battery not having enough voltage to run in turbo mode. Also the Battery level indication LED will be Red constant on: poor (50% - 25 %).

The flashlight has a Low Voltage Warning when the battery voltage drops low. It will downshift to a lower brightness level and the battery level indicator blinks red to remind you to recharge the battery.
The light also has an electronic Lock/Unlock feature.

The flashlight will operate for a limited amount time in Turbo mode at 750 lumens, then it will slowly and gradually downshift to a lower brightness until it reaches about 350 lumens, at that time it will hold the brightness until the battery gets too low.

The downshift from 750 lumens to 350 lumens is slow and very smooth. I tried to show this in my video below.

When you first get your light you will have to remove the round black insulation sheet from the battery for the first use.

A note about the included ARB-L16-700P Li-ion Battery. It is not listed on the Fenix web site or anywhere else.
Fenix told me that the ARB-L16-700P is a newer version battery released about one month ago.
The ARB-L16-700P battery has a 1/2 more amp output than the ARB-L16-700 battery. Either battery will work well in the E18R.
I have tried my ARB-L16-700 battery in my E18R and it worked great. The ARB-L16-700P just has an extra 1/2 amp out probably for turbo mode.

I don't know if Fenix will be releasing the ARB-L16-700P Li-ion Battery. I was told and also the E18R user manual says you can use the ARB-L16-700U or ARB-L16-700UP batteries.

The E18R can use the following batteries:

• ARB-L16-700 - Rated at 2.59Wh
• ARB-L16-700P - Rated at 2.52Wh
• ARB-L16-700U
• ARB-L16-700UP
• CR123A 3.0V battery in emergency

On/Off and Output Selection

To turn on the light press and hold the side switch for 0.5 seconds. The light will come on at the default low mode setting. Press the side switch one time each to cycle thought the other modes.
To turn off the light in any mode that it is in press and hold the side switch for 0.5 seconds.
The modes are Low, Mid, High, Turbo. For Strobe mode press and hold the side switch for 1.2 seconds in any mode. To exit Strobe mode press the side switch.
If you have the electronic lockout mode activated, to turn on the light double click the side switch two times in 0.5 seconds. To turn off the light in any mode that it is in press and hold the side switch for 0.5 seconds.
The light does not have mode memory, it will not memorize the last mode that you were using and come back to it when you turn the light back on. This would have been a nice feature to have. So every time you turn on the light it will default to low mode and you will have to cycle though the modes.



Electronic Lockout Function

Lock: With the light unlocked, press the side switch twice within 0.5s. The light will blink twice on Med to indicate locked status.

Unlock: With the light locked, press the side switch twice within 0.5s. The light will be unlocked and activated on Low.
In locked status, clicking or pressing the switches will activate 2 one-second blinks to indicate locked status.



Battery Level Indication

With the light switched off, single click the switch to check the battery status. The battery level indicator will display the battery status for 3 seconds.
Green constant on: saturated (100% – 85%)
Green flashes: sufficient (85% – 50%)
Red constant on: poor (50% – 25%)
Red flashes: critical (25% – 1%)



Lumens and Runtimes - Using the Fenix Rechargeable 16340 Li-ion 3.7V 700mAh Battery

• Low Mode = 5 Lumens - 70 Hours
• Med Mode = 30 Lumens - 13 Hours 50 Minutes
• High Mode = 150 Lumens - 2 Hours 35 Minutes
• Turbo Mode = 750 Lumens - 45 Minutes
• Strobe Mode = 750 Lumens

Low-voltage Warning

When the voltage level drops below the preset level, the flashlight is programmed to downshift to a lower brightness level until Low output is reached. When this happens in Low output mode, the battery level indicator blinks red to remind you to recharge the battery. To ensure normal use, the flashlight will not turn off automatically and will work till the battery level runs out.
Note: This only works with 16340 Li-ion battery.


Time-limited Downshift

The light will accumulate a lot of heat when used on High output level for extended periods. When the light has been used on Turbo for a certain time, the light will automatically step down by a few lumens to reduce the temperature. Turbo mode can be reselected.




Pros:

• Small size, very bright, well made
• Magnetic charging
• Can be used with a 16340 Li-ion rechargeable battery or a standard CR123A 3.0V battery in emergency
• Low Voltage Warning when the battery voltage drops low (only works with the 16340 Li-ion rechargeable battery)
• Battery level indication
• Lockout function and multiple ways to avoid accidental activation
• Can stand on a flat surface to act as a candle
• Magnetic tail

Cons:

• No memory, the light will not remember the last mode that it was in when you turn the light back on
• The magnetic charging cable needs to be longer
  
• The charging connection and side switch can get confusing, it's easy to press the charging connection instead of the side switch

Specifications:

• Cree XP-L HI LED
• LED lifespan of 50,000 hours
• Max output of 750 lumens
• Beam distance of 446ft (136m)
• Powered by one ARB-L16-700P power Li-ion battery, or CR123A Lithium battery in emergency
• Reverse polarity protection to protect from improper battery installation
• Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness
• Battery level indication
• Magnetic charging in the neck, specialized magnetic charging cable and one included ARB-L16-700P power Li-ion battery
• Magnetic tail
• Side switch for one-switch control
• Lockout function and multiple ways to avoid accidental activation
• Intelligent overheat protection
• Low-voltage warning reminds when battery charging is needed
• Premium type HAIII hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Made of durable high-strength and oxidation-resistance aluminum
• Automobile optical lens coating process
• IP68 -Rated: totally protected against dust and foreign objects and submersible to 6.5 feet for 30 minutes
• Length: 2.4" (60mm)
• Diameter: 0.8" (20mm)
• Head: 0.8" (21mm)
• Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3g) excluding battery

Accessories Included:

• 1 x ARB-L16-700P Li-ion Battery
• 1 x Lanyard
• 1 x Magnetic Charging Cable
• 1 x Key Ring
• 1 x Spare O-Ring
• User Manual
• Warranty Card
• Information Leaflet

Edit: All pictures were deleted. Photobucket wanted the pictures removed or pay a monthly fee to host them.
When I posted the pictures years ago it was free, no monthly fee to host them.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

Wow! It's basically the same size as an E 15. How is the throw compared to the E15?

Re: Fenix E18R Review

You covered a lot of great points. The E15 optic has my fav close/mid range beam pattern. How does the E18R/E15 beam compare to each other?
Have you done any runtime tests comparing the new ARB-L16-700P to the ARB-L16-700?
Thank you for the review!

Re: Fenix E18R Review

I was looking at this because I need a new keychain light. But think I'm leaning toward the E15. There's not much that can wrong with it.but I'm kinda old school.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

thermal guy said:

Wow! It's basically the same size as an E 15. How is the throw compared to the E15?

Click to expand...

thermal guy said:

I was looking at this because I need a new keychain light. But think I'm leaning toward the E15. There's not much that can wrong with it.but I'm kinda old school.

Click to expand...

Ya the E18R is only 5mm longer than the E15. I was surprised how close they were in size. The slightly smaller light is harder to hold in my extra large hands. Any smaller and it would have been too small for me.

The throw on the E18R is really good. It has some more throw and is more focused than the E15. I tired close, medium and far distances both indoors and outdoors including up trees.
The E18R has a pure white light, the E15 has a slight green tint in it which was also shown in my E15 review on this web site.
I took these pictures on top of green tupperware containers which is why there is a green tint in the pictures. Holding it on my hand against a white wall, the light is pure white.
The E18R or at least the one I have is much whiter and brighter than my E15.


I can't get very good or accurate pictures for beamshots or night videos using my smartphone, this is why I haven't posted many of them, I don't want to misrepresent what the beamshots look like for real.
But you can get an idea they look like for now until the other reviews post some.

The E15 is an excellent EDC light if you choose that, it is very simple, reliable, easy to use and very bright, and it doesn't have the electronic switch or circuit that could possibly go bad or give you any problems. All of this is why I have always got a twist flashlight. But I really like the E18R so far and now carry it instead of my E15.



Edit: All pictures were deleted. Photobucket wanted the pictures removed or pay a monthly fee to host them.
When I posted the pictures years ago it was free, no monthly fee to host them.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

Basic problem with E15 which is my current keychain, is that twisting 4 times for max is highly annoying and impractical. E18 should be better that way but it looks like they confuse your fingers with the charging connection for no reason - just judging by the pics. Olight models like S1RII would be a good comparison here.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

THE_dAY said:

You covered a lot of great points. The E15 optic has my fav close/mid range beam pattern. How does the E18R/E15 beam compare to each other?
Have you done any runtime tests comparing the new ARB-L16-700P to the ARB-L16-700?
Thank you for the review!

Click to expand...

Your welcome.
I have only seen a few reviews on the internet on this light and none of them had custom pictures, just the stock photos so I wanted to post some and do a mini review also.
I posted some beamshots above for you guys since you asked about them. I also added a note about pictures/videos and runtimes.
I haven't done any any runtime tests comparing the new ARB-L16-700P to the ARB-L16-700. One thing that I forgot to add:

ARB-L16-700 - Rated at 2.59Wh

ARB-L16-700P - Rated at 2.52Wh


The E15 optic does have a nice close/mid range beam pattern. It is a great flashlight! My favorite EDC twist light.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

Beckler said:

Basic problem with E15 which is my current keychain, is that twisting 4 times for max is highly annoying and impractical. E18 should be better that way but it looks like they confuse your fingers with the charging connection for no reason - just judging by the pics. Olight models like S1RII would be a good comparison here.

Click to expand...

The E15 is a lot of twisting, that was the final reason that I went to the electronic version. Then you have a lot of button pushing to do, the E18R does not have memory on it, this would have been nice to have and would reduce having to keep pressing the side button to cycle to the brightness that you want every time you turn the light on.
I almost bought the Olight S1R II Baton. It has the memory function, but it doesn't have a high mode, it jumps up from 60 lumes to 600 lumes, this is why I didn't buy it. Other people have posted about this also.

The E18R charging connection and side switch can get confusing, I have gone to press the side switch and have pressed the charging connection.
The clip can rotate to cover the charging connection or side switch so I'll probably cover the charging connection, I just tried it and it works well.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

Good to know this new flat optic is more narrower and throwier than the old optic.
Personally prefer the older optic pattern especially coupled with a Nichia 219.
Thanks for the beam descriptions and photos.
Hoping Fenix comes out with a compact 18650 twisty.
The new electronic switches look good but I doubt their longevity compared to Fenix' twisty design.

thermal guy, I have 3 E15s two older and one 2016 model, they all still get used.
Being a twisty they are robust, mine have taken numerous drops to the concrete with no malfunctioning.
Definitely makes for a rugged keychain light.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

Ya I'm thinking E15 I have always had a Fenix twisty on my keychain no reason to stop now

Re: Fenix E18R Review

thermal guy said:

Wow! It's basically the same size as an E 15. How is the throw compared to the E15?

Click to expand...

THE_dAY said:

You covered a lot of great points. The E15 optic has my fav close/mid range beam pattern. How does the E18R/E15 beam compare to each other?
Have you done any runtime tests comparing the new ARB-L16-700P to the ARB-L16-700?
Thank you for the review!

Click to expand...

I just made and posted a video comparing the beamshots of the Fenix E15 2016 Edition and the Fenix E18R.
I added it to my first post and also added more information and a pros and cons section.

Here is just the new video I made.

Re: Fenix E18R Review

TJZ, appreciate the beamshot video comparison!

Spare USB cable with magnetic connection plus MICRO USB connection, SKU: FX-MAGUSB

I just got the Spare USB cable with magnetic connection plus MICRO USB connection from Fenix today.
This will work for the Fenix RC05, RC09, RC11 and E18R.

This is the only magnetic connection cable available for the E18R. You can not purchase the same cable that came with the flashlight.
You also can not purchase the same battery that came with the flashlight, the ARB-L16-700P. They made this battery without the built in USB charging
due to you can charge the light with the magnetic charging cable.
If you want a replacement battery for the E18R you can purchase the ARB-L16-700UP USB Rechargeable Battery.
The only difference between the ARB-L16-700P and the ARB-L16-700UP is one has the built in USB charging.
I spent some time talking to Fenix on the phone about this as I wanted to buy the ARB-L16-700P battery, they said that battery only ships with the flashlight and to use the ARB-L16-700UP
battery for a replacement or spare.

I also talked to them about the magnetic connection cable to see if I could purchase the same one that came with the flashlight, you can't but they have this one available for it:
Spare USB cable with magnetic connection plus MICRO USB connection, SKU: FX-MAGUSB
The length of this cable is the exact length as the magnetic connection cable that comes with the flashlight.


Edit: All pictures were deleted. Photobucket wanted the pictures removed or pay a monthly fee to host them.
When I posted the pictures years ago it was free, no monthly fee to host them.