Dinnotte 200L or Fenix L2D Premium for City commute, still confused
 

Hey Folks,
I have read the threads, all 2000 listing the great virtues of the Fenix L2D Premium lights and the Dinnotte 200L.

I live in NYC and commute in the evening or early am, and the streets are pretty well lit so I can see "almost" everything I need to.

What I need help with is:
a) Is the Fenix L2D Premium really a good light to illuminate a dark Suburban Street. It seems that to get the 175 Lumens, you would use Strobe mode. Isn't that a Flashing light?

b) Does the Dinnotte on Steady High beam give light to illuminate a dark Suburban Street?

c) With either light am I just getting a "Be Seen " light or a "Light up my Path"
light.

thanks in advance

The FENIX is awesome - 175 lumens on "turbo" mode, and with 2x AA NiMH 2700mA batteries, you will get 2hrs of runtime with continuous (non-strobe) lighting. The strobe effect, however, is quite useful for daylight riding for attention, as well as super-busy intersections at night where numerous carlights may limit the visibility of your single lamp.

Easily illuminates streets of ANY type, including the most difficult ones such as LA traffic with oncoming cars washing out your night vision.

I have a Fenix L2D and it is totally sufficient in the city. You don't need tons of light side-spill with the ambient light. I would recommend having some cheap LED flashers or something to make yourself visible from the side regardless of which one you go with.

The DiNotte is quite a bit more expensive, but is much better for bike mounting purposes. I find the L2D a bit too long mounted on my handlebar (I occasionally knock it), but I wanted the additional brightness over the L1D.

I have the Dinnotte (4xAA) and really like it. On high it gives a lot of light (enough on suburban or country roads) and I like using the AA rechargables. Mounts easily and more secure then it looks.

Both of those lights would be overkill for NY streets, it wouldn't hurt anything except your wallet and time recharging batteries. I use a blt ultra doppler for city riding (and have even used it for rural unlit riding with some success). Cost is less and burn time is more. Even car lights are usually drowned out by all the other lights in most cities.

The Fenix L2D Premium has two modes (for lack of better words) with different settings on each one. On the first mode there are a few different levels of brightness plus SOS. If the case is tightened all the way there are two settings, flashing and turbo (non-flashing) @ 180lumens.

I thought the Turbo at 180 was flashing (strobe),

The Fenix web site says
" Turbo Mode: 180 lumens (2.4hrs) -> Strobe ".

I have a Planet bike with a good Flash mode to be seen, I want to
a) add another flashing device
b) if I go off my usual route tward the Suburbs, I wanted to be safe at nite
and avoid running into things.

Where are the best batteries and chargers for Eithr?

Rob

Dude - don't worry about the lumens on Fenix Turbo. 180. 160, 200, whatever. It's more than enough for all biking situations. Use 2, and you'll be overkill on dark streets.

And that's at STEADY, non-strobe mode. I rarely use the strobe mode, as mentioned above. Turbo all the way. Not that complicated. I run it with the standard LaCrosse charger and the 2400mA batts that came with the charger, and have had zero problems, and not even close to overheating (in fact, the torch is usually cool if it's cold out.)

You've probably seen my review thread.

With the bezel tightened down, the Fenix switches between turbo (175 lumens) steady and flashing modes. If your ride is two hours or less, just run it on turbo. The older model Fenix lights would overheat on turbo, but these don't.

Really dark streets don't actually need as much light, your eyes adapt. If you ride out in the country, you'll be surprised how far the road is lit up. The hardest situation to handle is partially well lit and partially dark.

I do like the Fenix best as a helmet light. I like being able to point it around curves or corners, and to aim it directly at possible potholes, etc.

With a Dinotte on the bars and a Fenix on my helmet, I can easily ride 20+ mph. Either one by itself is probably good for 15-18 mph

Either or both are bright enough to make car drivers and pedestrians wonder what's coming toward them. And you really should avoid shining the Fenix directly into a driver's eyes, it's that bright in the center of the beam.

Discount code:
See candlepowerforums.com, they had some 10% off codes for the Fenix store. Search the threads there.

Batteries:
Duracell 2650 mAh are about $10.00 for 4, and easy to find.
I just have a $11.00 Energizer charger, instead of the fancy $40 to $60 chargers. If I was riding every night, I'd probably get one of those so the batteries would last for more rides. My batteries don't last quite as long as when they were new, maybe (Dinotte) 2hr:45min instead of 3:10 when new, but my night rides are usually under two hours, so I'm OK.

I have the DiNotte 140L taillight, the 200L headlight, and the Fenix L2D Premium Q5. I really like all three. The 200L, in my mind, slightly edges out the Fenix. All will serve as both 'be seen' and 'light up my path' lights. Both headlights will light up a dark suburban street.

1. I would not do without the DiNotte 140L. I'd buy that at regular price, but preferably on sale as I got it (c. $100).
2. If the DiNotte 200L was on sale (c. $100), I'd get it over the Fenix. However, if it is at regular price, I'd get the Fenix (even though I think the DiNotte is a slightly better bike light, the Fenix compared to the DiNotte at regular price is a much better value; you can get two Fenixes and a bunch of batteries for the cost of one regularly priced DiNotte.)

Good luck!

One thing to keep in mind is ease of use, where the Fenix clearly wins. There are no wires to fiddle with; just place it in the mount, tighten the Velcro, and go.

Alternatively you can also helmet mount one, which is great for city use as you can direct the beam at the driver in the Lexus SUV talking on the phone to get her attention.

FWIW, I have both bar mounted and helmet mounted Fenix lights. I find I use the helmet light most of the time, except in the dead of winter when it gets pitch black at 16:00, then I use both.

I agree with the ease of use factor here. It's amazing to me that after I park my bike, I just unvelcro the Fenix from the bike and drop it right into my pants pocket, where I barely even notice it's there. I still can't believe that I can get so much light from something so tiny and convenient. No wires and no battery pack is freaking sweet.

I'm a runner (mainly) and I also use the Fenix for running. I've run 20 miles at a time with the fenix. It's light enough that I barely even notice it on my head when it's strapped on.

I received my L2D Premium the other day after reading all the positive reviews on this forum. Like someone mentioned above, this light is plenty enough for anything bike related. Where I live, I'm surrounded by trees, the streets are unlit and narrow. This light does an awesome job at lighting up the road so I can see. I have a Knog Bullfrog that strobes so cars can see me from the distance. +1 for the L2D

Thank You everyone for the replies, the answers have really helped me clarify a few things.

I will most likely order the Fenix based on cost and use and see if it does what I need and from the replies it sounds as if I will be fine. Just in case It falls a bit short it will make a great Flasher or Helmet light (which I do not have).

Regarding the Dinotte, I missed the sale in December and pray that another will happen this Winter.
The best price I have seen was at Nashbar at $149, then waiting for a 20% off coupon for the complete set, light, charger, batteries and helmet mount.

As far as my rear lights, I have 2 Planet Bike super Blinkies, one on the bike and one on the frame so for the moment I feel safe.

thanks again

Rob

You'll love the Fenix. So much, you'll get another one. Those with the 2 Super Flash and you are set.

BTW, you'll want a AA charger.

1- I agree regarding getting the Fenix, if the DiNotte can't be found on sale. I do like the DiNotte flash patterns better.
2- I agree regarding using the Fenix for running as well. It's very good for this use too.
3- I disagree regarding using PB Superflash x 2 as being sufficient rear light. They will serve as a minimum, but comparing the PB to a DiNotte 140L is like comparing the 3W LED Mag to the Fenix - there's no comparison.

Yes, I do have the following: DiNotte 200L and 140L, Fenix L2D Premium Q5, and PB Superflash. I've found the PB Superflash works well as a rear flashing light on my hat when I run early in the morning, but inadequate - when compared to the 140L - for cycling.

Finally, the Fenix won't fall a bit short. It will work for any riding up to approx. 20 mph. Coupled with my DiNotte on the bars, I feel safe up to approx. 25 mph. I imagine 2 Fenix's would give similar results.

Dinotte, its a great light. What is the cost of the Fenix? Is it significantly cheaper?

The Fenix is $62.50 shipped worldwide, which makes it significantly less expensive than the Dinotte, which is $149 shipped within the US. Both lights are without batteries.

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_...roducts_id=362

Recently discontinued. Possibly in stock at other retailers. Not avaliable at Fenix store.

You are mistaken. They are available, and nowhere on the site does it say the LD2 Q5 has been discontinued, which it hasn't been. Click on the 'add to cart' button to see for yourself.

The Rebel version of the LD2, which is a different light and uses a different LED, has been discontinued, not the Q5 version.

I just received 2 earlier this week from fenix-store.com .

Friday I went for a ride with one of my L2DQ5s in strobe mode because it was really overcast that day and all I can say is WOW its bright.

Last night I was bored and took some freshly recharged 2700mAh and put them in both of my L2DQ5 to see how long they would last. In turbo mode, at least 90 minutes before the voltage was low and dropped to a lower setting. In strobe mode, I gave up after 2 ½ hours and it was getting late and I was getting sleepy.

I haven’t yet ridden in pitch black with them but I’m sure it would be enough light.

The best part about them is they are really east to take off and put back on and they can be used for other things around the house, night time hiking, camping, and other activities.

$57 with a coupon code I believe.

Regarding 2 PB Superflash not being adequate, they are for my situation without a doubt. One on the helmet blinking and one on steady on the bike. :)

I will occasionally use a Cateye LD 1000, that is a better light as is the newer 1100 I've heard.

Prepare to be thrilled with the purchase!

I'll be getting a Fenix for my helmet at that price, sounds like a good deal.

What about AA rechargable batteries?

I have an Energizer charger at home, I know some people hate it, but it is paid for.

I plan on getting some NIMH batteries
and Sanyo Eneloop batteries for my saddle bag, just incase.

Questions:
a) Where can I get affordable batteries and brand?
b) Isn't the Sanyo Eneloop battery at 2000 going to run out faster than a NIMH
at 2700? My commute is 1hour 40 minutes, maximum 3 days a week,
plus my Sunday ride.
c) Will a better charger be a good investment ?
d) Lastly, If I charge my NIMH say on Sunday and so not use them until
the following week, how much charge will they lose.

Thanks again Rob