I might add, and you may already know this if you've searched at all, the Fenix is very easy to install on the helmet with some common rubber bands.

One on the bar, one on the helmet for me. That baby on the helmet is deadly, you need to be real careful where you aim it. :D

In fact as I think of it, as a be seen light the helmet is probably the best place for it no? Aim it directly at whoever's attention you may need.

That's just what I ordered, and I've got the same battery charger. I think you'll be happy. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7129763#post7129763

My favorite rechargeable batteries for use with the L2D are Maha Powerex 2700 mAh batteries from ThomasDistributing.com and Duracell 2650 mAh batteries that are available at lots of retail stores.

The Powerex 2700 mAh batteries run about $3.50 each if bought individually, closer to $3 each if bought in a set of eight. They're worth it.

If you watch for the Duracell 2650 mAh batteries on sale somewhere, you can usually get 4-packs for less than $10 (they'll run several dollars more if not on sale). They're worth it, too.

When I bought my charger, it came with 2400 Powerex batteries. I just looked at the 2700 batteries on the website .. shipping really runs the price up. I'll have to check around locally for some of those Duracell 2650... although I've read mixed reviews of them.

How do Eneloops do in this light?

I wonder if the Duracells might be kind of like the rechargeable Energizers, which are so hit-or-miss performance-wise that they can't be depended on for long-term use (in my experience).

I have just a few of the Duracells, and they've been exceptionally good performers. Been using them for close to a year now with no signs of anything but solid reliability (hold a charge well and run for a very respectable amount of time in whatever I use them in).

I'd think that Eneloops ought to do just fine, but probably won't get you the run time of the higher-capacity batteries. I have a couple of sets of Eneloops, but since I also have the Powerex and Duracell batteries, I've never had to use them in my L2Ds (except for a couple of short amounts of time that didn't really test the batteries much).

Ok. Thanks for that feedback.

I don't know anything yet about the run time in strobe mode, but here is Youtube video of the strobe.

On the strobe mode run time, one of the guys from Fenix-Store/4Sevens.com told me it should be twice as long as turbo mode. I think they were just speculating, but that's what they told me...and they're a lot closer to the source than most of us.

Personally, I suspect that strobe mode could have a longer run time than twice the turbo mode run time. I figure at least twice as long as turbo mode but perhaps quite a bit more. But that's just me doing the speculating. ;)

Thanks Al.

BTW, play the stock market much? :D

The mailman brought my Fenix L2DQ5 and lockblocks today. Pretty quick service since I ordered them Thursday evening. My email receipt from Fenix was posted at 9:06pm on 7/24.

Rats. I mistakenly put my batteries in the BC-900 charger last night on the default setting of 200mA and test... and it's still running. I shoulda bumped that up to 500 mA.

Is the Fenix L2D sturdy enough to function if dropped or falls off a bike? Does the TwoFish lockblock hold securely and is it easy or a pain to remove and remount?

My experience with other similar 2AA lights is that the lockblock will do a fine job holding it in place.

There is a wonderful light that is ultra bright so that cars will see you and acknowledge your existence and won't run over you. It will save your life.

It also has much better runtime, and better durability than the Fenix L2D Q5 that everyone is barking about.

It is the Fenix TK11, the tactical light, that uses 18650's!
Put a pair of these on your handlebars, and you will be seen by cars, and they won't take your life, you will be protected and safe

couple it with a pair of PlanetBike Superflashes, and you are gold!

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_...roducts_id=497

http://i36.tinypic.com/detvns.jpg

I agree that the Fenix TK11 could be a strong candidate for some people.

Some considerations, though. In other discussions I've seen about this tactical flashlight as a bike light, people have talked about whether there might be too much throw compared to the amount of spill you get with it. Throw should be fantastic...spill could be questionable, perhaps, in terms of good balance between the two (again, from what I've read).

socalrider had this to say in regard to the TK11:

Any comments on the throw/spill of the TK11, Maxximum?

In regard to the L2D flashlights, many people interested in a solution that uses common batteries, so that AA flashlights seem to be very popular for that reason. The TK11 requires either 18650 or CR123A batteries (18650 batteries for the longer run time). The rider also must be willing to invest in the rather expensive 18650 batteries at anywhere from $12 to $16 each and a separate charger for those batteries (a good one for safety reasons and for helping prolong the life of the batteries).

Investment in a two-light TK11 setup, a good charger, and probably 4 batteries (can't see going with only two) would be about $250, plus the cost of an additional helmet light for those who want one (probably needed with the TK11) would add another $50 before the cost of batteries...and probably a separate charger. So...a $300-plus investment. Not too bad, but perhaps over what some want to spend. It would probably be a VERY nice setup.

My only other comment...you refer to some of the conversation about the L2D lights as the light that "everyone is barking about." When you put it that way, it sounds kind of like you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder, perhaps. Sorry, just the way I take the "barking" comment. ;)

Yes...the L2D is plenty sturdy enough to survive such a fall and still function. The TwoFish lockblocks hold very securely (a light won't fall out of one if properly fastened in). The lockblocks are easy to remove and remount, in the neighborhood of a 10-second operation (faster with practice, slower if you're taking your time).

Here's a cool video on one of the Fenix lights in a "Will it Crush?" YouTube series. This is a pretty cool and revealing 6-minute video.

Will It Crush - Fenix T1

Maxximum will love this one because of the close relation between the T1 and TK11. ;)

Here's another interesting thread about a Fenix flashlight purposefully dropped from the balcony 5 stories above a parking lot (from the CandlePower Forums).

Arc AAA and Fenix E01 5 Story Drop Test

Exactly and now you're getting into HID type money.

The spill is actually pretty sick and sweet! I love it more than my L2D.
It also kills in throw. Insane really. I love it. Go for it, without a doubt. If I could go back, I would not have purchased the L2D's that I own. But it's okay. TK11>>>L2D, IMHO. I love the TK11.

OK, no chip on the shoulder, then...just a solid liking of the TK11... ;)

I gotta admit, I'd love to try one of those myself just to see in person.

I have the L2D's. The TK11 wasn't out when I got the L2D's.

18650 batteries are much better. That, and they are Li-Ion. You could use CR123's if you wish as well, but NiMH is being replaced. I don't like associating my light with camera batteries. lol.