Fenix L2D Premium low battery indicator?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Bay Area, CA
Bikes: Panasonic DX-5000 fixed gear conversion, 1984 Miyata 912
Fenix L2D Premium low battery indicator?
Based on some strong recommendations here, I recently ordered two Fenix L2D Premium flashlights as an upgrade to my L&M Vega. However, one feature I liked was the Vega's low battery indicator. The Vega has a handy green light that blinks when the batteries are low and automatically switches to a lower setting to conserve battery life, before outright dying. I've yet to run a set of batteries dry on the L2D Premiums and I'm wondering if there's any indication that the batteries are weak before the light switches off?
I've read that the Fenix P3D flickers before dying. Does the L2D Premium do the same? Or does the light autmatically switch to a lower setting when the batteries are weak? Although I plan on carrying spare batteries, I'm worried that the light suddenly will die without warning, which could lead to some hairy situations. Any advice or information is much appreciated.
I've read that the Fenix P3D flickers before dying. Does the L2D Premium do the same? Or does the light autmatically switch to a lower setting when the batteries are weak? Although I plan on carrying spare batteries, I'm worried that the light suddenly will die without warning, which could lead to some hairy situations. Any advice or information is much appreciated.
#3
cyclocommuter
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 195
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From: Brunswick, ME
Bikes: L.L. Bean Evolution hybrid, Jazz Voltage rigid mtb
I have an L2D Premium Q5 and it certainly does die without warning. I didn't notice any flickering or anything, it just seems to crap out. Like 10 Wheels said, put some old batteries in there and see what happens. It will turn on and be really dim then get bright for a second or randomly switch to other settings and do other funky things. The first time it happened I thought it was broken, but fresh batteries brought it back to normal.
I've almost had a couple of hairy experiences on dark, rainy nights due to running out of battery juice, but fortunately I was able to swap the batteries with the ones in my secondary headlight (Blackburn Quadrant).
I've almost had a couple of hairy experiences on dark, rainy nights due to running out of battery juice, but fortunately I was able to swap the batteries with the ones in my secondary headlight (Blackburn Quadrant).
#4
If you are using two lights, it's very unlikely that they will both shut off at the same time. So, if one light does run low and turn off, you should be able to see well enough with the remaining light to pull over to the side of the road and replace your batteries.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
The lack of a low-battery indicator is the only drawback I have found with my Fenix light. I've gotten in the habit of periodically waving my hand in front of the light to make sure it is still charged. It's gone dead several times during rides when it was light enough outside that I didn't notice until I reached my destination. However, I like to run my front light all of the time while commuting for visibility.
#6
Based on some strong recommendations here, I recently ordered two Fenix L2D Premium flashlights as an upgrade to my L&M Vega. However, one feature I liked was the Vega's low battery indicator. The Vega has a handy green light that blinks when the batteries are low and automatically switches to a lower setting to conserve battery life, before outright dying. I've yet to run a set of batteries dry on the L2D Premiums and I'm wondering if there's any indication that the batteries are weak before the light switches off?
I've read that the Fenix P3D flickers before dying. Does the L2D Premium do the same? Or does the light autmatically switch to a lower setting when the batteries are weak? Although I plan on carrying spare batteries, I'm worried that the light suddenly will die without warning, which could lead to some hairy situations. Any advice or information is much appreciated.
I've read that the Fenix P3D flickers before dying. Does the L2D Premium do the same? Or does the light autmatically switch to a lower setting when the batteries are weak? Although I plan on carrying spare batteries, I'm worried that the light suddenly will die without warning, which could lead to some hairy situations. Any advice or information is much appreciated.
L2D is dying suddenly when powers low. Sos sad.
#7
I think the L2D intentionally is designed to drive the light at full brightness until the battery is out. If you are going to be riding a lot at night, just stick a couple of spares in your seat-tube or something.
#8
cyclepath
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,550
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From: "The Last Best Place"
Bikes: 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0, 2001 Specialized Sirrus Pro, Kona Lava Dome, Raleigh hardtail converted to commuter, 87 Takara steel road bike, 2008 Trek Soho
The light will dim gradually as the battery weakens. If you are in turbo mode it will go to the next brightest mode and so on until it dies.
#9
...into the blue...
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 434
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Bikes: Thorn Nomad 2, LHT, Jamis Quest, ....
Mine also just rapidly goes to zero after being at full turbo power. I prefer this to a long slow waning of the light. As others have said, just have a second flashlight, or a second set of (rechargeable) batteries and no worries.






