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The Fenix L2P v2.0 is the replacement for the now discontinued
L2P. It uses a Luxeon LED for illumination, is powered
with simple, easy to find AA alkaline or rechargeable
cells, and is small and lightweight. The new version
has two levels of output selected in a manner similar
to the L2T.
Body: The body of the Fenix L2P v2.0 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 v2.0 includes
a coated glass lens, a metal reflector, a Luxeon 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 testing was done with AA Rayovac
Alkaline cells. Output is very good. The beam is very
smooth with a brighter center and a wide soft spillbeam.
"High" level output is very similar to the
original L2P.
Two levels of output can be selected. To use low output,
loosen the head slightly and output drops. Tighten the
head again for high output mode. Dimming the light does
not result in any flickering of the LED as would be
seen with a PWM circuit.
The white light produced by the LED is a high color
temperature and produces good color rendition weighted
toward the middle of the spectrum. A very slight greenish
tint was detectable when compared against a near sunlight-white
source, but yours will likely be different. Such is
the nature of Luxeon LEDs...
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: (coming soon... well... eventually...)
The rating for this light is conditional on good runtime
data. I don't expect any surprises in this area, but
I've been wrong before.
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 wrist lanyard, and a belt
sheath.
What I Liked: Waterproof, Tough/impact
resistant, Good battery life, Bright, Easy battery change,
Lightweight, Stands up, two output levels.
What I Didn't Like: Nothing at
all.
Picky Little Things: None.
Conclusions: The Fenix L2P v2.0
is a great little light and a good replacement for the
L2P. I only wish it were using the new Cree LEDs like
the latest Fenix lights, but it'll do nicely for general
purpose tasks. Using a simple and inexpensive AA alkaline,
or rechargeable NiMH, you get great light output. Lithium
AA cells will provide longer output along with cold
weather resistance.
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China