Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - fenix l2d permium

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so i finally pulled the trigger and order one of these lights along with the handlebar mount!!! i'll be sure to post a review when i get it! Thanks again to varuscelli for all his help in helpin me to select the light
varuscelli
09-23-07, 08:35 PM
Well, you're welcome. :)
But I got most of my direction/information from others here on this site and on the CandlePower Forums.
Zero_Enigma was the one who first suggested Fenix to me. Thus, if our lights explode or do something else improbable, we can wave our pitchforks and flaming torches in the air and storm his place... ;)
Zero_Enigma
09-24-07, 12:39 PM
Well, you're welcome. :)
But I got most of my direction/information from others here on this site and on the CandlePower Forums.
Zero_Enigma was the one who first suggested Fenix to me. Thus, if our lights explode or do something else improbable, we can't wave our pitchforks and flaming torches in the air and storm his place... ;)
Thanks for reminding me again to buy a 'laser' *pinky to the mouth* and a 'rocket' mobil *pinky to the mouth* just incase. ;) :D Then I shall demand *pause* 'one meeeeeeeeeellion dollars'. Muhahahahaha!! :o:D
Anyways, ride safe and within your limits. No point impressing the girl when you're road rashed on the ground outside of your skill level. :o:rolleyes:
icedmocha
09-24-07, 01:18 PM
I think I'll be ordering one of these as well. They are much cheaper than alternatives. Where did you order from?
varuscelli
09-24-07, 01:32 PM
I think I'll be ordering one of these as well. They are much cheaper than alternatives. Where did you order from?
I got mine from www.fenix-store.com
dekindy
09-24-07, 02:16 PM
If you want to helmet mount, how do you determine whether to order a bikeblock or fishblock? I am looking at my helmet vents and trying to determine what angle each block would give me and am not sure how to judge which vent/block to order.
varuscelli
09-24-07, 02:29 PM
If you want to helmet mount, how do you determine whether to order a bikeblock or fishblock? I am looking at my helmet vents and trying to determine what angle each block would give me and am not sure how to judge which vent/block to order.
Got a photo of the top of your helmet?
The way my helmet is configured (it's a Bell Variant) it's more suited to a bikeblock. BUT! The bikeblocks are not made to accommodate as relatively much of quick release as the lockblocks are (at least it doesn't seem that way), since with the bikeblock you're dealing with one very long Velcro strip. I think you could just trim down the length of Velcro on the bikeblock and make it more user friendly to attach. I know with my helmet and the way the vents are I can get away with either the bikeblock or the lockblock. But truthfully, I think that both stick up much farther than necessary.
socalrider's solution of the zefal doodad is I think offers more of a low profile. But I'm also seeing people use simple Velcro strips and fat rubber bands in what seems a pretty effective -- and low profile -- manner.
icedmocha
09-24-07, 02:55 PM
Are you using the bikeblock off of the cree stores website?
varuscelli
09-24-07, 03:19 PM
Are you using the bikeblock off of the cree stores website?
I'm using the ones from www.fenix-store.com
I've personally not settled into anything permanent, though. Still experimenting around with options to see what I like best and what works best for me. I'm not just thrilled with the bikeblocks and helmet light mounts for a couple of reasons, but I can always use them for something else. Ideally (and probably like most everyone else) I want something that's low profile, quick and easy to mount and unmount, and that holds the light as securely as possible.
dekindy
09-24-07, 03:36 PM
Got a photo of the top of your helmet?
The way my helmet is configured (it's a Bell Variant) it's more suited to a bikeblock. BUT! The bikeblocks are not made to accommodate as relatively much of quick release as the lockblocks are (at least it doesn't seem that way), since with the bikeblock you're dealing with one very long Velcro strip. I think you could just trim down the length of Velcro on the bikeblock and make it more user friendly to attach. I know with my helmet and the way the vents are I can get away with either the bikeblock or the lockblock. But truthfully, I think that both stick up much farther than necessary.
socalrider's solution of the zefal doodad is I think offers more of a low profile. But I'm also seeing people use simple Velcro strips and fat rubber bands in what seems a pretty effective -- and low profile -- manner.
I have the Bell Sweep R or I could take a digital photograph of the top of the helmet.
i have the bell sweep r as well...so im kind of interested as in what to use...i just ordered the bike/helmet mount on the fenix site...so i can let you know how i t works when it comes in
varuscelli
09-24-07, 08:25 PM
I would think on the Bell Sweep R helmets that if you are choosing between the bikeblock and the lockblock, the bikeblock is the seemingly best fit (based on the appearance of the helmet). The tips of the U-joint on both the bikeblocks and the lockblocks are very flexible, but the bikeblocks have a larger "U" to start with so would likely more easily conform to spanning a larger segment of helmet (which looks like the case with the Bell Sweep center-of-helmet area).
I guess I should try and take a few close-up shots of both the bikeblock and lockblock as attached to my own helmet (close up enough to see the details of the straps, etc.). That might be a good visual to add to my "already too many photos" site. ;)
dekindy
09-24-07, 09:00 PM
I would think on the Bell Sweep R helmets that if you are choosing between the bikeblock and the lockblock, the bikeblock is the seemingly best fit (based on the appearance of the helmet). The tips of the U-joint on both the bikeblocks and the lockblocks are very flexible, but the bikeblocks have a larger "U" to start with so would likely more easily conform to spanning a larger segment of helmet (which looks like the case with the Bell Sweep center-of-helmet area).
I guess I should try and take a few close-up shots of both the bikeblock and lockblock as attached to my own helmet (close up enough to see the details of the straps, etc.). That might be a good visual to add to my "already too many photos" site. ;)
I was leaning toward the bikeblock and I am glad to have your opinion. Thanks.
dekindy
09-24-07, 09:01 PM
i have the bell sweep r as well...so im kind of interested as in what to use...i just ordered the bike/helmet mount on the fenix site...so i can let you know how i t works when it comes in
Which version did you order?
i ordered the Fenix Digital L2D RB100 Black Premium 100 and the TwoFish Lockblocks
dekindy
09-25-07, 06:05 AM
i ordered the Fenix Digital L2D RB100 Black Premium 100 and the TwoFish Lockblocks
I am anxious to hear your report. I found the Princeton Tec Switchback 3 on closeout at Colorado Cyclist for $219. I was seriously considering going with 3 of these flashlights until I saw that. I think the price is pretty close to the same for both configurations. Except a replacement battery is over $100. Hopefully the battery will last long enough for technology to advance and get a more modern setup when the battery dies.
john bono
09-25-07, 07:19 AM
I am anxious to hear your report. I found the Princeton Tec Switchback 3 on closeout at Colorado Cyclist for $219. I was seriously considering going with 3 of these flashlights until I saw that. I think the price is pretty close to the same for both configurations. Except a replacement battery is over $100. Hopefully the battery will last long enough for technology to advance and get a more modern setup when the battery dies.
I have both. Whether or not you want to go with the l2d v. a switchback 3 depends on what is more important. 2 L2ds have roughly the same output as one SB3. However, factoring in batteries and charger, 2 l2ds is slightly less expense, and 3 slightly moreso. The fenix lights have nowhere near the battery life of the SB, and SB comes with both car and AC chargers, plus the bar mount for the SB3 is much better than the lockblocks(though there are other options as well). If you don't expect to ride more than two hours past dusk or before dawn, get the fenixs. If you plan on riding well into the night, get the sb3.
varuscelli
09-25-07, 07:53 AM
i ordered the Fenix Digital L2D RB100 Black Premium 100 and the TwoFish Lockblocks
I think with the lockblocks you might be able to get it to span that rather long center section on the Bell Sweep R, but it looks like it might be quite a stretch (remember, the lockblocks and bikeblocks are oriented in different directions -- lockblocks for perpendicular, bikeblocks for parallel). If you have any trouble getting the lockblock to go across that center span, then then you might be able to use it a bit off center and slightly to one side of the helmet where the spans between the vents are not so wide. With the lockblock, you have to set it up from the get-go pointing in the correct direction since you can't adjust it much at all once secured into place (it's the same with the bikeblock, but I think the bikeblock is probably going to be easier to set up with the Bell Sweep R). Also, you could slightly modify the rubber U-joints on a lockblock by shaving/cutting a bit of the rubber tips off the bottom U and force it to conform to the helmet shape.
icedmocha
09-25-07, 09:29 AM
Ordered the L2d and lockblocks.
is it ok to run the flash light in turbo mode during my whole ride? my usual night rides are and hour to 1.5 hours
varuscelli
09-25-07, 09:59 AM
is it ok to run the flash light in turbo mode during my whole ride? my usual night rides are and hour to 1.5 hours
Personally, I don't think there's any harm in that. Night air, speed of bike -- it makes for a wind-cooled fan effect that I think will not let the light truly overheat. I think the only danger would be *possibly* if you came to a complete stop somewhere and let your lights continue to shine in turbo mode for long stretches of time. In the Fenix instruction manual it warns against extended use of turbo mode "under high ambient temperatures." Unfortunately, they don't define what they consider "high ambient temperatures," so it's left to the user's imagination. I'd imagine that on your average night in most reasonable locations, you're not going to have high ambient temps. AND you're going to be riding, so the relatively cool night air will be even cooler. That's the way I see it, but then again I'm no lighting engineer either. ;)
Zero_Enigma
09-25-07, 12:30 PM
I think I'll be ordering one of these as well. They are much cheaper than alternatives. Where did you order from?
Iced,
Use coupon code 'preorder10' at Fenix Store for 10% off your order on the items that say pre-order. I know it's past the pre-order stage but the coupon still works and that's about $7 off on the flashlight. That coupon is only good on pre-order items.
For regular items you can use 'cpf8' for the 8% discount on all items even the pre-order items if you missed the pre-order time or the pre-order status has been removed.
icedmocha
09-25-07, 02:55 PM
Argh! I ordered this morning and looked for coupons but found none:( Thanks anyway though:)
varuscelli
09-25-07, 03:27 PM
Argh! I ordered this morning and looked for coupons but found none:( Thanks anyway though:)
Write 'em and tell 'em you're really distressed about it and they might set you up. ;)
Zero_Enigma
09-25-07, 06:07 PM
Argh! I ordered this morning and looked for coupons but found none:( Thanks anyway though:)
Call them up or write them. If they won't issue you the 10% then go with the guarnteed 8% discount. I tried the 10% coupon a couple days ago out of curiosity and it worked. Technically, they could refuse you the 10% because you did not enter it purchase time but if they had good business sense knowing the goodness of thier products I'm sure they'll give you the 10% or at worst 8% knowing that most poeple that like the lights will buy again for gifts/spare or accessories to make the product more useful/versatile.
If they don't give you any discount tell them CPF will come knocking on thier door and paint all thier lights HOT NEON GLOW IN THE DARK PINK!! :D:p:D
icedmocha
09-28-07, 12:54 PM
Thus far no reply from the company. It has only been three days though.
dekindy
09-28-07, 02:07 PM
i ordered the Fenix Digital L2D RB100 Black Premium 100 and the TwoFish Lockblocks
Have you received and tested it yet?
just took it out for my first ride today...it is super bright! I had it on with my nitro xm 10 watt light and it is just as bright as that! it's just whiter than the halogen light! I love thise flashlight though! I know there are times when my ride runs a little long and it starts to get dark and i am stuck with no light because i cant exactly carry my other light and battery around but the flashlight just slips right into my saddle bag! here are some of the pics...sorry i am no a photographer by any means but here are some pics!
this is my cygolite nitro xm 10 watt
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/Plow13/P9280003.jpg
this is the fenix l2d premium 100
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/Plow13/P9280005.jpg
this is them together (the fenix is not in turbo mode...i think it was in the lowest setting)...i just hurried up and snapped a pic so they aren't quite angled right for riding yet
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/Plow13/P9280002.jpg
this is a photo that i snapped going about 16-17mph and this is just the fenix l2d
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/Plow13/P9280009.jpg
and here is a picture of me =)
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/Plow13/P9280006.jpg
dekindy
09-29-07, 10:44 AM
Plow13 - Wow! Thanks for the photos! Nice LeMond!
Are the two shots with the Fenix by itself both in turbo mode?
Were all the shots with the Fenix on the bar? You bought the TwoFish Lockblocks so unless you already have something else I am assuming that's where it would go. That's what it looks like but just wanted to confirm. Will the TwoFish fit your helmet?
sorry for the late reply but the lockblocks dont work at all with the bell sweep r...
varuscelli
10-02-07, 08:54 PM
sorry for the late reply but the lockblocks dont work at all with the bell sweep r...
It's still possible that you could use it. I can't remember which thread I saw this in, but one thread either here or on the CandlePower Forums showed where one of the guys had cut away part of the U on the bottom of the lockblock to make it conform to his helmet. I'll bet you could do that with the lockblock you have if you wanted to experiment with it. Wish I could remember the thread so I could point you to it, but I can't seem to find it at the moment.
icedmocha
10-09-07, 02:25 PM
fwiw, they sent me a voucher for the difference.
varuscelli
10-09-07, 05:43 PM
Lockblocks work best on my daughter's Giro helmet and bikeblocks work best on my Bell helmet. Maybe I'll post some photos of both to help folks get an idea of which might work best for their own helmets -- for those who think they want to use one or the other but aren't sure which to choose. I'll go through this exercise for purely humanitarian reasons. :rolleyes:
dekindy
10-10-07, 07:34 AM
sorry for the late reply but the lockblocks dont work at all with the bell sweep r...
Thanks a lot. What did not work about them?
Does that mean the bikeblocks will not work either?
varuscelli
10-10-07, 08:42 AM
Thanks a lot. What did not work about them?
Does that mean the bikeblocks will not work either?
It might be slightly out of place for me to answer this one since I'm not the one who owns the helmet in question (the Bell Sweep R), but I can tell from the design of that helmet that a bikeblock (and not a lockblock) would be most appropriate for it. From what I can see of the design of the Bell Sweep R, a bikeblock should work just fine.
I will also warn, though, that from my own experience, bikeblocks are not as convenient to mount to helmets as lockblocks. Both will mount very securely to helmets (but you have to choose the right one for the each helmet based on the helmet's design). Both are relatively tall in profile (not really desirable but plenty workable). The bikeblock, when used with a helmet, is somewhat cumbersome to attach/detach unless you cut off some of the excess Velcro strap.
If you are going to use a bikeblock on a helmet, unless you are going to leave it on the helmet permanently, you will find that because of the length of the Velcro strip it is a rather clumsy process to initially mount and to remove it from the helmet -- and because of the Velcro strap length the light will not release quickly as it will with a lockblock. The workarounds are to shorten the Velcro or be creative about how you wrap the Velcro to the helmet.
I use one of these (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=2258) to secure my Fenix to my helmet, with the wrist strap looped around the back vents for security and tension. Works pretty well. If you buy 40 of them now you even get 20% off :-P
Ari
dekindy
10-22-07, 08:32 PM
Anyone tried the 2LD-CE Cree version instead of the Rebel. I saw a comment on the candlepower forum that the Cree at 135 lumens had a brighter and whiter light than the slightly yellow light Rebel LED. Anybody here with experience? Do I know what I am talking about?
varuscelli
10-22-07, 10:53 PM
Anyone tried the 2LD-CE Cree version instead of the Rebel. I saw a comment on the candlepower forum that the Cree at 135 lumens had a brighter and whiter light than the slightly yellow light Rebel LED. Anybody here with experience? Do I know what I am talking about?
Just a comment. My impression based on the L2D Premium 100s I have -- and comments from other users -- is that the Rebel LEDs tend to come in a variety of tints. I have two that are more whitish and one that is more yellowish. I think the Rebels can also run toward bluish and greenish (trying to recall what others have written about them).
That doesn't really answer your question, but it's something to take into consideration when thinking/talking about the Rebel LEDs. They don't seem to be overly consistent in tint.
Edit: I don't think it would be accurate the call the Cree a brighter light than the Rebel. My understanding is that the Rebel (labeled at 175 lumens) is brighter than the Cree (at 135 lumens) regardless of whatever tint the particular Rebel leans toward. I have only the Rebels, though, so can't offer a first-hand opinion even based on visual comparison.
dekindy
10-23-07, 04:32 AM
Just a comment. My impression based on the L2D Premium 100s I have -- and comments from other users -- is that the Rebel LEDs tend to come in a variety of tints. I have two that are more whitish and one that is more yellowish. I think the Rebels can also run toward bluish and greenish (trying to recall what others have written about them).
That doesn't really answer your question, but it's something to take into consideration when thinking/talking about the Rebel LEDs. They don't seem to be overly consistent in tint.
Why does everyone, at least on this forum, seem to be picking the Rebel over the Cree? Is it the LED, features of the particular flashlight, etc.?
I just got the Fenix L2D Rebel 100 version. The color is more of a slight greenish - yellowish color than my Dinotte 200L which has a blue - white tint. But both are fine.
It's been raining, so these are just first impressions, before trying the fenix on a ride.
I'm going to use rubber bands. I loop one end around the flashlight, pass it through two vents, and loop the other end around the flashlight. I have a small piece of water pipe insulation to prop up the front end a bit. I happened to have a center vent that cradles the flashlight.
The Fenix hot spot is narrower than my Dinotte, and the spill light is much narrower, too, with a definite cutoff at the edge of the spill light. It has a even beam with no rings, and the hotspot nicely fades at the edge.This is going to work great as a helmet light. The Dinotte is a great bike light, but I was limited in speed turning into cross streets -- they were outside the light beam. Even my $10.00 LED headlight was helpful to light up turns, but not bright enough, and too much of a spot beam.
A headlight is really helpful for sharp turns, for lighting up way off the side of the road ( I was looking for dogs or deer ) and for putting more light on some unusual spot on the road -- a possible pothole or debris.
The hot spots on the Dinotte and the Fenix are comparable in brightness when the Fenix is on turbo mode. It appears that the newer Fenix lights can run a long time on turbo without overheating. I tried mine for at least a half hour on turbo; it was quite warm to the touch, but not excessively hot. The Dinotte has to have air flow to run on high, otherwise it overheats after 10 minutes and changes to low temporarily. So the Fenix should have no problems staying on turbo. I think the previous generation Fenix lights put out more heat, so they had more problems on turbo.
I had AA rechargeables already, so the Dinotte was 150.00 with free freight, and the Fenix was 57.50 with a discount coupon.
Anyone tried the 2LD-CE Cree version instead of the Rebel. I saw a comment on the candlepower forum that the Cree at 135 lumens had a brighter and whiter light than the slightly yellow light Rebel LED. Anybody here with experience? Do I know what I am talking about?
I own the Fenix L2D CE Cree light, been using it for the last few months.
It is very nicely made, 135 lumen, very white light. Too white IMO, i prefer the more yellow light of an overvolted Halogen. I think it gives shadows more definition.
right now I'd suggest the L2D CE, 175 lumen Rebel light if you want 2xAA.
I just ordered 2 Fenix P3D Premium, 215 lumen Cree lights, and rechargable cr123a's to go along with them. 430 lumen total, baby!! will post shots.
rayfrady
10-23-07, 12:03 PM
Has anyone here tried the P3D? I see it puts out a little more light.
diesel_dad
10-23-07, 03:59 PM
Has anyone here tried the P3D? I see it puts out a little more light.
The big drawback for the P3D is that it does not run well off of rechargeables. Apparently it will not work with 17670 or 18650 rechargeables.
The are lots of other comparable lights that run fine off of 18650s with runtime of 3 or 4 hours.
rayfrady
10-23-07, 10:14 PM
The big drawback for the P3D is that it does not run well off of rechargeables. Apparently it will not work with 17670 or 18650 rechargeables.
The are lots of other comparable lights that run fine off of 18650s with runtime of 3 or 4 hours.
Thanks I appreciate the reply.
Have a good night,
Ray
sj_roadie
10-24-07, 02:18 PM
Yeah, I recently was debating the merits of getting the P3D or the L2D. I decided to go with the L2D for ease of using AA, went ahead and bought the Cree Q5 L2D and am waiting for it to ship. Can't wait!
varuscelli
10-24-07, 04:06 PM
Yeah, I recently was debating the merits of getting the P3D or the L2D. I decided to go with the L2D for ease of using AA, went ahead and bought the Cree Q5 L2D and am waiting for it to ship. Can't wait!
Yeah, a big factor in my purchase of three L2D Premium 100s was the convenience of AA. I've got fantastic AA chargers and the AA rechargeable technology is really great. Lots of bang for the buck and the lights have lots of power. I don't mind very much that these flashlights are longer than a single-battery unit would be -- at least, not for my uses -- and the slightly larger size is more than balanced out by the power and run time.
I mean, so what if it looks like I have artillery sticking up from my helmet? :p
varuscelli
10-24-07, 04:14 PM
Why does everyone, at least on this forum, seem to be picking the Rebel over the Cree? Is it the LED, features of the particular flashlight, etc.?
It puts out more light (that was my reason, anyway). Costs a few dollars more, but it's brighter.
varuscelli
10-24-07, 04:54 PM
right now I'd suggest the L2D CE, 175 lumen Rebel light if you want 2xAA.
So it doesn't cause confusion, I think what you meant was to suggest the L2D Premium 100 (not the L2D CE). The Premium 100 version (Rebel LED) is the 175 lumen light, the CE version (Cree LED) is 135 lumens. ;)
At least, I'm pretty sure that's right (despite the description on the Fenix-Store.com page for the L2D Premium where it partially describes it as the "L2D CD," which I think is just a typo carry-over from the previous L2D CE description). Can't believe they haven't fixed that yet.
My apologies if I'm wrong...
balto charlie
10-25-07, 07:09 AM
is it ok to run the flash light in turbo mode during my whole ride? my usual night rides are and hour to 1.5 hours
This is an excellent question. How long and at what temperature!! I have had run times approaching 30 minutes w/ no problems. I ride in the 'burbs so have few stops. I check the temp of the light and it never feels real hot only lukewarm. I guess this is OK. I hope to test it out for longer times in the near future. Anyone else have longer than 30 minute rides with it in turbo mode? I guess we'll be the testing ground. On a side note: A computer will overheat if not for the fans. Our bicycling speed will be our fans...makes sense to me. Charlie
PS post up if you have ridden it in turbo for longer than 30 min.
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