I was in the market for a new high lumen LED pocket light, and after much data finding, settled on the Fenix LD01. While doing the research I found it was the same model Dave reviewed almost 2 years ago.
However, that model has been quietly improved without barely a notice from Fenix to its marketers. Although the table below shows the lumens have dropped, the real improvement appears in the capabilities of the new LED in the newer model. Its capable of more lumens/watt, but in the case of the LD01, its potential isn't realized as it requires more than the AAA supply delivers.
I am posting an update plus adding data to all reviews on the web on this LED light, that hasn't been mentioned elsewhere.
Readers should know that the model number etched on the light and packaging has not changed, but vendors use a confusing mix of old and new specifications.
Thew new model is actually at least the LD01
R4, but the box and laser etching do not add the R4 suffix.
The table shows the improvements compared to the version Dave reviewed in 2010. These are Fenix's published numbers, but third party reviews are consistent with those changes.
Estimated Burn Times are in Parenthesis
LD01 Original | LD01 R4 |
28 Lumens (3.5hrs) | 26 Lumens (3hrs) |
09 Lumens (11hrs) | 03 Lumens (27hrs) |
85 Lumens (1hrs) | 72 Lumens (1.5hrs) |
The biggest change is the 3 lumen setting, which goes to 27 hours. Low light in adequate for very dark settings, such as moonless nights or inside caves. 27 hours provides enough reserve to serve as an emergency light for 24 hr hiking trips, to cover evenings. The 11 hours was just barely adequate as it makes no allowance for battery wear. The 26 lumen mode is great for everyday use and cycling at night, and the brightest mode for examining components, such as PCBs.
A best comprehensive technical review of many AAA lights is here, including its brother, the LD01 SS
R5http://www.lygte-info.dk/review/Beamshot%20AAA%20lights%202011-03%20UK.htmlThe review has nearly all identical specs to the LD01 R4 except a slightly newer version of the LED, it uses the Cree XP-G
R5, while the black LD01 uses the Cree XP-G
R4:
http://lygte-info.dk/review/Review%20Fenix%20LD01%20SS%202010%20UK.htmlI did a similar power consumption measurement as Dave did in his video. I'm not so certain about info@lygte-info.dk curves on power, the Cree I tested plateaus; its light output appears constant [ I have no light meter] by maintaining constant power; as the source output voltage drops the current rises, and vice versa.
My Data:
| ----- | ADC | ----- |
VDC | Med | Low | High |
1.8 | nd | nd | 0.491 |
1.6 | 0.203 | 0.022 | 0.604 |
1.0 | 0.361 | 0.036 | note |
0.8 | nd | nd | 1.751 |
0.7 | 0.569 | 0.052 | 1.290 |
nd = no data
note = transition was abrupt from 0.8 to 1.6 VDC, unable to maintain 1VDC.
| ----- | Watts, V x I | ----- |
VDC | Med | Low | High |
1.8 | nd | nd | 0.883 |
1.6 | 0.325 | 0.035 | 0.966 |
1.0 | 0.361 | 0.036 | note |
0.8 | nd | nd | 1.401 |
0.7 | 0.398 | 0.036 | 0.903 |
Ave | 0.361 | 0.036 | 1.038 |
The average power consumption relative to each mode is proportionate to Fenix's data and run times.