Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - FENIX users - runtime and chargers

With all the flurry on the boards about how "awesome" these FENIX flashlights are for biking etc., let's get some cold hard opinions and experience on how they're working out.

1) RAVES (be brief)
We all know from the rave reviews how awesome these things are for price/weight/power. No need for me to expound on that here - I wholly agree that they're worth every penny and then some. There are dozens of raves on this thing as of late, but very few honest assessments of their limitations.

2) RUNTIME
Seems to be short. Not terrible, but about 1 hr on turbo mode. Anybody have any experience with "hi" or "med" modes and experience much differently?

How are you all managing runtime? Are you switching out AAs near an hour, or do you change modes to conserve battery life. Or do you just shut the thing off when you're on lit streets?


2) CHARGERS / BATTERIES
What chargers are you all using? I'm interested in a charger that will charge about 8 or more AAs simultaneously. (I'm currently using a 4 x AA cheapo that came with the Duracells that I'm using.) Also, any preferred NiMH battery types (or ones to avoid?)

Also, how are you all managing your AAs? (How many do you have on-hand, while riding, and how many at home. Do you recharge after EVERY ride?)


3) PROBLEMS / ANNOYANCES
Anybody have any annoying problems with these in use? I think the "jiggling" of the mount has been mentioned a few times, as well as the short runtime. I, for one, am annoyed at the lack of a lower-powered strobe mode. It seems like overkill to run turbo-strobe in the black of evening, and I think it can potentially be annoying to drivers as well as pedestrians. I switch to non-strobe at this time, but I really do think that the strobe effect is very eye-catching and effective, and wish I could choose to strobe at lower intensity (but same frequency). . The slow blinking mode is so useless that I think it's dangerous in traffic. (I know, I know, it's at "morse code" speed, but come on - who the heck are your "morsing" out there?!)

I also find the low powers on this flashlight to be useless and wish they were outright removed. I spent $50 on this flashlight because it is a hi-output (and hi-drain) beast, and have no desire whatsoever to use it on low as an overpriced substitute my $2 Walmart flashlight. Even if I weren't a biker, I'd never use this mode, since there are so much smaller and cheaper alternatives for low powered-lighting options. If the modes were just TURBO, TURBO-strobe, HI, HI-strobe, this would be perfect for me.

One surprising phenomena that I also noticed that since the FENIX is highly focused, you have to be very careful to make sure lateral approaching cars notice you. I find that with the power of the FENIX, you can get lulled into believing that everyone sees you, which they do as long as they're in the tight illumination cone. I'm still surprised at how focally I need to aim this light while helmet-mounted to properly get the attention of side-approaching motorists to actually get their attention. A quick "look to the right" doesn't suffice - there's not enough spill coverage to ensure that a nondirected flash will land in their eyes. I have to literally aim this thing into the drivers seat (which stops 'em cold.)

Lastly, I HATE the "spin the bevel" to toggle TURBO mode vs Hi mode. I feel that all mode switching should be done thru the rear button, which works great. Spinning the bevel often requires two hands. With gloves on it can be challenging while on a bike, even while stopped.

I have been getting about 2hrs using Eveready 2500mAh batteries and I use a LaCrosse BC-900 charger. I don't commute but do training rides after work so my lights are on about 1/2 of my ride or 30min a day. I recharge once a week.

...There are dozens of raves on this thing as of late, but very few honest assessments of their limitations.

-- hey, be nice. What, don't you trust everything you read??:rolleyes:

2) RUNTIME
Seems to be short. Not terrible, but about 1 hr on turbo mode. Anybody have any experience with "hi" or "med" modes and experience much differently?

How are you all managing runtime? Are you switching out AAs near an hour, or do you change modes to conserve battery life. Or do you just shut the thing off when you're on lit streets?

-- runtime on Turbo is about 2hrs on the 2xAA rechargeable lights (l2d premium). Runtime on Turbo is around 70min on the 2xcr123 light (i.e. p3d premium). The P3D will get about 2hrs on Turbo with non-rechargeable cells.

my commute is about 50-60 min total, so i start with a fresh set of batts every morning & make the r/t without issue, on Turbo the entire time. I do carry a spare set of "primary" non-rechargeable cr123a's just in case.

I have used HI for longer rides. with 2 lights, it's still well over 200 total lumens on Hi, "good enough" if you need the runtime - as much or more light than a single Dinotte 200l.

2) CHARGERS / BATTERIES
What chargers are you all using? I'm interested in a charger that will charge about 8 or more AAs simultaneously. (I'm currently using a 4 x AA cheapo that came with the Duracells that I'm using.) Also, any preferred NiMH battery types (or ones to avoid?)

Also, how are you all managing your AAs? (How many do you have on-hand, while riding, and how many at home. Do you recharge after EVERY ride?)

--most charges handle 2-4 cells at a time so you may need 2 chargers. I use a nice 2 cell charger, the one Fenix sells. I have a routine: get home & swap the cells in the Left light with fresh ones out of the charger. wake up in the AM and swap the cells in the Right light with fresh ones out of the charger. This way, starting each AM, I have a fresh set of 4 batteries. it would be easier if i had a 4-cell charger but swapping cells is an easy habit to get into and takes like 20 sec.

3) PROBLEMS / ANNOYANCES
Anybody have any annoying problems with these in use? I think the "jiggling" of the mount has been mentioned a few times, as well as the short runtime. I, for one, am annoyed at the lack of a lower-powered strobe mode. It seems like overkill to run turbo-strobe in the black of evening, and I think it can potentially be annoying to drivers as well as pedestrians. I switch to non-strobe at this time, but I really do think that the strobe effect is very eye-catching and effective, and wish I could choose to strobe at lower intensity (but same frequency). . The slow blinking mode is so useless that I think it's dangerous in traffic. (I know, I know, it's at "morse code" speed, but come on - who the heck are your "morsing" out there?!)

--i use the Fishblocks, no jiggling, very solid. i care not for Strobe abilities.

I also find the low powers on this flashlight to be useless and wish they were outright removed. I spent $50 on this flashlight because it is a hi-output (and hi-drain) beast, and have no desire whatsoever to use it on low as an overpriced substitute my $2 Walmart flashlight. Even if I weren't a biker, I'd never use this mode, since there are so much smaller and cheaper alternatives for low powered-lighting options. If the modes were just TURBO, TURBO-strobe, HI, HI-strobe, this would be perfect for me.

--sorry, take it up with Fenix. I occasionally use the lo modes when it's dusky or cloudy or I'm actually using it as a flashlight.

One surprising phenomena that I also noticed that since the FENIX is highly focused, you have to be very careful to make sure lateral approaching cars notice you. I find that with the power of the FENIX, you can get lulled into believing that everyone sees you, which they do as long as they're in the tight illumination cone. I'm still surprised at how focally I need to aim this light while helmet-mounted to properly get the attention of side-approaching motorists to actually get their attention. A quick "look to the right" doesn't suffice - there's not enough spill coverage to ensure that a nondirected flash will land in their eyes. I have to literally aim this thing into the drivers seat (which stops 'em cold.)

--never had that problem yet - I have 2 on the bars and side-approaching cars see me. No issues. fwiw... not much...

Lastly, I HATE the "spin the bevel" to toggle TURBO mode vs Hi mode. I feel that all mode switching should be done thru the rear button, which works great. Spinning the bevel often requires two hands. With gloves on it can be challenging while on a bike, even while stopped.[/QUOTE]

--tricky trick: clamp the light in the BEVEL, not the body. then spin the body. Much easier. I had the same issue & it's much improved this way. even with winter gloves, at speed, i can do it w/o stress.

1) RAVES (be brief)
At least it stays on when I turn it on. Unlike my $@*#()@#*() dinotte 4AA but that is going in another thread.

2) RUNTIME
Before winter came along I could do my whole commute on turbo mode, I mostly did it on med/high though and it lasted both way that way. Now with the cold I actually had to swap batteries twice on a 5 hour ride when I had it on strobe for the day and turbo when it started getting dark.

2) CHARGERS / BATTERIES
For my wife's I use Hybrid batteries because she also uses it as a flashlight for work (animal control officer) The energizers and a couple other brands die way to quick if you don't use it within a few days. Her commute is so short it'll only be used 10-15 minutes a day for her bicycle and then it's strapped to her hip.
I used an old smart charger that charges from 1-10 batteries. It was really good when I bought it 8 years ago so I probably need to upgrade. It is taking way too long to charge higher capacity cells.

I notice the cold is really hurting runtimes. I know cold affects batteries and all that but if I use turbo I'd have to switch half way through my commute. I think I need to get a little fenix cozy to keep it warm for the winter.

3) PROBLEMS / ANNOYANCES
"I have to literally aim this thing into the drivers seat (which stops 'em cold.)"
Just make sure you don't do that to a cop or someone who might call one. Have you shined the fenix directly into your eyes when you were operating a 2 ton vehicle? I think the fenix is a to see light not a be seen light.

The bevel was a pain till I tried acroy's trick. The batteries are a bit of a pain to get out. Way too many threads on the back of the flashlight ;)

I use my Fenix L2D Q5 on my helmet with a BikeBlock. I use it on turbo when it's dark and on strobe in traffic. It generates great visibility and I have never had a complaint.

Helmet lights are less obnoxious than handlebar lights since they are naturally angled down and you can turn your head away from someone to avoid blinding them.

The use Sanyo 2700 mah batteries from Thomas Distributing with a Maha C-9000 charger. I get around 2 hours and 20 minutes with these batteries, which are the highest tested capacity battery on the market today.

I also use a Dinotte 600L and 140-A on my handlebars and a Dinotte taillight combined with a PlanetBike Superflash or a Blackburn Mars 2.0 on the rear. I am well lit.

No matter how you use these lights, take care to aim them down and slightly to the right or you could end up causing an accident instead of avoiding one.

No limitations that I can see other than having the proper mount for your application. I use a twofish bikeblock mount on my helmet. Some long for a little more focused beam and less spill, but I think it is fine just the way it is. It is broader than a 2-lane country road and plenty of beam for me. I have not used it on the bars but my buddy has and he is pleased with the twofish lockblock mount. He was hoping to spend $400 or less for new lights and has a fenix on the bar and one on the helmet for about a third of that budget.

I attached the lanyard to mine so that I would not lose the tailcap if I have to change batteries on the road. It gets twisted and makes it a little akward to unscrew the tailcap and tighten it. I think this is a good trade-off to avoid having to search for the tailcap on the ground if I drop it.

L2D CE Q5 with 2650 Duracell rechargeables consistently get 2-hr runtime in 30 degreee fahrenheit weather in turbo mode. My buddy is getting the same results.

The Ray-O-Vac PS3 charger is an advanced dumb charger and Maha makes various 8-battery chargers that are basic,cheaper or expensive,advanced feature models. Thomas Distributing's website is a good place to view and purcchase them. Powerizer and Maha are the same and Powerizer can be purchased at a retail Batteries Plus.

Sanyo, Duracell, and Powerizer are all high quality battery brands.

Fenix flashlights are as visible or more visible than any bicycle specific light.

I've got the L2D Premium model, and I've been using it since August. I generally run mine on the highest non-turbo setting. It's almost as bright as turbo and I don't have to worry about run time. I easily get over 4 hours of runtime on the high setting. The batteries I normally use are Sanyo 2700, which are about the highest rated AA rechargeables. I bought a quick charger from the place I got the batteries, www.batteriesamerica.com (http://www.batteriesamerica.com). They have a special where you can buy a charger and 4 Sanyo batteries for about $25-30. The Sanyos are great batteries and I wish I had bought more of them at the time. I've also got some Duracell 2650 and Rayovac 2500 batteries that work well, but don't last as long as the Sanyos.

My main suggestions for improving the Fenix would be:
-- Add a real flash mode in non-turbo setting; the SOS is useless unless lost on a desert island.
-- Add a low battery indicator.
-- Make is simpler to switch on/off the turbo mode.

I don't mind the lower power modes and find them useful when using the light around the house.

I have had the best results using aa batteries with Duracell 2650's nimh.. For RCR123's, I use AW rechargeables that can be bought from the fenis-store website..

The best source period for real runtimes is: http://lights.chevrofreak.com/runtimes/

You can look and see what runtimes he gets from alkalines, nimh and lithiums and at a variety of modes, low, med high and turbo..

[QUOTE=agarose2000;5848236]With all the flurry on the boards about how "awesome" these FENIX flashlights are for biking etc., let's get some cold hard opinions and experience on how they're working out.

1) RAVES (be brief)

I like mine.

2) RUNTIME

I only run it on HI...2hrs and change...

2) CHARGERS / BATTERIES

Duracells/ Ray-o-vac/ Sanyo Endloops + cheap charger ....all work well...with bit of an edge going to Dura...

I have two 4 batt chargers...Charge two sets when I get home...wake up and charge another two sets...get home and go for a ride...do all over again...


3) PROBLEMS / ANNOYANCES
On really really bad roads there is a bit of a vibration effect...not much there...In the rain the bikelocks get slippery and I have to keep an eye on them..


I got two L2D CE Q5...I would be happy with just that if that is all I could get...but I also have 3 200ls...

I am in love with the L2D CE Q5 and it works really well with the 200ls...most of the time I run the 200ls on med power and run the L2D CE Q5 off in the city as I can see with all the lights around me...but when I get out into the dark roads the L2D CE Q5s go on and bam...nutty amount of light...I keep the 200ls on med to get a good run time...

Even if I weren't a biker, I'd never use this mode, since there are so much smaller and cheaper alternatives for low powered-lighting options. If the modes were just TURBO, TURBO-strobe, HI, HI-strobe, this would be perfect for me.
I HATE the "spin the bevel" to toggle TURBO mode vs Hi mode. I feel that all mode switching should be done thru the rear button, which works great. Spinning the bevel often requires two hands. With gloves on it can be challenging while on a bike, even while stopped.
Absolutely agree here, it's obvious that Fenix is not a bike dedicated tool but rather an ultra portable hand-survival tool to get you out of unexpected trouble. They made it feathery light-some models are nano-compact- and have given it features totally useless to road cycling, like mors mode, bevel switching, no spill beam etc.
I can only imagine a hardcore night trail rider in big trouble needing the long running survival modes and not a roadie or commuter.. But on the other hand such a spotty beam can be of no help on a trail unless it's accessory to a serious lighting.
My initial experience with P2D is a letdown considering runtime- battery cost so i'm expecting an L2D battery compartment anyday that'll make it more functional for my usual 2-hour rides. One great thing though is the zero weight and minimal looks on my helmet, mounted with Zefal Doodad.
I have to support you in believing it's not the next big thing in bike lights, no matter how big the fan club..

Absolutely agree here, it's obvious that Fenix is not a bike dedicated tool but rather an ultra portable hand-survival tool to get you out of unexpected trouble. They made it feathery light-some models are nano-compact- and have given it features totally useless to road cycling, like mors mode, bevel switching, no spill beam etc.
I can only imagine a hardcore night trail rider in big trouble needing the long running survival modes and not a roadie or commuter.. But on the other hand such a spotty beam can be of no help on a trail unless it's accessory to a serious lighting.
My initial experience with P2D is a letdown considering runtime- battery cost so i'm expecting an L2D battery compartment anyday that'll make it more functional for my usual 2-hour rides. One great thing though is the zero weight and minimal looks on my helmet, mounted with Zefal Doodad.
I have to support you in believing it's not the next big thing in bike lights, no matter how big the fan club..

Huh? What are you saying here?

The fenix flashlights put out a lot of light for very little cost and can be adapted to either a bicycle helmet or handlebar application with some simple, inexpensive mounts. Why isn't it great? It will meet the need of a lot of cyclists and is versatile to be used as a flashlight. Sure, if you want to purchase a Lupine, Light and Motion, Niterider, etc for $100's more and that is what you need, go ahead. But this is a great solution for many serious cyclists. If I would have found this solution before I purchased other lights I would have saved a lot of money.

for commuting & road use I think the Fenix beam is awesome. for MTB, it is great on the helmet, but I do need more of a flood on the bars for the tighter trails. I have a 20degree 10watt halogen on the bars & the fenix on the helmet for mtb, and just dual fenix on the bars for commuting.

FWIW

Cheers