Finaly Found The Right Flashlight Fenix E12

[Trunk Monkey]

I've been working security since 2008. The first three years I worked almost exclusively nights the last three almost exclusively days. When I worked nights I carried a Streamlight Stinger XT on my belt.


Since I've been working days I really haven't had any need for a flashlight and haven't really wanted to carry anything that big but since I am occasionally asked to stay late I wanted a smaller flash light that wasn't a hassle to carry but powerful enough to use on those times I had to stay late.


The criteria I set were

1. At least 100 lumens

2. Runs off a common rechargeable battery (preferably one double A)

3. Fits in my pocket.

4. Is cheap enough my wife will let me buy it (I paid 26 bucks for this light)

5. Bright enough for work/ Small enough for off work.


I never been able to find a flashlight that does all five of those until I found the Fenix E12

The specs for the E12 are

* Uses one AA (Ni-MH, Alkaline) battery
* Output Modes:
- High - 130 Lumens (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Mid - 50 Lumens (6 hours 30 minutes)
- Low - 8 Lumens (40 hours)
* Able to tail stand
* Tail tap switch for on/off and output selection
* Waterproof to IPX-8 waterproof rating (underwater 2 meters for 30 minutes)
* Length: 90mm (3.5 inches give or take)

I can slip it in my pocket and it's like it isn't there unless I need it, It's bright enough to use at work and according to the Fenix website it throws a beam 280+feet and it's warrantied for 2 years. It's definitely bright enough to take a good look around the parking lot when I take the dogs out in the morning which will likely be it's most common use


The only things I'm not happy about are:

1. Not made in the USA

2. only turns on in low out put mode mode then you have to turn it up to high

(Fenix makes essentially the same light called the LD 12 that will turn on in high but (IMO) it wasn't worth doubling what I paid for this light to get that feature although in the interest of full disclosure the LD also has a strobe and SOS feature so you're not paying twice the price for the E12 for just the one thing but since I don't have a use for the strobe or the SOS either it still wasn't worth it to me .)

I don't know that this is the light I'd pick if I were on a TAC team or going to Afghanistan but since I'm not it meets my needs almost perfectly

 

[twofifty]

a rational process!

 

[Outlaw Man]

I've been carrying an E11 (similar to yours, with hi/low modes and twist to select) for a little over two years now. It's easy on the battery, bright enough for most everyday tasks, and all but disappears in my pocket.

It sounds like you did your homework. You should get a lot of good use out of it.

 

[mcappys]

I got a cree-ultrafire sometime back to replace my old pocket light.
The cree came with batterys, charger, and has held up for some time now.
I would rather not use chinese, but at $23. I have not found better

 

[greyling22]

I don't think there is a lithium battery or an LED made in america. I think they all come from 2 factories in china. Same thing with your TV's etc.

That said, fenix makes a good product and you will be pleased, but unlike scopes, you do not necessarily get what you pay for in flashlights. There are some real bargains out there on china branded stuff.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Fenix PD32/PD35.....

I purchased a new Fenix PD32 white light in the fall of 2013. www.QMuniforms.com

I wasn't very happy with the white light at first but saw the big problem was the sub par Li batteries.
I got a few Streamlight brand 123As from a local Bass Pro Shop & the light improved greatly. I liked the "strobe" feature. It comes in handy for security details.
I lost the Fenix PD32 light on a business trip to western PA & looked into buying a new brighter white light. I like the Fenix 35. It's powerful & has a few practical features. I looked for the Fenix PD32 UL model but it was sold out.
Other brands like Surefire, 5.11 Tactical, Streamlight are out there too.

I'm using a cheaper Rocky light with approx 65lum & no strobe but will upgrade soon. Id want a cool Lazer Dazer too but, alas, they are not available yet to the general public.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I got a cree-ultrafire sometime back to replace my old pocket light.
The cree came with batterys, charger, and has held up for some time now.
I would rather not use chinese, but at $23. I have not found better

I have one too. Awesome little light. It was given to me by my grandfather-in-law. He said it cost him all of $8 plus shipping from Amazon. But on Amazon you have to be careful of what you order. Mine has high/low/strobe and from some reviews on Amazon some peoe were being sent lights that just have on/off with the on not being very bright. I went looking for a couple extras not long ago and couldn't decide if the price was worth the gamble.

 

[Field Tester]

Costco had an amazing deal for a brand called Tech Lite, Lumen Master. I bought it about two years ago and finally changed the batteries out. I have never seen a flashlight last that long before with the amount of use. It takes 3 AAA, puts out 200 lumens and fits right in the palm of my hand.

Best part was the package came with 3 of them for $20. The light quality really is top notch. Press the button once for low setting (which is still amazingly bright) twice for high and three times for strobe. You can also just hold the light down for high and let go to turn it off.

I know nothing about this brand but it surpassed my old roommate's Surefire in brightness, longevity and cost. Although Surefire wins on the warranty and the fact that you can run over them with a tank.

 

[Field Tester]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A9PK4WK/ref=pd_aw_sims_1?pi=SL500_SY115&simLd=1

I tried to find the ones I have but Amazon has them all sold out. Here's the same company at the same price but 250 lumens. They also have a 500 package I believe.