Yeah,... I actually would much rather have the size of the P series with the CR123 batteries and the little extra juice that the CR123 batteries offer, but I conceded that the AA would probably get it done for me and with less ongoing expense and hassle.

Those dang compromises in life again.....

I don't have too much issue with the difference in power. I doubt most people would notice much difference between 175 lumens and 200 lumens.
And an extra 10 - 15 percent run time really doesn't add up to that much to me either. I can carry spare AA batteries easy enough.

I would prefer the size of the P series, but in the end, I considered, the cost and maintenance of the batteries to be the deciding factor (for me). Like I mentioned, I already have a BUNCH of NiMH rechargables and a recharger... so.... AA for me. But, I can see why some people might be inclined to go for the P series - everybody has their own deciding factors.

I was also at a toss up between 1 vs. 2 batteries. I like the smaller size lights for just being able to stick in my pocket or whatever. I reasoned that I could carry a 2nd backup battery if hiking/camping in my pack just as easy as in the light. But, the 2 batteries gives a little more power and unless I missed it somewhere, the P1D did not have the Premium or the tail-clicker option. But, I think I saw that I can order the P1 body tube for $12.00 - giving me more options with the same light. I am assuming I can unscrew and change out to a smaller tube pretty easily.

If you buy the L1 and want the tail clicker cap, it is an extra $6.99. So, buying the L2D seems like the better cost option if I want both options. - ..... If I have it figured out right in my head (?????).

I am going to look into it.

I like options! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

L1D is like $52 on lighthound, it does have the rear clickie, and then the L2D body is another $12, and the red light filter is $4. That is what I gave my brother for a shopping list when he asked what I wanted for Christmas! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The only difference between the L1D and L2D is the body tube. And I'm w/ you 100% about the compromise between performance and battery type.

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?Page...amp;strCompare=

I thought they were pretty good. I hope you and others find them worthy and/or helpful.

I am going camping in a few days and decided to look into these lights. I felt I wanted something more effecient and lighter than old CC and DD lights. But, I didn't have a basis for comparison on what the different lumens rating equated to.
I thought those videos helped me a lot for getting a feel on how these Higher end LED compared to regular flashlights.

I have a Dewalt 12 volt battery/light kit that I always felt was a great light for around the house. Very strong light, but more than I need for most situations. But, it is also WAY too heavy to tote around short of around the house or similar. I found it puts out 281 lumens. It doesn't last as long as most of these LED and it has a comparably HUGE 12 volt battery - 0.5 - 1.0 pounds or whatever that battery weighs.

Half of that amount of light out-put is plenty for most applications.

Then those videos showed the piddly Maglite [email]2@AA[/email] light. These "Smaller", lighter LEDs are WAY more powerfull than the old [email]2@AA[/email] Maglite. That video put some things in perspective.

On the other hand, Maglite is making a 3 watt LED now that I was curious about. But, I couldn't find ANY info about lumens or run time. I just kind of felt I should go with something highly recommended by others. I haven't seen much info or recommendations about the Maglight 3 watt LED (????)

If I remember correctly, I think that guy "Doc" shows a 4D Maglite that doesn't look as strong as most of the LEDs he showed. I am not so sure about that (????).

.

I have a 3D Mag (thats what he had) and it isn't nearly as bright as my Streamlight Stinger (which is about 2C's I'd guess - its about 5 years old, and is rechargeable). The Fenix lights are supposed to be brighter than my Stinger too at about 1/4 the size!

Diceman,


The L2D "Premium" is rated at 175 lumens with the Luxeon Rebel LED bulb.
The L1D you are looking at has a different CREE LED bulb rated at 90 lumens.

Other than that, they are similar except for # of batteries. But, that different bulb might be a consideration.

When I was looking and saying I didn't see an L1D that was comparable, I was talking about I didn't see an L1D with the Luxeon Rebel "Premium" rating.

I am sure part of the lumens difference and rating is the 1 vs. 2 bulbs. But, generally 2 bulbs only seems to buy you an extra 15 - 25 lumens.
So, I am assuming if I get the L1 body tube, my Luxeon rating will drop from 175 to 155 - 165 or so (???). But, still more than the CREE bulb.

Not that there is anything wrong with 90 lumens and the CREE bulb, but it seems like the Premium with the Luxeon Rebel gets you a fair amount more for a couple of dollars more.

I saw some pictures and vids that showed the Luxeon vs. the CREE.

The CREE is a little more blue.

The Luxeon is a little more white.

-----

I called and talked to a guy named John yesterday at Lighthound. He seemed pretty objective and helpful with my questions.

.

That sounds about right (???)... and probably less than 1/4 the weight!

I have to run. I will check back later tonight. Got to get a few things done around my yard before dark and then to the gym.

Later.

Thanks for the info - I'll check in to the premium.

And FYI I just asked Lighthound about the L2D Premium w/ an L1D body and they said it'll work - then I looked at them and they're out of stock <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Out of the L2d?

Or out of the L1D body tube?


Either way, I assume they will get more reasonably soon (???).

Still seems like the best bang for the buck - if going the Fenix AA route. (????)


------

I keep playing with my new light. I am going to go walk my dogs - nice night - and play with it some outside! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


.

Out of the L1D tube - but should have more in 10 days (I emailed and asked when they'd get more!).

i love my p3d100 and p2d. i already had some surefires so had and was used to the 123 batteries. i want to upgrade to the p2d100.

as far as the mag lights i had bought one of those conversion heads which was shyte. i bought one of the mag light led lites and i love it. it is slightly bigger than the standard version but i was pleaseantly surprised by the light.

as far as key chain lights i would recommend the knock offs from county comm. for a buck a piece they are probably the best light per $ i've found.

I have some older 1 Watt L2P's with some spare L1P bodies so I have them set up so I have one single AA attached to my pack and a 2 AA for when I want either more light or a kubuton. I love my Fenix lights they are very well made for the price and mine are the premium versions with the better LED's. Eric is working on a nice
sheath for the L1P's. If you get the 2AA L2P you can get a CR123 body and swap it in. You can't do it with the single AA because the LED is not strong enough. You can also make a 2AA a single AA but you can't(or should not) make a single a double. I actually have a spare L1P body and tail cap(clickie)if anyone is interested?

I chose AA because I live in the boonies and CR123's are very pricey and rare.
The rechargeable AA's are great though.

Fenix also makes an excellent little liner lock folder with a spear point blade and G 10 grips that i would highly recommend.