Fenix flashlight - AA or CR123 preferred???

F

FS216

Joined
Jan 4, 2007
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I'm looking at the Fenix P3D Cree that uses 2x CR123 batts, and also the P2D Cree, which uses 2x AA batteries. Given the fact that my other elec's run on AA (VHF handheld, GPS, etc) - I'd lean towards using AA's as they are so cheap and easy to find anywhere, and I always have extras laying about. But reading all the excellent reviews on our forum, the CR123 seems to have a brighter output. I'd like to find some I can handle and test in person, but have yet to find how find the dealer in my area (NC Coast) if there is one.

My question is - if you've used both, how do they stack up against each other?
 
I prefer CR123's as they have a 10 year shelf life and are shorter. Price is not a concern as I get them at any local gun shop for the same price as good quality AA batteries.
 
the P2D also uses CRs. you might be thinking of the L series that uses the AAs.
 
I'm sure he meant L2D.

I picked CR123a version. My reasoning is that if you look at the run graph, for AA version depends on what type of cell you use (alkaline, nimh, or lithium), the runtime/brightness differ significantly, and at high setting alkaline doesn't supply enough current to keep the brightness up. To get similar performance to cr123 cells, you'll have to use lithium AA, which isn't any cheaper, but bigger than cr123. More so, there are places you can buy cr123 cheap, as low as $1 each, but not for lithium AA.

So for the same performance, cr123 is smaller, and cost less to run.
 
Checkout www.lighthound.com for good prices on the CR123 batteries. Using CR123's you get more light output and longer run times in most flashlights all while being more compact then the AA lights.

My last Lithium AA's cost me more then the CR123's so, that made my choice in lights easier. Plus, the Lithiums last better in the heat.
 
others will chime in but here's my 2 cents. :)

IF you go cr123, buy only cells made in the USA. Quality control is MUCH better.

i think you should go either L2T or L2D. both use AA cells. using Sanyo Eneloops LSD Nimh, you will have FREE lighting. the Eneloops lose their charge MUCH more slowly than regular Nimh. something like 1% a week instead of 1% a day!!
 
Not even a debate. I own several 123 lights, even a custom McGizmo Aleph. Buy a AA Fenix Cree. You can always find AA Batts, During the Last Four Hurricanes since 2004 You could not find a 123 batt to save your life( Quite Possible, while Dancing with Katrina...) You can always find AA's in remote controls,other Battery operated devices etc etc. And honestly, my L2D Cree outshines my REEEEALLY expensive custom modded lights that I love dearly and wouldnt part with for anything. Of course, if you dont have a worry about disasters and such, please disregard these comments.
 
+1 on the AAs for the same reasons as FireInvestigator, plus if you know you're going to be using it heavily you can use rechargeables and its free. Need better shelf life? Use Lithiums. In a pinch you can use anything you can find.
 
MVF said:
+1 on the AAs for the same reasons as FireInvestigator, plus if you know you're going to be using it heavily you can use rechargeables and its free. Need better shelf life? Use Lithiums. In a pinch you can use anything you can find.
Click to expand...

cr123 comes in rechargeable too.
 
if i was gonna really use the light a lot i would prefer AA's simply cuz they are cheaper, imho the 123 lights are a little brighter though.
 
I use the AA format. It's a less expensive format that is more widely available and more widely useful. Lots of other great gadgets use AAs. This made it easy to standardize my gear on AA batteries.

Phil
 
Excellent advice from all, thanks - I may go AA just to standardize my equipment. I'll do a review when I get it for a layman's opinion. Thanks to all who replied- so nice to have a great community to confer with!!!
 
I prefer CR 123's myself.They have a 10 year shelf life. I prefer them I have had alakaline batteries kill my lights, because they leaked. I used to have a Maglite that I kept in my vehicle, and the batteries leaked and killed the light. I needed to use that light.... No more.
 
I no longer use 123's - the availability and expense are poorer, Nimh AA's are much cheaper long term with similar outputs. Comparing a G2 incandescent with a Rayovac 3 watt Luxeon, I'm money ahead with a more durable light, no spares needed.

Being on a standardized battery can really simplify access in emergencies, as was said, but those little emergencies seem to come at the wrong times, and there is no sense complicating things or storing $$ for years when you don't have to.

One reason I EDC a small light - storing anything in a car over time is a severe test of temp, humidity, and vibration few consumer goods can handle. My pocket is safer.
 
I LOVE 123s for their output and endurance. I use them in my Surefire A2 Aviator and Fenix P1D-CE. At Lighthound or Battery Station the prices can't be beat. I keep 100 on hand for emergencies. They last 10 years so why not?

I also like AAAs because they can be purchased anywhere in the world. I've taken my Arcs throughout France, Italy, Japan and China and always had access to AAAs. I keep two Arc-AAAs on hand--on my keychain and nightstand--just in case some emergency prevents me from getting to my 123s. My Arcs are Miller Modded with the new CREE bulbs. They have killer output and run quite a while--with both low and high beams! Highly recommended
 
I have to go with the AA recommendations here. That being said, I keep a surefire KL4 in the glovebox of my car knowing that when I need it, it will be ready.
 
FS216 said:
if you've used both, how do they stack up against each other?
Click to expand...

Please take a look at this review -

Fenix P3Dce Comparison Review

where there is a direct side-by-side comparison of the P3Dce and the L2Dce.

The P3Dce will be a bit brighter on its Turbo/max mode than the L2Dce - but there is very little in it in practice -

side-by-side direct comparison beamshots -
Fenix P3Dce vs. Fenix L2D-CE on 2x NiMH AA
P3Dce_L2Dce.jpg
P3Dce_L2Dce2U.jpg

I think the P3Dce is just a bit brighter, but not enough to make much practical difference (to me).

For more details of the L2Dce -

Fenix L2D-CE Comparison Review

The Cree XR-E editions tend to have a cooler/bluer tint (which some people like) - and they also have the notorious "dark-halo"...

These seem to be mitigated in the Q2 Special editions (sold at slightly higher prices/premium) -
there are also the new LumiLEDs/Luxeon Rebel 100 editions which seem to have warmer tints and smooth beams -

Fenix P3D Rebel 100

Fenix L2D Rebel 100

You could also consider a single CR123 version of the Fenix P2D (which will be truly pocketable) -

Fenix P2D-RB100 Comparison Review

Fenix P2Dce Special Edition Q2 Comparison Review

Fenix P2Dce Comparison Review

Hope some of this helps -

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Between Morimotom and UnknownVT's comparison reviews it appears kinda clear the fenix is here to stay....ahem, well... at least for another month until someone else comes out with a well built brighter light and a cheaper cost. Between AA and CR123? Sure,the 123's are a tad brighter,and a bit bulkier. Not to mention rare to find in a lot of gas stations at a steeper cost. I have several of both.Use them all.

Finger them all and let your hands and eyes decide. Kinda hard to debate personal taste. I'm no expert, but I did sleep in a holiday Inn........
 
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