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Cree Fever! Everyone's getting it (well, at least everyone
on the cutting edge is getting it...), and now Fenix
has it. The Fenix L0D-CE is the newest model of the
Fenix L0 series which now sports a Cree XR-E high output,
high efficiency LED (about double the efficiency of
earlier Luxeon LEDs). The L0D has five output modes,
starting at medium, then low, then high, then strobe,
then SOS. Like prior L0 models, it is still powered
with a simple, easy to find AAA alkaline, rechargeable
or lithium 1.5V cell, and is very small and lightweight.
Body: The body of the Fenix L0D is machined
aluminum with type III hard anodize finish and is available
in black only. The outside of the body has several rings
machined into the surface to help with grip and you
will also find flat panels around the central area of
the body for texture and display of the company logos.
The tailcap has a hole and a notch cut into it. This
allows a small split ring to be attached and it can
then fold over through the groove, allowing the light
to stand on end.
Bezel/Head: The head of the L0D includes a coated
glass lens, a metal reflector, a Cree XR-E 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 in the
reflector.
Output: Output is very good for a single AAA
alkaline cell. Using an alkaline cell, output is semi-regulated
and diminishes over time. Greater regulation is realized
with a NiMH or Lithium cell. Medium and Low modes are
achieved by using a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) circuit
which results in a sometimes visible flickering from
the LED. The benefiit of using a PWM circuit for dimming
is that the battery life, and therefore runtime, is
extended since the LED is actually "off" and
not using power some of the time while it is in one
of the PWM controlled dim modes.
The following output tests were done with a Rayovac
Alkaline AAA cell.
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Level
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|
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Runtime hrs. (advertised)
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LED Med
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138 (11.75)
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1200 (12.00)
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3.5
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LED Low
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61 (7.80)
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500 (5.00)
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8.5
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LED High
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400 (20.00)
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3380 (33.80)
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1.0
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All throw readings are in Lux
at one meter. The numbers in parenthesis are for comparison
in the Comparison
Charts.
The shear volume of light produced is amazing for a
single AAA cell light. My readings show that on the
"high" setting the L0D-CE is producing more
light overall than a 3-D Maglite. On "medium"
it produces more light overall than a common 2-D cell
light. All this from one AAA cell.
The white light produced by the LED is a high color
temperature and produces good color rendition weighted
toward the middle of the spectrum. No tint is detectable
when compared against a near sunlight-white source.
The beam itself is a wide smooth spot with bright spillbeam.
Great general purpose beam.
Beam at one meter at target center.
Runtime Plot: All of the runtime data is courtesy
of, and used with permission from, Roger H. (a.k.a.
Chevrofreak on CPF). Thanks, Roger, for allowing the
use of your work (it saved me a huge amount of time
and effort, for sure)! He completed runtimes with L92
lithium cells, 900mAh rechargeables and regular alkaline
cells for each of the three output levels.
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Time
to 50% Starting Ouput
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Battery
Type
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Medium
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Low
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High
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| Alkaline
AAA |
1
hr 45 min
|
5
hr 50 min
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0
hr 18 min
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| Lithium
L92 AAA |
4
hr 09 min
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9
hr 06 min
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1
hr 23 min
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| NiMH
900mAh |
2
hr 54 min
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6
hr 23 min
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0
hr 58 min
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|
All
data © Roger H. (Chevrofreak) - used with
permission
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Here they are in the order of the three
general lighting modes:
MEDIUM Runtime:
All
data © Roger H. (Chevrofreak) - used with permission
LOW runtime:
All
data © Roger H. (Chevrofreak) - used with permission
HIGH runtime:
All
data © Roger H. (Chevrofreak) - used with permission
Switch: The head of the light is
the switch. Tighten for on, loosen for off. To access
the different modes, turn the light off and quickly
back on again within 1.5 seconds. If it remains off
for 2 seconds or more it will turn on in the first mode
(medium).
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 for use with AAA alkaline, rechargeable
NiMH and AAA lithium L92 cells. All others are at your
own risk. The input voltage for the Fenix is 0.8V to
3.3V 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 box you will find a spare
O-ring, key ring and a pocket clip.
What I Liked: Waterproof, Tough/impact
resistant, Bright, Easy battery change, Multiple output
modes, Output modes are 50% brighter (or more) than
earlier models with similar runtimes, Lightweight, Stands
up
What I Didn't Like: Battery life
a little short with alkalines, much better with NiMH
and lithium AAA.
Picky Little Things: None
Conclusions: The Fenix L0D is a
superb little pocket light. With the addition of the
Cree LED, greater light output has been realized relative
to previous models, without decreasing runtime. NiMH
or Lithium are the way to go to power this light, but
alkaline AAA will work just fine as a less-expensive
option.
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China