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The Fenix L2P is the Premium model of the Fenix L2
series (actually there are only 2 - the standard and
the premium). Both use 1 watt Luxeon LEDs for illumination,
are powered with simple, easy to find AA alkaline or
rechargeable cells, and are small and lightweight. The
premium model uses an R Binned Luxeon (higher quality)
and has a type III anodize hard coat finish.
Body: The body of the Fenix L2P is machined
aluminum with the aforementioned 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 textured
area for grip as well as a recessed switch for standing
on end and a lanyard attachment point. A wrist lanyard
is attached and several other accessories are included
with the light.
Bezel/Head: The head of the L2P 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. Using alkaline
cells, output is completely 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 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 AA cell
is shown below. Very regulated output for over 2 hours
with an alkaline, followed by a dropoff and then another
1+ hrs at low output. The literature with the light
states 4 hours of regulated output with NiMH rechargeable
cells.
Runtime
completed with Rayovac brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Runtime
completed with 2300mAh NiMH Energizer 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 light is 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 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 small and easy to carry.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: For batteries, this light is approved
by the manufacturer for use with AA alkaline and AA
rechargeable NiMH cells. All others are at your own
risk. The input voltage for the Fenix is 1.2V to 3.0V
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 box you will find spare O-rings,
a spare rubber switch boot, a full sized lanyard, and
a belt sheath. A wrist lanyard is included. 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: None.
Conclusions: The Fenix L2P is a
superb little light which should provide a lifetime
of reliable service. Using a simple and inexpensive
AA alkaline, or rechargeable NiMH for the "green"
folks out there, you get great light output for a very
reasonable amount of time with excellent regulation.
The L2P 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), 2 lanyards, and
a belt sheath with the light is just icing on the cake.
Update Note: Many people who enjoy
the Fenix brand lights wanted a 123A powered light.
In response, Fenix-Store has made a very nice custom
123A body for the L2P if you would like this as
an option.
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