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The Fenix L0P is the Premium model of the Fenix L0
series (actually there are only 2 - the standard and
the premium). Both use 1 watt Luxeon LEDs for illumination,
are powered with a simple, easy to find AAA alkaline
or rechargeable cell, and are very small and lightweight.
The premium model uses an R Binned Luxeon (higher quality)
and has a type III anodize hard coat finish. The light
comes in a gorgeous presentation box.
Body: The body of the Fenix L0P 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 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 L0P includes a coated
glass lens, a metal reflector, an R-binned Luxeon 1
watt 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 perfectly 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.
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.
Beam at one meter at target center.
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 the high-energy-demanding Luxeon,
output and runtime is very good! This curve appears
to provide evidence of a straightforward DC-DC boost
circuit which results in "semi-regulated"
output.
Runtime
completed with Energizer brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
I tried doing a NiMH runtime with Energizer
AAA NiMH cells and received absolutely horrible performance.
I ran the test 3 times with three different cells. I
don't know if something is wrong with the cells or the
light, but I can't recommend NiMH use in the L0P at
this time based upon these tests. I'll try again with
another cell sometime soon............
Update: Sometime soon is here!
Looks like I had some bad cells. Here is the runtime
with 900mAh Energizer NiMH.
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 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 0.9V to
1.5V 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 lobster-claw type clip.
What I Liked: Waterproof, Tough/impact
resistant, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight,
Stands up
What I Didn't Like: Battery life
a little short with alkalines, probably much better
with NiMH.
Picky Little Things: None
Conclusions: The Fenix L0P is a
superb little light which should provide a lifetime
of reliable service. Using a simple and inexpensive
AAA alkaline, or rechargeable NiMH, you get great 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. The L0P is well designed, high quality,
and shows every indication of being a very durable illumination
tool.
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