Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - My (COMPREHESIVE!) Ultrafire C3 Cree Q5 vs. Fenix L2D Premium Q5 Flashlight Review

I started a test with both on high mode, and at 2:30 the Ultrafire was in a reduced output mode, but the Fenix was still going strong on High.
....

Fenix's High mode is brighter than the Ultrafire's.

This is very interesting. The fenix is brighter for longer, and has a better beam colour. Is the fenix beam bigger on high too? These are both supposedly Q5?
Either the ultrafires are running poor drivers or poor LEDs... or both. Impossible to tell if your LEDs are Q5s looking at them ... until you compare with another Q5.
Putting a p3/p4 in saves a few dollars(significant in a 21$ light with free shipping) and its still an impressive light. I gave up ordering LEDs from these guys because you don't know what you're getting.
I have a bunch of cheap flashlights from DX and Kai. They are all mediocre quality (though I do like the single aaa buckle lights from Kai they are ok build and take up no room in the seatbag).

Regarding colour... On my helmet I switched from a minewtx2(very white) to a more yellow DIY (exact same colour as my bar lights) and it was a big improvement. The bar/helmet lights blend perfectly.

I did not want to be overly critical but that initial review had more holes than swiss cheese. To your credit, you kept an open mind and took suggestions and eventually reached the truth. I think we kept an open mind too but tempered with the proper skeptism. There have been many previous claims that did not stand up under scrutiny. It is likely that the competition will catch up and possibly produce a better quality light at a cheaper price than the Fenix. They are just not there yet.

The fenix lights are known for good quality builds and great regulation.. Some of the chinese lights are very hit and miss.. I am waiting for fenix to put out a p7 light, I'm sure it's in the future.. The P7 throws such a nice wide beam, it is ideal for bike riding.. The issue now is that they have a super bright high mode and a 30% of brightness medium mode.. I

Other reviewers and I have consistently experienced 2 hour+ run times using 2650 capacity batteries in high 20/low 30 Fahrenheit temperatures using turbo mode.

I just ordered eight 2650mAh Duracell rechargeables at $2.13 each shipped, so when they arrive, I'll see how they compare to the 83 cent 2600mAh Tenergy batteries I purchased.

I just ordered eight 2650mAh Duracell rechargeables at $2.13 each shipped, so when they arrive, I'll see how they compare to the 83 cent 2600mAh Tenergy batteries I purchased.

Can you post a link for that? I found a 4 pk of 2650s at Target yesterday for $12 and declined. However, I did find Sanyo 2000mAh Eneloops at hhgregg for $8 (and bought some).

I have some LaCrosse 2400 mAh and some Energizer 2500 mAh AAs in a refresh cycle on my BC-900 charger at a 500 mA discharge rate, and those babies are hot. I can hold my hand on the batteries for about 10 seconds before it gets uncomfortably warm.

Can you post a link for that?

eBay. I used a buy it now auction since the price seemed good to me. Checking closed auctions many were ending for higher than that, so I didn't mess around with trying to save a buck.

What do you think of the lights now that you've had them for a while and used them more? Noticed anything you didn't notice at first - any preferences that have become stronger?

does the fenix break down 2" to accommodate a lithium 3.6v 14500? i haven't tried it yet, but i imagine the ultrafire takes on a whole new personality running at 3.6v vs. the 2.4v from 2 AA rechargeable...

if i didn't already thank you Yeamac for the write up - THANX. I bought an Ultrafire and like it very much. I've only been using it with one battery and am impressed.

if i didn't already thank you Yeamac for the write up - THANX. I bought an Ultrafire and like it very much.
+1

Thanx!

Impressive!! I'm so bookmarking this....

And what's that handlebar-bag mount?

One thing that concerns me about the Fenix L2DQ5 is the heat related issue when running in Turbo mode. I wonder if that will also affect the strobe mode. I recently came across some posts/info that say the Fenix becomes too hot to hand hold when in Turbo mode.

Update: after running my Fenix L2DQ5 for several weeks, strobe mode on the bike generates little if any detectable heat. Run time in strobe mode with my cheapo Energizer 2400mah batteries is about 3:30. I am constantly amazed how far down the road I can see the strobe reflecting as the daylight begins to wane and have had a number of positive comments about the light. I often wonder how it appears to an oncoming driver.

For you testers, here's (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14909) a 230 lumen DX light I see referenced in this (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=458583) thread:. It's a single mode light that can use AAs. The single mode a negative for me. Is it worthy with a 2 hour stated run time?

Anyone that owns Fenix L2D 180 lumen lights care to chime in?

I have an L2D Q5. It runs well over 2 hours on Turbo, and does not get "too hot to hold." I think something's wrong with your individual Fenix.