What Torch Should I Buy? - Fenix LD1 Review

[Hawk Tuah]

Ok, I've seen a number of threads on here asking 'spec me a torch'.

Well, here is a nice little review comparing a Fenix LD1 to a range of other commonly available torches. All torches are fully charged using fresh batteries.

Ok, the torches, from left to right

1. 28 LED ebay torch. 3 x aaa.
2. Fenix LD1. 1 x aa.
3. MDXL 5w Luxeon. 3 x aaa.
4. Hugsy G2 7w Cree. 2 x CR123a.
5. Mini Maglight. 2 x aa.

Ok and now onto the beams. All images taken with the same settings.

Important things to add to this is that whilst #4 looks very bright, after only 5 minutes it is almost flat. This may be mostly to do with the difficulty in finding decent CR123a rechargeable batteries. However this is a real problem, when you compare it to the ease in finding decent, high power AA rechargeables.

Also, let this be a lesson to anyone daring to recommend a terrible, useless maglight.


Edit - Forgot to add. 5 and 6 are both the maglight, but with different beam settings.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

I have the 3 cell maglight (the d cell one)

And i tell ya this, best torch i ever got.

You obviously havent seen any modern torches to compare it against.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

No, I mean how long will it last per charge?

It comes with a non rechargeable. So I think he's trying to say it lasts quite a while. Plus its digitally controlled, so should maintain brightness regardless of charge.

On turbo mode, they state that it will last an hour and a half. On moderate power mode it will last much much longer.

I dont know how you can compare this with a D cell maglite. Its probably 10 times bigger and 20 times as heavy. The fact that this is still probably putting out more light is pretty astounding.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

I love my maglite and my dynamo torch, but I quite fancy one of those Hugsbys. Where can I buy such a wondrous photon channeling device? eBay is heaving with what appears to be chinese knockoffs. Is that what they are?

Dont do it! Its an awsome torch, for 5 minutes. Then it goes flat. Unless you want to shell out a fortune for lithium CR123's.

If you want photonic power, get the fenix. If you want even more power, get the 2 x aa version which lasts longer, puts out more light. But obviously is a bit bigger.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

on the deluxe whats extra thats worth £10


i found a site selling an LD1 cree for £35 and a kit with LD1 ,P2D,diffuser and holder for £45 free delivery - any good?

You mean fenixtorches.co.uk.

Thats where I got mine.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

2x batteries instead of one, and an uber bulb or something like that.

The L1D is 120 lumens on turbo and takes 1 x aa.
The L2D is 180 lumens on turbo and takes 2 x aa.

They're both roughly the same price.


They do a delux pack, which gives you two different heads (one for aa's one for cr123's) and a diffuser. Thats £45.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

It's not really supposed to be for general torch use though is it? Looks like a combat light to me, and they're generally not left on constantly. The people who they're geared towards generally only need a quick flash of very bright light occasionally.

Well compared to the fenix its bigger, heavier, no brighter and doesn't last as long.

If I were in a combat situation, I know which I'd choose.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

Anyon got the 100 led from auction site. 212 lumens about a tenner

Yep. Got that one too. Its light output looks exactly the same as the 28LED version I've shown there, however its far bigger and heavier.

Unfortunately its quite fragile inside. I've had to re solder the internals whenever I've dropped it. Now I've got the 28led version, I binned the 100 led one.

On the upside, the batteries do last forever on it.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

But they aren't very bright.