Lumapower Dmini VX

[Mr. Whippy]

As I had mentioned, I've been happy with my Fenix PD10. For those who don't know, it's a twisty 1XCR123.  It has 3 modes, med, low, high but no mode memory.  Max output is 180 lumen and min is 6 lumens.  It's tough.  The threads are smooth, but recently, the twisty switch has been a little flaky, not smoothly turning on and easily accidentally changing modes while turning on.  I'm not upset, it still works well and has been on my keychain for 2 years.

However, I've been wanting to replace it with something with mode memory.  I have a Fenix P2D as well.  Essentially the same output levels, but with a clicky switch and starting at low rather than med level.  However, the clicky is easy to accidentally turn on and it doesn't tail stand very well.

I've been looking for a replacement with mode memory and the ability to tail stand. As I've said, I prefer the brightness of CR123 and so that's a strong preference.  NutSAK's thread got me looking at options again, and I finally pulled the trigger on a Lumapower Dmini VX:





It's a clicky with a well protected switch.  It tail stands well and has mode memory.  The thing that finally sold me on this light is that it is convertible.  It will run on 1XCR123 or 18650 rechargeables.  This is great for me since I have an Olight M21 that I run on 18650's and this gives me big flexibility on battery choice.

It's bigger than the Fenix brothers:




But not massively so in the 1XCR123 conformation.

I'm not very good with these beamshots, but here it goes on Max:

Dmini VX:


Fenix P2D:


Fenix PD10

[Gareth]

That's a good looking light Nate. :tu Though I'm guessing it's not going on your keys, is it?  I'm also a fan of mode memory, a feature I've come to really like on my iTP SA2.

[Mr. Whippy]

That's a good looking light Nate. :tu Though I'm guessing it's not going on your keys, is it?  I'm also a fan of mode memory, a feature I've come to really like on my iTP SA2.

Yup.  It's going in an old Fenix belt sheath, although it's pocketable as well--just not keychain tool fodder.

[space cowboy]

Thats a nice one! I can't believe the twisty is messing up, it must be the pwm or emitter causing problems.

[NutSAK]

Have you given the threads and contacts on that PD10 a good cleaning?

[nuphoria]

I have one too - they are fun!

You might want to look at the turbo-force head which fits them, then you have a great thrower as an option. It looks hilarious on the CR123 body

http://www.ledfiretorches.co.uk/lumapower-turboforce-kit-for-d-mini-vx.html

[Mr. Whippy]

Yep.  It's not a thread issue.  It's more like a contact problem.  If I one hand twist it on now, it will turn on, but then when I let go of the head, it changes modes or turns off.  If I turn farther one handed, it'll do the same thing. 

I have to two hand twist it, pretty far on for it to reliably turn on.  I suspect weak spring or corrosion on the head contact.

[gunga]

Here's a review for you...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=250364

I like mine, nice little thrower.

[Mr. Whippy]

Just one more point, that is often overlooked,

With the tailcap designed like it is, the Dmini is very easy to hold in your mouth while working.