Super versatile, super bright, regulated LED torch tested.
Fenix LD20 Premium Q5
Torch - Quick Test
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Price:
£47.95
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Weight: 100
grammes (including 2xAA batteries)
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Features: Compact, waterproof LED torch
powered by two AA batteries, Cree Q5 LED, regulated output with six
types of output, 150mm x 21.5mm, made from T6 aircraft grade aluminium
with hard-anodized finish, toughened glass lens with anti-reflective
coating. Claimed output 180 lumens. Battery life two hours on turbo mode
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What's It
For?
Compact - not much bigger than a fat fountain pen - all-round outdoors
torch that can be used either as conventional flashlight or with bike
mount or head band for added versatility.
The Techy
Bits
Fenix is a seriously well-regarded brand when it comes to cutting edge,
high quality LED torches and the technical specification of the LD20
reflects that. It's not just that it uses a super powerful Cree Q5 LED
with virtually unlimited lifetime, the whole torch is carefully
designed and made.
There are two main modes - turbo giving a 180 lumen output with a
battery life of two hours or normal with 9 lumen, 47 lumen and 94 lumen
levels - battery life 71 hours, 13 hours and 5 hours respectively.
There are also strobe and SOS flashing settings.
Importantly the torch is regulated which means that clever electronics
ensure the same level of brightness as the batteries wear down. With
unregulated torches, light output drops as the batteries run down.
The torch also uses carefully developed reflector, toughened glass lens
and hard anodised aluminium body.
How It
Performed
We've used high-powered bike lights with the same LED as the
LD20 so we knew what to expect and we weren't disappointed. On full
turbo mode, the torch kicks out a penetrating beam of bright white
light with an external halo of lesser brightness that puts most
headtorches to shame. It really is very, very bright and very
penetrating.
It's always hard to quantify beam throw, but around 100 metres feels
about right. The lesser settings are handy too. To be honest, for
walking use, you don't really need the turbo setting and high and
medium are just as useable and extend battery life significantly.
For pure outdoor use, a head torch will generally have a hands-free
edge, though you can buy an optional head mount for the Fenix - above -
which works reasonably well, particularly if you mount the torch to the
side of your head. You can also rig the head strap to fit a climbing or
bike helmet.
Also adding to the torch's versatility is a simple bike mount which
transforms it either into a very visible commuter light or a proper,
full-on mountain bike night-riding supplementary beam. Finally, knurled
alloy sections make for a secure hand hold on the torch.
This versatility along with the regulated light output - most head
torches are unregulated - and super bright output helps recoup the
hands-free disadvantage. In addition it's beautifully made, as tough as
old boots and light and compact too.
If you want a pure head torch then you're still better off buying,
well, a head torch, but if you're after a nigh-on indestructible, more
versatile beast that you can use hands free, as a conventional torch or
as head or bar mounted bike light then the Fenix LD20 is superb. The
regulated output is a big plus and shortish battery life on full power
is offset by easy availability of rechargeable AAs. All in all, a very
neat bit of kit.
Know more or want to?
If you'd like to add your own
experiences of this
product check out our user review system and post your opinions to
the world. If you have questions you can mail
us direct, ask
Richard Gear or try
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