The Fenix E20 is an absurdly bright 2xAA LED flashlight. How bright? You can read the other reviews and get all sorts of lumen numbers - here's a subjective test. I pointed it at my face at arms length, closed my eyes and turned on the light. Even with my eyes closed, the light was dazzling! Outdoors, it clearly illuminates houses and trees 200-300 feet away.
In the basic 2xAA LED class you can hardly find a brighter light. The tradeoff is relatively short battery life. I tested it with some NIMH AAs in the 1700-2000mah range. The E20 delivered full power for around 60-100 minutes then quickly faded to something like 90-95% dimmer. Even that low power is useful. The almost exhausted batteries then lasted for hours and hours - I got bored waiting for them to die out completely. I'm guessing regular non-rechargeable alkalines would probably last an hour longer.
The E20 has no setting for less than full on blinding light. You can get lights that have multiple brightness settings in this class - but they usually cost quite a bit more.
Others have mentioned that the batteries rattle around a bit. They do and it's suprisingly annoying. Other than that, the construction seems to be top quality - very sturdy. It has a good feel to it and it's easy to stick in your pocket.
It doesn't stand on it's end. But you can use an empty glass to hold it making for a decent room emergency light.
A few days ago I thought the on-off switch (or some other electronic component) had gone defective. The light might not turn on when I pressed the switch until I shook the flashlight back and forth. After a lot of testing and fiddling I noticed the batteries had a bit of tarnish on the ends. I polished them on my t-shirt for a minute and everything was fine after that. I guess the E20 is high strung!
The E20 package contains a nice array of extras. Lanyard, 2 spare O-Rings (one large, one small), a replacement cap for the on-off switch and another rubber thing that looks like you use it if you have to replace the LED. No carrying case. The line that connects the lanyard to the light appears flimsy. But it hasn't broken yet.* I haven't given it hard usage yet, either.
Summary - you'll take my E20 when you pry it out of my cold, dead fingers!
*Update 5/19/2010. The flimsy line broke under light usage. I'd take a star away but I don't use the lanyard very much. But something to keep in mind if you do.
| Special Feature | Durable, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 3 Ounces |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Brand | OPEBS |
| Finish Type | Aluminum |
| Mounting Type | Handlebar |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 06942870300368 |
| Manufacturer | Fenix Flashlights |
| Size | 6 inches length |
| UPC | 844949011563 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 9.5 x 3.7 x 0.4 inches |
| Package Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Brand Name | OPEBS |
| Part Number | FX-E20B |
| Sport Type | Camping & Hiking |
