Fenix L1/L1P 1st impressions - please post here

4sevens said:

It is also save to use 1.5V AA Lithiums - commonly available
in your grocery store.

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even though they start out at about 1.7?

Mr. Blue said:

even though they start out at about 1.7?

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Trust me it's fine. Underload they will easily go below 1.5v.

Mr. Blue said:

even though they start out at about 1.7?

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Correction: The Energizer data sheet lists them as 1.5v, not 1.7v; I misquoted the figure. Still, as I noted earlier, the circuit in the Fenix is rated to handle anything from 0.9-1.7v (not 1.1-1.9), so you should be safe. I managed to mentally mix up the operating range with the voltage of the lithium batteries - you're still covered, however, so far as operating them goes.

Comparison Shots

I thought people might like to see the L1P v2.0 finish, color and tailcap compared to some other lights.

Here are the Arc LS (natural), Fenix L1P (satin black) and Peak AAA (gloss black):




Here are the tailcaps of the Surefire Aviator, Fenix L1P and Arc LSH-P:

Nice picts phredd


Put another thumbprint on the lens this morning. I think I might have to put a small split ring on it so that I can distinguish front from back.

Off topic for a second. Does anyone know of a single C cell luxeon light? This light really shows that you dont need 3v lithiums to drive luxeons anymore. Seems like a C cell would still be a fairly small package with excellent runtime.

bhds said:

Received my L1P 2.0 today. As I posted in the groupbuy thread- this light kicks---!

Some first impressions:

Reflector- Very noticeable circular machining marks. Doesnt seem to affect the actual beam though. 4sevens said that this has been improved upon in version 2.5. Not a big deal to me.

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Some one was asking how to tell the diff between 2.0 and 2.5. Here it is, by just looking at the reflector.

I wonder if a clip could be made for this light? The 2 holes for the lanyard could be tapped, and a nice clip like the PD new Ti clip. (the shape is really cool)

I would also like a clip. Any ideas anyone?

Re: Comparison Shots

Here's what I got on the 1st test using a Ray-O-Vac alkaline cells. It's now on the meter with an Engergizer E2.

this_is_nascar: WOW.

Also check out John Trotto's runtime graphs in
Lux at 1m for the L1 and L1P v2.0
with both Duracells and Energizer 2500mah NIMHs!

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1077074&postcount=14

Re: Comparison Shots

Here's the runtime with the Energizer E2.

great work, Ray....

edit: do you folks think it is ok (in the long run) to leave the push switch "on" and twist the body into the tail to operate the light?...sometimes i just like to "twist it".....+ it may save the clickie

Hey, me too! Hate those reverse clickies!!!

Nice Graphs!

Mr. Blue said:

great work, Ray....

edit: do you folks think it is ok (in the long run) to leave the push switch "on" and twist the body into the tail to operate the light?...sometimes i just like to "twist it".....+ it may save the clickie

Click to expand...

This will increase the wear and tear on the threads for sure.

t_i_n- thanks for the graphs! It really appears that lithiums are a nice way to go in this light (and they reduce weight to boot). Man, the Fenix really puts that Chromestar thing to shame .

Solstice said:

t_i_n- thanks for the graphs! It really appears that lithiums are a nice way to go in this light (and they reduce weight to boot). Man, the Fenix really puts that Chromestar thing to shame .

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I'll use lithiums in any light that I can. I like the lighter wieght and performance. As for that Chromestar, that is true, but what you don't see is that the Chromstar holds that level for well over 10-hours.

Interesting chart indeed. Thanks Nascar. Poses a small dilemna though. So many are pleased that the Fenix takes inexpensive AAs versus CR123. I checked at Sam's Club today and Eveready AAs (they don't sell Duracell) are only about .30 each. The Eveready E2 Lithiums are about $1.60 each! Yikes, that's quite a difference to take advantage of the obvious advantages. (I buy Streamlight CR123s from DLS Enterprises for $1.25, the same price Battery Station charges for their brand.) So, for the Fenix, do you all think the Lithiums are worth the price differential? I just checked Battery Station--they have the Everready E2s for $2 each but their own brand for $1 each. Does anyone have experience with the Battery Station ones??

(Interesting that the cost savings of the Fenix using AAs is wiped out if using even Battery Station lithiums at $1, versus CR 123s in other lights at $1.25)

When I saw that impressive chart, I also began to wonder about my Nuwai Q 3. Can anyone find a link to a similar runtime chart here? Does have such a flat chart using its Lithium CR123s, too???

Any advice is very much appreciated since I'm eagerly awaiting my Fenix v. 2.5.

I am awaiting my fenix also. I think the avantage is in being able to use cheap alkalines and nimh, not using lithiums. I plan on using my energizer 2300 nimh AAs mostly in mine and when needed use either alkaline or lithiums as backup. Sure the runtime/output will be a little different but running cost is more important to me not uber performance.