Fenix L2D Q5 or LD20 Q5??

16simon

Hi everyone

I’ve been following the threads about torch lights with great interest, and powerful LED lights with replaceable batteries look like the way ahead. At the moment I’m using a Smart HID which gives plenty of light, but with no battery power display (only a low battery warning), it’s left me in the dark a few times.

I looked at the Tesco torch, but I don’t mind spending a bit more on a Fenix torch, but I need some advice. The Fenix L2D Q5 or the LD20 Q5 look like the ones to get, but I’m not sure which one? Ors hould I be looking at a different torch? Also, is the smooth or orange peel reflector better for road riding?

I’ll be using my lights for commuting and after work training, usually 1 – 2 hour loops mainly on unlit roads. I’ll be going quite quick so I need a good light.

Thanks in advance

Underscore

OK, I have the L2D Q5 with orange peel reflector - I would get it again, if I had to. I've heard that the smooth reflector is slightly more spotty - and the orange peel is spotty enough - and the LD20 has no more lumens on Turbo but less on High. Given that you are likely to be pushing the run time on Turbo, you may want to use High sometimes - so the closer High is to Turbo, the better.

_

cougie

I've got one of each - its true that the LD20 is slightly less bright on High than the L2D - but its pretty marginal. Orange peel reflector on both of them. Get a few spare sets of batteries and a decent recharger.

laughingboy

cougie wrote:

I've got one of each - its true that the LD20 is slightly less bright on High than the L2D - but its pretty marginal. Orange peel reflector on both of them. Get a few spare sets of batteries and a decent recharger.

I had the same dilemma as the OP, and plumped for the orange peel LD20 on the basis that the "spill' of the redesigned reflector might be better, according to the impression that the website blurb about the LD20 gave me. It's not so important how bright a light is, if it's all shining in a tight little spot, I reasoned.

I have no idea if this difference in reflectors is noticeable, but I am very happy with it anyway. Perhaps cougie can - ahem - shed some light on this... :oops:

pinnacleroadie

I have two LD20s - one clear and one orange peel reflector.

I tend to aim the orange peel one at the road over a short range and have the clear one longer range. There is a noticeable difference between the beams of the two versions with the clear one more focussed than the orange peel.

TBH, if I were buying my LD20s again, I would spec two orange peels as I find that the long range one is a bit too focussed and on high it is certainly bright enough to sufficiently illuminate a larger area of road.

The_Darkness

Dont forget to check out the MTE P7's on dealextreme. Cheaper and brighter. You'll find lots of comparisons on youtube or forums.

Cheers

linsen

I have a fenix with orange peel and I do love it but save it for the unlit stretches. And they really do eat batteries - I charge mine often and would carry a spare set of batteries on a long unlit journey. I'm sure at the wrong angle it could really annoy drivers!