The Fenix L1T and L2T are the adjustable output models of the Fenix L1 and L2 series. The L1T/L2T use a 3 watt 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 a T binned Luxeon and have a type III anodize hard coat finish. The only difference between the two lights is the body, and as a result, the power source. Both use the same exact head, which contains the circuitry and LED. The circuitry adjusts to the use of either one or two AA cells which can be either alkaline, NiMH or lithium, up to 4 Volts total.

Body: The body of the Fenix L1T/L2T is machined aluminum with the more durable type III 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 L2T is a little different in that it has a couple of steps in the body near the talicap to facilitate ease of grip. 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 L1T/L2T includes a coated glass lens, a metal reflector, an T-binned Luxeon 3 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. 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. A purplish tint was detectable in the beam in both samples tested when compared against a near sunlight-white source. One was slightly more purple than the other. This tint is not severe, but is noticeable to someone like me who observes light beams all the time. In practical use, most people would not notice it.

Output is variable with the L1T/L2T models, and the adjustment is done in a very different way. 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; L1T, L2T

Runtime Plot: Runtime with an alkaline AA cell is shown below. The literature with the lights state around 3 hours of regulated output with NiMH rechargeable cells.

L1T; Alkaline and NiMH:

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

More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

L2T; Alkaline and NiMH

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

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 L1T 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. The input voltage for the Fenix L1T/L2T head is 0.9V to 4.0V only.

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, and I have never seen a light include a spare rubber switch cover.

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

What I Didn't Like: Nothing at all.

Picky Little Things: Slight purplish tint to the beam in the samples received - yours may (and probably WILL) vary.

Conclusions: The Fenix L1T/L2T are superb little lights which should provide a lifetime of reliable service. Using a simple and inexpensive AA alkaline, rechargeable NiMH for the "green" folks out there, or lithium L91 cells, you get great light output for a very reasonable amount of time with good regulation. The L1T/L2T is well designed, high quality, and shows every indication of being a very durable illumination tool. 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.

The L1T/L2T gets a high rating for good features all the way around and running on a single AA cell, the runtime is quite good. I was expecting better regulation out of the circuit with two AA cells, but since it is the SAME EXACT HEAD, the circuit is showing very good versatility, with being able to run on one or two cells, and being dimmable as well..

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