What Torch Should I Buy? - Fenix LD1 Review

Hawk Tuah · 27 Mar 2008 at 19:42

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.

dannyjo22 · 27 Mar 2008 at 19:44

Yep the only thing is though if you use a maglite with a conversion kit or one of the new mini led maglites the battery life will far outstrip the other torches.

Sankari · 27 Mar 2008 at 19:56

You've just sold me a Fenix LD1 that I don't even need, but now desperately want.

badbob · 27 Mar 2008 at 19:56

Prices?

Sankari · 27 Mar 2008 at 19:58

Fenix LD1 is £25.

£35 for the deluxe version that makes you more alpha.

badbob · 27 Mar 2008 at 20:00

5 minute run time is bit useless though..

SB118 · 27 Mar 2008 at 20:08

I've got the MDXL jobbie, but when i had a look the LED was a knock off, not a real Luxeon

teaboy5 · 27 Mar 2008 at 20:11

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

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

Hawk Tuah · 27 Mar 2008 at 20:46

teaboy5 said:
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.

MikeHunt79 · 27 Mar 2008 at 20:52

Fenix make great torches. I've got an L1T myself, it's awesome. I'd like to get an L1D sometime...

Ironic Namesake · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:01

I got a Fenix P1D as a present from a supplier for Christmas .. great little torches, very powerful for its size !

dannyjo22 · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:01

badbob said:
5 minute run time is bit useless though..

Exactly whats the run time on one of those Fenix torches, an hour and a half? Much better to use a 3 cell maglite with a LED conversion bulb.

Akira · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:02

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?

SB118 · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:06

I think Bug One should sit and watch the torches for the next 2-8 hours and tell us the battery run times. Then do the whole test again with rechargables so we can see the difference the lower voltage source gives.

Raider · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:07

How does the battery life compare for each?

Ev0 · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:19

I got an L1D last year and still on the same battery that was supplied with it, even after a weekend at Reading Festival and numerous trips and things since, it's been great

Raider · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:27

Ev0 said:
I got an L1D last year and still on the same battery that was supplied with it, even after a weekend at Reading Festival and numerous trips and things since, it's been great

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

Hawk Tuah · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:33

Raider said:
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 · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:35

Akira said:
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.

Akira · 27 Mar 2008 at 21:42

Ok, thanks. Been looking at that thread where the guy that ran fenixtorch.co.uk posted. Some tempting lights on there.