firiki's flashlight frenzy - A few reflections

[Yaesu Man]

@Yaesu Man, I seem to recall you getting a LD12. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it. Personally, I'm still on the fence; I don't know if I really like it or if I feel slightly disappointed.

I've had mine for a little over a month now and so far I'm really liking it.  It developed issues a couple weeks after I got it, but after messing with the tail cap it seems to be doing fine now; although Fenix CS was more than willing to take it back for repair.  Honsetly, I'm pretty impressed with the output that you get from 1xAA (and it's made for rechargeables, not like Maglites who don't like the slightly lower voltage!).  The lowest mode is more than sufficient when it's really dark or for up-close work, and the Turbo mode is about the same as my Mini Mag Pro +; it's more throw than spill, but that's what I prefer and it still has plenty of spill.  With the $10 off coupon eBay gave me, I paid $29 shipped and I'd do it again in a heartbeat - even for $39 I'd definitely recommend it.  I too would love to hear your thoughts and why you're still on the fence/possibly dissapointed.  I think it complements my PD35 nicely, for when I don't need quite so much light.  Also, AAs can be found anywhere should I need a new one and run out of spare (not likely ).

[firiki]

I too would love to hear your thoughts and why you're still on the fence/possibly dissapointed.

So, yours developped issues too? Mine sometimes skips modes from High to Turbo or it occasionally requires another push on the side switch to move to whatever the next level is. The thing is I don't like using the side switch all the time, it's not always convenient but I have to if the Low mode isn't cutting it. If there's some ambient light then usually the Low mode isn't cutting it so I use the Medium mode, which often means too much light and reduced runtimes  and that kind of defeats the purpose for me.

Overall, I like the LD12, just not for frequent use

[Yaesu Man]

I too would love to hear your thoughts and why you're still on the fence/possibly dissapointed.

So, yours developped issues too? Mine sometimes skips modes from High to Turbo or it occasionally requires another push on the side switch to move to whatever the next level is. The thing is I don't like using the side switch all the time, it's not always convenient but I have to if the Low mode isn't cutting it. If there's some ambient light then usually the Low mode isn't cutting it so I use the Medium mode, which often means too much light and reduced runtimes  and that kind of defeats the purpose for me.

Overall, I like the LD12, just not for frequent use

Mine wasn't skipping modes, it would just randomly cut off, or more often it wouldn't come on.  It seemed like it was the mode switch, but like I said, messing with the tail switch seems to have fixed it.  If yours is still under warranty, I'd send it in.  The side switch does take a little getting used to, but it doesn't bother me.  I just leave it on Low, that way I don't blind myself at night and I can kick it up higher if I need to.  I'm not too concerned about run times, I just keep a pile of charged Eneloops around and I check battery voltages every week or two to prevent surprise battery deaths.

[firiki]

Some people chase lumens, I chase runtimes or autonomy if you will. I really should get me some Eneloops. That way I won't have to worry about batteries leaking, plus Fenix lights are optimised for rechargeables. Hmmm

Send it to China? I suspect getting a new one will be more profitable! Stay tuned for a more detailed review.

[Yaesu Man]

Nope, not China; Oklahoma.  Just call Fenix Outfitters (I think).

[firiki]

The truth is I'd rather send it in than have it checked by the local distributor ( ).

[Yaesu Man]

I think that's where the actual repair center is, Broken Arrow, OK.  The return address says "Fenix Repairs & Returns Dept."

[firiki]

I had a look at Fenix repair centers. Now I've started considering having the LD12 checked. It's not a big deal but what if it lets me down when I need it the most?  I think I'll start frow where I bought it ( )