Fenix LD25 - First Impressions

[Millhouse]

Got 2 new LD25's through today. One is for me, the other is going out as a present.

Although no longer a TK series light, this is the replacement for the TK20. The light itself has a smaller diameter to the TK20, but the aluminium body is still quite thick and the plastic grip feels very nice in the hand.

The light uses a Cree XP-G R4 neutral white LED and a smooth reflector. For a light using a smooth reflector, the beam profile is very clean. There is a small hotspot and plenty of spill. Mine has quite a pleasant tint.

Operation of the light is via the forward clicky switch, which allows for momentary on. While the TK20 was a simple 2 mode light, the LD25 now has 6 modes, arranged into 3 groups of 2. Like the TK20, each mode is selected by tightening or loosening the head. To change to a different group, with the light on, loosen and tighten the head twice.

The groups are general mode - 180/45 lumens, camping mode - 85/3 lumens and rescue mode - 85 lumens/SOS.

Personally, I find the rescue mode useless. Fenix have not improved the SOS, it is too slow. I would have preferred a straight flashing mode. I can't see myself ever using this mode. The 3 lumen low is nice and about right for me. I know some folk will probably prefer a lower low, but this is not bad for Fenix.

Not had a chance to test the light outside, too cold.

[Gareth]

Thanks for the thoughts Millhouse.   Would you say you are happy with it?

[gustophersmob]

Looks nice 

I am unfamiliar with this style light.  Is the plastic (or rubber?) grip on top of the aluminum body, or is the whole body plastic?

EDIT:  Oops, I just reread that you said the aluminum body is still quite thick, so it must be plastic over aluminum.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That certainly is an interesting light, and the 3 lumens sound's about perfect to me

Thanks for the mini review

[Millhouse]

From my early impressions, I am quite happy with the light. The UI is very straightforward as I will mostly be using general mode. The plastic grip over aluminium is very well done. Grips well and feels nice.

For me the beam is a nice combination of throw and spill. This is what stopped m from getting the TK20, it didn't have quite enough spill.

The supplied holster is ok. For those with an LD20, the holster is the same design, just longer and a bit wider. I will be using mine with a Maxpedition 5 inch sheath.

Just shone the light out into the garden, very well lit up.

[Sean]

thanks for your thoughts on this light.  I ordered one as well and am looking forward
to it's arrival.

I noticed on my quark aa2 the SOS is too slow as well and I consider it a bit off beat?
I do morse code with my ham radio activities and from what I've seen so far on the
lights I've tried it wouldn't hurt it to be sped up a bit.

[Neil]

Nice to see a low low but I wish they'd ditch the SOS.  A beacon mode would be more useful.

[Turnstone]

Thanks for this first quick review! Sounds like a very interesting light! 

[space cowboy]

Nice review! Sounds like a very nice light. Its on my wish list.

[SlackOne]

Do the flip-up diffusers fit on this light? 

[Millhouse]

Flip up diffuser does not fit this light.

[Sean]

Got mine yesterday and am going to take it out tonite after work for my walk and see
how I like.  Overall out of the box, quality is great and I like the UI, nice and simple.

[Sean]

Very nice light!  Good combination of spill, throw and the tint is great!  I'm running some
new batteries here as opposed to my duraloops, they are the new Imedion 2400 LSD AA's

http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=426

I got an hour and 45 minutes until they dropped to a low mode using the highest 180 Lumen setting.