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The Fenix E1 is a new entry in the Fenix series of
lights. Instead of using a Luxeon LED, this little keychain
light uses a Nichia Power LED, which is one on Nichia's
small, low profile, high output LEDs. It is powered
with a simple, easy to find AAA alkaline or rechargeable
cell, and is very small and lightweight. Like the rest
of the Fenix models, this one has a type III anodize
hard coat finish.
Body: The body of the Fenix E1 is machined
aluminum with type III hard anodize finish and is available
in black and sliver (reviewed). The outside of the body has knurling
machined into the surface of the head to help with grip and you
will also find flat panels around the central area of
the body for texture and to display of the company logos.
The tailcap has two holes and a notch cut into it. This
allows a small split ring to be attached to one of the
holes and it can then folds over through the groove,
allowing the light to stand on end.
Bezel/Head: The head of the E1 includes a coated
glass lens, a metal reflector, a Nichia Power LED,
and a regulator circuit, all permanently installed.
The lens is slightly recessed which serves as some protection
from impact and abrasion. The LED is centered well
in the reflector.
Output: Output is very good for a single AAA
alkaline cell. Using an alkaline cell, output is regulated
and the light maintains constant brightness as long
as the battery can support it.
The white light produced by the LED is a high color
temperature and provides fairly good color rendition.
A bluish tint is visible in the beam. Outside of the
main spot you will see some outer periphery rings that
are quite obvious, but really don't interfere with the
use of the light at all.
Beam at one meter at target center, and at target edge
to show spillbeam.
Runtime Plot: Runtime with an alkaline AAA cell
is shown below. Considering the fact that the light
is using an alkaline AAA cell, which is poorly suited
to provide power to a high output LED, output and runtime
is very good. This curve appears to provide evidence
of a DC-DC regulator circuit which results in rather
constant output throughout the life of the battery.
I would expect better runtimes with NiMH cells.
Runtime
completed with Energizer brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The head of the light is the switch.
Tighten for on, loosen for off.
Seals / Water Resistance: The light is protected
from the environment by an o-ring and a sealed bezel.
Fenix advertises the light as "waterproof"
with no specific depth rating. I would call it "dunkable"
but not "diveable". I would recommend lubricating
the O-ring with a teflon based lubricant. This may be
found in many hardware stores (and Radio Shack) in a
precision applicator and is often labeled as "Super
Lube". I find it works extremely well.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Nothing special to report here,
except that it is very small and easy to carry in the
pocket or on a keychain.
Size compared to a common 2 AA aluminum light
Batteries: For batteries, this light is approved
by the manufacturer (per the packaging) for use with
AAA alkaline or rechargeable NiMH. All others are at
your own risk. The input voltage for the Fenix is 0.9V
to 1.6V only.
To change out the battery: unscrew the head, drop out
the old cell, place in new cell observing proper polarity.
Reattach the head and you're ready to go.
Accessories: Several accessories are included
with the light. Inside the package you will find a spare
O-ring and key ring.
What I Liked: Waterproof, Tough/impact
resistant, Bright, Easy battery change, Good battery
life, Lightweight, Stands up
What I Didn't Like: None
Picky Little Things: Slight bluish
tint to beam
Conclusions: The Fenix E1 is a
great little keychain light. Using a simple and inexpensive
AAA alkaline, or rechargeable NiMH, you get very good
light output for a very reasonable amount of time. The
factory has indicated that a 1.5V lithium AAA is safe
to use as well and should provide excellent regulated
output and runtime. Although not a powerhouse like some
of the other Fenix models, it does put out plenty of
light for close range and personal-use tasks.
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