Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Fenix L2D Q5 vs Trustfire TR-801The

edit: The got stuck to the title and I can't change it.

on to specifics

TrustFire TR-801 Cree Q5-WC 5-Mode Memory 230-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*18650)

Sorry, no pics. They seem pretty identical to me. Anybody else agree? The Trustfire is a third of the cost of the Fenix but you have to mess with 18650. I already have a P7 so that's no big deal.

The Trusfire's a neat little light.

Just got my first ride in with both of them. I will now take the Trustfire over the Fenix.

darn, just a few weeks after I bought 2 TFs.

Just got my first ride in with both of them. I will now take the Trustfire over the Fenix.

Why? I'm sure most everyone interested would like to hear the reasoning behind your decision.

Why? I'm sure most everyone interested would like to hear the reasoning behind your decision.

Uh, it lights the road better. :)

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15335
Seems like a good price. How is the quality of the build?

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15335
Seems like a good price. How is the quality of the build?

I'm no expert but I'm very happy with it! Seems solid enough to me. I bought it based on recommendations here. Figured you can't go wrong for 20 bucks.

I've got both these lights. TR801 is a little finicky in the build department but once you work out its quirks, its very good. A little brighter than the Fenix and a little less floody as well. Battery life with 18650 is very good as well. My Fenix did have a slightly whiter beam though (TR801 is a tiny bit blue). Maybe I'll grab some beamshots this weekend and put them up. Mine is the single mode variety.

I've been contemplating removing one of my P7s and using a P7 and TR801 on the bars since the 801 throws a bit better than my P7s. Or maybe just make the TR801 a dedicated helmet light.

Or maybe just make the TR801 a dedicated helmet light.

That's what I'm doing.

As far as finicky is concerned, I haven't seen any problem yet and hope I don't cause I likely couldn't fix it.

I've got both these lights. TR801 is a little finicky in the build department but once you work out its quirks, its very good. A little brighter than the Fenix and a little less floody as well. Battery life with 18650 is very good as well. My Fenix did have a slightly whiter beam though (TR801 is a tiny bit blue). Maybe I'll grab some beamshots this weekend and put them up. Mine is the single mode variety.

I've been contemplating removing one of my P7s and using a P7 and TR801 on the bars since the 801 throws a bit better than my P7s. Or maybe just make the TR801 a dedicated helmet light.
Now there's some useful information for comparing the two. Thank you. :thumb:

Now there's some useful information for comparing the two. Thank you. :thumb:

Sorry I couldn't satisfy your needs dude. :rolleyes:

A flashlight with a 18650 battery (not AA) and a 1 hour runtime (need at least 1.5 to 2 hours for my night rides to avoid changing batteries) would hold no appeal for me.

I keep seeing all these great flashlights touted but none of them seem to have AA batteries, runtime equal to the Fenix, or build quality that is equal. Why compare it to the Fenix since they are not built for the same purpose? Just say here is another bright, cheap flashlight if a short runtime and 18650 batteries are okay.

I will keep my Fenix thank you very much.

There are plenty of people that already have 18650 batteries with chargers and don't need more than an hour of runtime. For those people a TR-801 may make a good choice especially at a third of the cost of a Fenix.

And they're both small flashlights that many people use for bike lights. It makes perfect sense to compare the two.

There are plenty of people that already have 18650 batteries with chargers and don't need more than an hour of runtime. For those people a TR-801 may make a good choice especially at a third of the cost of a Fenix.

And they're both small flashlights that many people use for bike lights. It makes perfect sense to compare the two.

Thank you! Sheesh, a guy posts a simple thread that says he likes a light and people complain? Huh? Either I shouldn't compare them or I don't give enough information. It's a tough world here in the forums boy and girls.:D

I just got the L-Mini from Shiningbeam.com, and it appears it is the same (or almost the same) flashlight. The L-Mini is stated to have a run time of ABOUT 3 hours on High. I do have the v3 which will take 1-18650 or 2-cr123 batteries.

No riding yet due to the weather. But I am impressed with the light so far in the yard.

Thank you for posting how you like the 801 compared to the L2D as I wondered how it (or the L-Mini) compared to the L2D.

RubenX: I have the T.F. light from Lowe's also. The T.F. has a little brighter "hot spot" and throws farther, but the L-Mini has a brighter "flood" (spill) light, even with the smooth reflector, but more with the o.p. (orange peel) reflector as I have 1 of each for each of my L-Mini's.


Chris

Thank you for posting how you like the 801 compared to the L2D as I wondered how it (or the L-Mini) compared to the L2D.



:beer:

Don't get me wrong, I like my Fenix. I like that it has a nice run time with AA's. If I had just entered the market for a light though, I would have gotten both a P7 and a 801 before a Fenix since run time isn't my priority.

edit: The got stuck to the title and I can't change it.

on to specifics

TrustFire TR-801 Cree Q5-WC 5-Mode Memory 230-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*18650)

Sorry, no pics. They seem pretty identical to me. Anybody else agree? The Trustfire is a third of the cost of the Fenix but you have to mess with 18650. I already have a P7 so that's no big deal.

The Trusfire's a neat little light.

So far I'm liking my L2D just fine. I like the fact that I can use AA rechargeables. I have quite a few that I use in my photo flashes and cameras so I will cycle them through to my lighting after enough charges.
The beam on high is fine for most riding (110 lumens?) Turbo is brighter but I don't seem to need it. It beats my PB Blaze that I use for backup so I'm happy. I will later adapt my L2D to a helmet light when I get a generator setup.

The OP asked if they seemed identical to anyone/everyone else. They have a different number and size of batteries and the resulting runtimes are significantly different. So the answer is no I don't think they are the same. It seems good for what it is. Now if it had two AA batteries and gave the same runtime as the Fenix, then it would be interesting to me. I just did not want anybody to get the wrong impression that they are the same, because imho they are not unless I am missing something here. I have seen plenty of threads like this and then when the correct information comes to light (pun intended) the Fenix comes out the winner. Believe me, I will jump for joy when someone comes along with a AA flashlight that does what the Fenix does for a significantly cheaper price. If that flashlight exists, please enlighten me.:)

The OP asked if they seemed identical to anyone/everyone else. They have a different number and size of batteries and the resulting runtimes are significantly different. So the answer is no I don't think they are the same. It seems good for what it is. Now if it had two AA batteries and gave the same runtime as the Fenix, then it would be interesting to me. I just did not want anybody to get the wrong impression that they are the same, because imho they are not unless I am missing something here. I have seen plenty of threads like this and then when the correct information comes to light (pun intended) the Fenix comes out the winner. Believe me, I will jump for joy when someone comes along with a AA flashlight that does what the Fenix does for a significantly cheaper price. If that flashlight exists, please enlighten me.:)
These lights fit the bill.
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-53/Romisen-RC-dsh-N3-CREE-Q5/Detail
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-76/Kingpower-K2-4-dsh-Mode-LED/Detail
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-86/ITP-C8R-Cree-Q5/Detail

While I like my Fenix LD2, I've recently ordered a SolarForce L2 with an R2 led that takes 18650 batteries to replace it. Runtime should be the same as the Fenix, but the light should be brighter.

The OP asked if they seemed identical to anyone/everyone else.

OK, you got me. I was not nearly specific enough in the original post. :o

I was referring only to the amount of light they put out. When it comes to that criteria only, I'm picking the Trustfire although they are mighty close.

I've recently ordered a SolarForce L2 with an R2 led that takes 18650 batteries

Got a link? :)

These lights fit the bill.
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-53/Romisen-RC-dsh-N3-CREE-Q5/Detail
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-76/Kingpower-K2-4-dsh-Mode-LED/Detail
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-86/ITP-C8R-Cree-Q5/Detail

While I like my Fenix LD2, I've recently ordered a SolarForce L2 with an R2 led that takes 18650 batteries to replace it. Runtime should be the same as the Fenix, but the light should be brighter.

These look like some high quality flashlights at a better price than Fenix. Is the brightness control circuitry and build quality on par with the Fenix.

I also would like a link to the SolarForce flashlights that you reference. Thanks.

Here is a link to the CPF with feedback on the Romisen RC-N3 (http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=179032) flashlight which, from the sounds of things, people are VERY happy with the build quality and electronics. I know I am happy so far with my L-Mini from Shiningbeam and it sounds like the quality is on par with the RC-N3.

I was originally looking at the N3, the ESE AF2 (http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-69/Ese-AF2-Cree-Q5/Detail), also from Shiningbeam, and then I started looking at the L-Mini. My decision came down to the smallest light so I can have it helmet mounted.

Chris

My decision came down to the smallest light so I can have it helmet mounted.

Chris

That's one thing I really like about my Romisen. I used it for awhile on the handlebars in its AA mode. But once I decided to put it into helmet-mount duty, it felt heavy so I just switched it to the CR123 configuration.

These look like some high quality flashlights at a better price than Fenix. Is the brightness control circuitry and build quality on par with the Fenix.

I also would like a link to the SolarForce flashlights that you reference. Thanks.

The ITP is supposed to be top notch quality, while the Romisen is of lesser quality, but still decent.

A search of the following sites should give you some more info on the quality of the lights. If you can't find the exact model look for a similar one as quality seems to be the same across any given brands range.

http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html
http://www.sliderule.ca/flashlight.htm
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/

The SolarForce body is at the below link. You can also find the LED drop-in there to complete the light. Kai also has them, but if you are in the States I'd pay the extra $10 and go with Lighthound as they ship quickly and offer a warranty that you can actually use. I've been waiting a week for Kai to ship my 'In Stock - Ships Immediately' listed light.......

http://www.lighthound.com/Solarforce-L2-Host-for-18650-Battery--Body-with-Head-and-Switch-all-Black-Type-2-Anodized_p_6-2629.html#

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11074

Thanks for all the information. Since I value runtime and maximum output over price I would still go with the Fenix. YMMV.

Believe me, I will jump for joy when someone comes along with a AA flashlight that does what the Fenix does for a significantly cheaper price. If that flashlight exists, please enlighten me.:)
Thanks for all the information. Since I value runtime and maximum output over price I would still go with the Fenix. YMMV.

What about the ITP makes you think the Fenix is better?

The links to reviews that you provided included runtime charts showing the Fenix staying at a full brightness level significantly longer than the other flashlights it was compared to. It may not be an advantage for a lot of people but it is just enough total runtime to get me through most of my evening rides without changing batteries. The other flashlights would not come close to providing the run time I need and the brightness level decreased much sooner also. If you need it, the test results indicate that Fenix is still worth the premium if you value a longer runtime imho.

The chart runtimes come fairly close to what I experience so the data appears to be valid at least for the Fenix which is all that I can personally vouch for. To clarify the runtime, the one chart that I remembered used Eneloops which are lower total capacity than the non low self discharge Duracells that I use. The runtime on the chart compared to what I experience was 100% explained by the lower total capacity of the Eneloop test battery compared to the higher capacity battery that I use.

If runtime is paramount to you then check out some of the Li-ion powered lights that offer three hours of runtime to 50%, and 2.5x the brightness of the LD2. You can search by battery type here: http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html

dekindy info re the Fenix is spot on. I have 2 of them. For a AA light, they are very good. And a person looking for a light that has a good run time, good light, and has a battery source that is not a pain but may be used in multiple day to day products, it is a good buy. It still cost less and does more than most bike spc lights on the market for the same price.

My question is, can the P7 put out as much light the the Fenix for as long as the Fenix can? Maybe on med power...if so then a P7 is hell of a deal but for the limited use of the battery it uses in day to day products.

dekindy info re the Fenix is spot on. I have 2 of them. For a AA light, they are very good. And a person looking for a light that has a good run time, good light, and has a battery source that is not a pain but may be used in multiple day to day products, it is a good buy. It still cost less and does more than most bike spc lights on the market for the same price.

My question is, can the P7 put out as much light the the Fenix for as long as the Fenix can? Maybe on med power...if so then a P7 is hell of a deal but for the limited use of the battery it uses in day to day products.

If it matters, others have stated and I agree, there is not much difference between high and turbo on the Fenix, so you can get even longer runtimes.

You bring up a good point. I am always thinking in terms of runtime and brightness in relation to bicycle specific lights and not less expensive flashlights. If I can get the highest quality, longest runtime flashlight for less than half the cost of a good bicycle specific light, then I am satisfied. I am considering $100+ bicycle lights versus the Fenix, not $20 to $40 flashlights.

I realize that not everyone wants the longer runtime and a lot of the flashlights being recommended are fine for that purpose. I just don't want any newbies getting the impression that the Fenix does not have some potentially important features that make it worth the higher price.

If runtime is paramount to you then check out some of the Li-ion powered lights that offer three hours of runtime to 50%, and 2.5x the brightness of the LD2. You can search by battery type here: http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html

There are a lot of flashlights on this page and not a good way to sort them other than by battery type and I am not having any success at finding the type of flashlight you referenced. Can you point to one specific flashlight so that I can take a look. I would appreciate it. Thanks.:thumb:

There are a lot of flashlights on this page and not a good way to sort them other than by battery type and I am not having any success at finding the type of flashlight you referenced. Can you point to one specific flashlight so that I can take a look. I would appreciate it. Thanks.:thumb:

Here's one. http://www.light-reviews.com/hermes_h20/

There are plenty others too.

Don't get me wrong, I like Fenix lights, I have two LD2 lights, one which I use as a helmet light. I just think that with some searching around one can find a brighter light with the same or longer runtime for a similar price. What drew me to the SolarForce light is the fact that the LED can be very easily upgraded.