First Impressions
Fenix Flashlights have come a long way in developing portable solid-state lighting solutions. Many would garner a guess as to how these light emitters are able deliver the same amount light as their filament bulb cousins such as the Surefire Tactical light series, which produces about 130-Lumens of light while consuming close to 10-watts at 6VDC (two CR123A lithium pile batteries). The LD20/25/22 uses two AA-Cell batteries delivering a minimum of 2.4VDC is capable of emitting more than 190-Lumens of 4500K color temperature of white light while the equivalent.
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02-26-2012 Continue With the First Impressions
I have always been impressed with what Fenix has to offer. The LD22 is a much better light than the one it replaces, which is the LD20. The output specifications of the previous generation delivers about 180-lumens at maximum mode while maintaining that output duration of just over two hours. The newer LD22, delivers about 10-lumens more at a warmer color temperature and add another 40-minutes of battery life. The LD20 delivers its modes through the tail switch and to access the higher output and strobe modes, just twist the head clockwise. In the case of the LD22, all the modes can be accessed through the mode switch located at the head while the on/off operation is conducted through the tail cap switch. I figured that this method is to prevent water from entering the cavity of the flashlight and to also maintain the exceptionally resilient weather tight seal.
The Fenix LD22 is proving to be a true tactical flashlight and does belong on my wall. The newer Cree XR-G emitter is proving to be more efficient in both light output and energy consumption. The emitter also generates less heat at maximum output mode, while also being properly managed through the more sophisticated electronics. Every little bit helps especially when it comes to solid state lighting technologies. In due time though, all consumer, professional, and industry grade flashlights will have incorporated high-flux output solid-state emitters to replace the aging filament bulb. Stay Tuned for More Review Details
03-04-2012 Final Impressions
This is one impressive flashlight. There are quite a few advantages and none of the disadvantages that many of these types of high-flux LED lights are known for. There isn't any hot spot to speak of in regards to the optics or beam dispersion while the uniformity of the light being cast is clearly defined. Using the Newport Corporation light meter, I was able to accurately rate the light being emitted from the LD22 from a distance of 6-feet and 20-feet (a more realistic measurement). From a distance of six feet, I measured 192-Lumens from near center of the beam path while dropping to around 185-lumens when offset by six inches. This is quite impressive given that Surefire was the other company producing LED flashlights with highly efficient optics while utilizing Phillips/Luxeon emitters. The Cree emitters are capable of delivering considerably more light than their rivals primarily due to the investment of synthetic phosphors and tight manufacturing of the emitters to create the highest possible output without increasing overall power consumption or heat. The last set of Luxeon emitters used throughout the range of Fenix flashlights had significant inconsistencies to the degree that didn't inspire confidence in their overall product. I don't know as to when did Fenix change over completely to Cree, but I think it is good call.
When tested at twenty feet, the registered lumen output at max output setting is 180-Lumens while measured offset at twelve inches reduce the number to 160. Still quite impressive and highly uniform field of light. Throw distance is quite impressive as well since it is able to throw the very high-flux emitter's beam out in the backyard of my home with the same intensity as some of my so called 3-Million Candlelight power light cannons. Now granted those light cannons come in handy in tough situations, but carrying something so large can be somewhat of a handful while the LD22 is hardly a handful in tough situations such a sudden power outage in the middle of the night. I was unable to measure the throw distance output primarily due in part of the complexity of such a test and it wasn't quite relevant given that most of us light people shouldn't really care about such things. Plus this isn't a technical review of the performance of the light but rather a real world point of view of how would it work as a replacement for those rather ancient Mag D-cell flashlights back in the early 90s.
The LD22 still has many qualities as a tactical flashlight as well as an every day use light to search for stuff. This double AA-cell flashlight allows the user to have ability to carry the power of a medium light cannon without the bulk while being able to use the light in areas where extreme flux output applications are not necessary. Essentially a flashlight that can be dimmed is an asset in my book especially most of time I just need to search for something without needing to turn on every light in the house to do it. A flashlight comes in handy also sometimes when walking around in a near pitch black house while having a setting that allows the light to be activated at the lowest light output setting. And here is the one most positive attribute with the LD22, which is that it remembers the last output setting from the mode switch. This means that if the user uses the light in its highest output mode, then the LD22 will activate in the highest output setting. I have tested this feature and found it to be very useful since cycling between the light output modes can be rather troublesome.
Final Thoughts of the Hour
The Fenix LD22 is an excellent flashlight for both everyday use and an easy replacement for those ancient Mag Instruments Flashlights. D-Cell lights have their advantages, but in the overall grand scheme of things, these lights are meant for everyday purposes as such don't require to be so large to be considered for their light output. The LD22 also provides the user with the sense of quality as the overall construction of the light is beyond what is expected from China. If one is seeking a high-output flashlight in a compact frame, then the LD22 is the right choice, but if for use in a defensive situation, then nothing beats a two or four D-cell Mag light.
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