Flashlight Review: Fenix L1T

[clipse]

Ok ladies and gents. I recieved my Fenix L1T today and I have to admit, I couldn't be happier. This is a great upgrade from the L1P. If you haven't read it here is the review of the L1P that I did. (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=175032) This like is basically the same as the L1P except for, it uses a Luxeon III emitter instead of a Luxeon I emitter. Supposedly the emitters are the same except the III has be thermal properties. Besides the better emitter, the L1T also has two levels of output. You turn the light on just like you would with the L1P, by clicking the tail cap. Then you either tighten the head all the way for high output (same as the L1P) or loosen it a bit for low output (much dimmer). The L1T also has a bit shinier finish than I remember on my L1P. Doesn't bother me, it is quite pleasing to the eyes. The output is very white and not blue at all. I only used Energizer Lithium AA's in my L1P for the longer runtime. Runtime with the L1T sould be in the area of:

Energizer Lithium AA:
High-more than 3 hours to 50% brightness
Low-more than 14 hours to 50% brightness

Energizer Alkeline AA:
High-more than 1 hour 20 minutes to 50% bightness
Low-more than 10 hours to 50% brightness

Runtimes where taken from tests done on www.candlepowerforums.com.

The low setting was actually a suprise to me. I was expecting it to be quite dim but I think It will be used more than the high setting.

So, here are the pics:

Dorcy Super 1Watt (1x123a) vs. L1T on low.
http://www.alwayssafe.org/L1T/ds1wvsl1tbw.jpg

Same image only negative.
http://www.alwayssafe.org/L1T/ds1wvsl1tneg.jpg

Dorcy Super 1 Watt (1x123a) vs. L1T on high.
http://www.alwayssafe.org/L1T/ds1wvsl1thighbw.jpg

Same image only negative.
http://www.alwayssafe.org/L1T/ds1wvsl1thighneg.jpg

And a few pics of the L1T its self.

http://www.alwayssafe.org/L1T/L1T.jpg

http://www.alwayssafe.org/L1T/bezel.jpg

Horrible pic. Sorry.
http://www.alwayssafe.org/L1T/tailcap.jpg

Everything about the L1T is the same (ie size, weight, portability, etc) except for what I mentioned above.

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask.

clipse

[creampuff]

Thanks,
My 1 yr old daughter dragged my L1P to some unknown location in our house. I am sure it will turn up when she graduates from college. I was going to order another one for EDC but looks like the L1T would be the better option.

[zahc]

How much $?

Would this attach nicely to a keychain? I currently have an ARC AAA on my keychain and it's not bright enough.

Any chance that you know some details on how the dimming is accomplished?

[clipse]

I cost me less than $45 shipped.

As for the dimming. One thing I noticed is that they thread on the body of the light on the head end are bare aluminum. The L1P was not like that. Also there is a gold ring on the inside of the head. My thought is that fenix has one contact through the threads of the head maybe with a resistor(dim mode) and then when you tighten the head it makes contact with the gold ring and goes into high.

clipse

[NEtracker]

ZAHC,

Fenix makes an L0P (30 Lumens), keychain size. $40.50
It is brighter than my ARC.
Check out my site. Free shipping in the US for a limited time.

[jthuang]

Excellent review.

I just bought my first (real) LED flashlight yesterday, a Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon 4AA. The Streamlight is to be used as a camping light.

I have been looking at the Fenix lights too. Are you using your Fenix for a EDC light or something more specific? I'm using a SF E2e as a EDC light at the current time.

[black bear]

Clipse,
Great review and pictures!! all of a sudden I discover that I need another Fenix! I bought three L1P's (my wife and son are using the others) and I have a LOP (which is a great key-chain light)

I found they are fairly waterproof and great lights for general use around the house.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/blackbear11784/LOPINWATER.jpg

And the LOP is WAY brigther than the ARC AAA

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/blackbear11784/LOPandothers.jpg

ARC AAA on left, LOP on right

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/blackbear11784/ARCANDlop.jpg

I am running them with rechargeable Nimhs, so they are free to use.

And now I will have to think about getting the new model:D

regards
black bear

[clipse]

Excellent review.

I just bought my first (real) LED flashlight yesterday, a Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon 4AA. The Streamlight is to be used as a camping light.

I have been looking at the Fenix lights too. Are you using your Fenix for a EDC light or something more specific? I'm using a SF E2e as a EDC light at the current time.

The SL propolymer 4AA Luxeon is awesome lights. I had a switch problem with mine but Streamlight took care of it in a very timely manner.

As for the L1T. I do carry it with me everyday. It is usually my go-to light. It is with me all the time. I carry my Amilite Neo T3 as a backup. Hopefully I'll be getting a HDS EDC U60XRGT soon.

clipse

[jthuang]

As for the L1T. I do carry it with me everyday. It is usually my go-to light. It is with me all the time. I carry my Amilite Neo T3 as a backup. Hopefully I'll be getting a HDS EDC U60XRGT soon.


Cool. I am wondering when the LED lights will catch the Xenon lights in "throw" so I'm trying to keep tabs on the market.

I love the HDS lights too; they are a bit rich for my blood (I think the Basic 40 goes for like $99 at BatteryStation.com) but they seem like fantastic little lights.

[clipse]

I have got entirely over to LED's. I see no advantages over incadescent lights. My Streamlight Pro-Polymer 4AA luxeon light will out throw my Surefire G2. And it has a much better runtime. IMHO i don't trust incadescent flashlights. I've had my G2 fail on my 3 too many times.

clipse

[Trebor]

Can someone post a pic of the varoius Fenix lights next to a ruler? Or maybe next to each other next to a ruler?

I'm looking for a AA or AAA light that is NO LARGER than the old ARC AA. I believe the ARC AA is 3" long, so that's the max length. Any longer it won't fit on my keychain. I prefer AA, but would go with AAA if I absolutely had too.

Btw, the light would have to be brighter then the ARC AA for me to switch as well. I think there are brighter lights in that same size available now though.

[clipse]

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l1t-l2t.htm

go 3/4 of the way down the page. There is an L1T next to a ruler and a mini maglite. looks like its alittle over 3 1/2 inches long.

clipse

[joplin48]

Hi
I was interested in the Inova X1 and the Gerber infinity Ultra. But the Fenix seems to be a better light. I'm looking for a bright all around light,great battery life,bright,built well. My main use are everyday use as I don't go camping. I understand that on low setting the Fenix is brighter than the other two on high. Is this true? I want a light that works well in totally dark situations as well as when some light is available. The terms watts,lumens,throw,spill are all greek to me.

On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the above lights.
Where is the cheapest place to buy the Fenix?
I can't find it in Canada?
I appreciate all your help.

Thanks
Greg joplin

PS Please explain this link in regards to the 3 lights I've mentioned

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/features/chart_manu.htm

[joplin48]

Hi

Are there any stores in Canada that carry the Fenix Line. I live in British Columbia/Victoria.

Thanks
Greg joplin

[clipse]

PS Please explain this link in regards to the 3 lights I've mentioned

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/fea...chart_manu.htm

Fenix L1T (high): (time to 50% brightness=1hr 30mins)
Throw: 565 (lux at center of beam)
Overall: 1900 (intensity when in a lightbox)

Fenix L1T (low): (time to 50% brightness=6hrs 48mins)
Throw: 190
Overall: 600

Gerber IU: (time to 50% brightness=10hrs 48mins)
Throw: 22
Overall: 212

Inova X1: (time to 50% brightness= 8hrs 22mins)
Throw: 60
Overall: 600

The higher the numbers the brighter. Throw numbers are taken at the center of the beam. As far as a dealer in Canada......?????? you might try www.fenix-store.com. They may ship internationally.

clipse

[ultrabeam]

I found two retail shops in Canada that carries the Fenix LED flashlights.

They can be found here:

http://www.j2ledflashlight.com

I bought a few Fenix P1s' and they are bright.

[DigMe]

I just bought my first (real) LED flashlight yesterday, a Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon 4AA. The Streamlight is to be used as a camping light.

This has been my favorite light of all time for just general all-around usage. It has fantastic throw, brightness and runtime. It was invaluable last year after our power went out for 36 hours following a tornado here and it's my go-to light for hunting as well.

For anyone who's interested I found a Nexxtech branded 1 watt luxeon 3aaa flashlight at my local Circuit City in a big bin for $6.99. I believe it's actually made by Nuwai and it's a helluva little light for that price!

bc