The Fenix L1S and L2S are adjustable output models of the Fenix L1 and L2 series. The L1S and L2S use a 1Watt Luxeon LED for illumination, are powered with simple, easy to find AA alkaline, but can use rechargeable cells or high output L91 Lithium AA cells. They are small and lightweight, use an R binned Luxeon and have a type II anodize hard coat finish. The single AA L1S has a voltage input of 0.9 to 1.7V and a voltage boost circuit, while the L2S has a voltage input of 0.9 to 3.3V and constant current regulation.

Body: The body of the Fenix L1S and L2S is machined aluminum with a reasonably durable type II hard anodize finish and is available in black only. The outside of the body has rings and textured areas 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 L2S is a little different in that it has an extra textured area near the head. The tailcap has a textured area for grip as well as a recessed switch for standing on end and a lanyard attachment point. A wrist lanyard can be attached and several other accessories are included with the light.

Bezel/Head: The head of the L1S and L2S includes a 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. Using alkaline cells, output is partially regulated in the L1S, fully regulated in the L2S. The beam is very smooth with a brighter center and a wide soft spillbeam.

The white light produced by the LED is a high color temperature and produces good color rendition. No significant tint was detectable in the beam in both samples tested when compared against a near sunlight-white source.

Output is variable with the L1S and L2S. To use in high mode, simply make sure the head is tight against the body. To drop the light into low mode, unscrew the head slightly. It will remain lit, but output drops considerably. This will provide longer runtime and battery conservation, as well as being easier on the eyes in the dark when working close-up. This unique configuration allows the light to use a simple on-off click switch on the tailcap instead of the more complex circuit-driven-series-click-switch that would advance the user through various modes.

Beam at one meter at target center

Runtime Plot: Runtimes completed with Alkaline cells. Expected runtimes with NiMH should be significantly longer. I'm sorry, but I am not planning on doing any other runtimes with these lights at this time.

Runtime completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Runtime completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Runtime completed with Energizer 2300mAh brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: The switch is a rubber covered clickie and is fully recessed in the tailcap which allows the light to stand on end and be used as an electric candle. Despite the fact that the switch is recessed, it is very easy to use. Click on, click off. You can lock-out the switch by unscrewing the tailcap 1/2 turn. This will prevent accidental activation when packing the light in your backpack or luggage.

Seals / Water Resistance: The lights are protected from the environment by an o-ring at both ends of the body tube, a rubber switch cover and a sealed bezel. Fenix advertises the light as "waterproof" with no specific depth rating. I would call it "dunkable" but not "diveable".

If either gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible without tools and let dry before using again.

Ergonomics: Nothing special to report here, except that both small and easy to carry. Obviously the L1S is smaller and easier to pocket.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: For batteries, this light is approved by the manufacturer for use with AA alkaline, AA rechargeable NiMH cells, and AA L91 Lithium cells. All others are at your own risk.

To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper polarity. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.

Accessories: Several accessories are included with the light. Inside the package you will find spare O-rings, a spare rubber switch boot, a wrist lanyard, and a belt sheath. The Fenix brand is one of the few I have received that included this many accessories.

What I Liked: Waterproof, Relatively tough/impact resistant, Good battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands up

What I Didn't Like: Nothing at all.

Picky Little Things: Nothing.

Conclusions: The Fenix L1S and L2S are great lights. Using a simple and inexpensive AA alkaline, rechargeable NiMH, or lithium L91 cells, you get great light output for a very reasonable amount of time with good regulation. The L1S and L2S are well designed and high quality like all the other Fenix lights. The fact that the manufacturer includes user replaceable spare parts (O-rings, switch cover), lanyard, and a belt sheath with the light is a great addition.

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