The Fenix LD09 is an incredible every day carry flashlight that is built to be powerful, durable, and stylish. It is a compact 130/220 lumen LED flashlight with a unique intelligent drive circuit that instantly knows the type of battery that has been inserted and will automatically select the best possible active setting. It is crafted from high-quality materials and has a user-friendly design. The LD09 would be very practical as your EDC. With its advanced technology and intelligent drive circuit, it is easily suitable for an array of activities including camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and even car repairs or walking the dog. Measuring only 3.7 inches, this light fits comfortably in your pocket all day long.
It comes with all the standard features including, different brightness outputs, solid body, and reverse polarity protection as well as many others that we will explore in our Fenix LD09 review below:
Specs (Specifications)
Output and Runtime
The Fenix LD09 LED torch offers 3 different output modes as well as SOS mode with varying degrees of runtimes:
Three output modes:
- High
- Ni-MH Battery: 130 Lumens/1 hr. 45 min.
- Alkaline Battery: 130 Lumens/50 min.
- 14500 Battery: 220 Lumens/1 hr.
- Mid
- Ni-MH Battery: 50 Lumens/8 hr. 5 min.
- Alkaline Battery: 50 Lumens/5 hrs.
- 14500 Battery: 50 Lumens/5 hrs. 35 min.
- Low
- Ni-MH Battery: 3 Lumens/70 hrs.
- Alkaline Battery: 3 Lumens/43 hrs.
- 14500 Battery: 3 Lumens/58 hrs.
SOS Mode: 50 Lumens
This small but sensible light has been refurbished in, 2015 which allows it the capability of accepting a 14500 rechargeable battery. This increases the 130 lumens produced by a traditional AA battery to a striking 220 lumens. It is quite impressive to see that a light so small in size is essentially flexible enough to provide a substantial amount of light for many different situations, even more so since this upgrade. The high mode being able to light almost an entire room while standing on its tail, and the low mode focused enough to read a newspaper or search a bag.
Throw Distance
The LD09 uses a Cree XP-E2(R3) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours. It has a toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating, giving this light a maximum throw distance of up to 120 meters with a beam/throw angle of 70 degrees.
Peak Intensity
At 3600 candela per lumen (cd/lm) the Fenix LD09 offers a good balance of spot/flood beam which makes it pretty versatile for most situations. This light illuminates approximately 500 yards. While it is not the most powerful light it illuminates with a decent amount of focus for its ability.
Functionality
The LD09 is equipped with a multi-function single tactical tail switch creating a clean look and feel to this light. When the light is off, a half press to the tail switch provides momentary on and multiple half presses cycle through the rest of the modes. Once you find your desired brightness level, a full click the tail cap engages that mode. The default mode is low. The light always comes on in low since there is no memory. This light showcases an anti-roll, slip resistant body design allowing you to place it almost anywhere with confidence. It is also able to tail stand for hands-free use.
Battery
Thanks to its upgrade in 2015, the Fenix LD09 flashlight features the intelligent drive circuit which allows you to use either a 14500 rechargeable Li-ion battery or a standard AA. (Included) For best result and longer run times, the 14500 rechargeable is the most sensible option.
Dimensions and Durability
Size
The LD09 is only about 3.7 inches/94mm in length and about ¾ inch/19mm in diameter. It weighs 1.2oz/35 grams (excluding battery). At a size that is very compact, this light will fit comfortably in a pocket all day long.
Water Proof / Water Resistance
Like many high quality Fenix flashlights, the LD09 is has an IPX-8 rating and is submersible underwater to 6.5 feet/2 meters for 30 minutes.
Impact Resistance
The body is made of durable air-craft grade aluminum. It has a premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish allowing it 1 meter of impact resistance. This light has the ability to endure a moderate amount of dropping or banging, while still maintaining very little marking or scratching.
Accessories
Included with the Fenix LD09 are the following accessories:
- 1 Pocket Clip
- 1 Spare O-Ring
- 1 Lanyard
- 1 Holster
- 1 One AA (Alkaline) Battery
- 1 User Manual
- 1 Warranty Card
Although it does not include the 14500 Li-ion rechargeable battery, it is available, and not too expensive.
Conclusion: Our Fenix LD09 Review
The Fenix LD09 is a compact EDC that comes with the features that many regular sized flashlights have. Its redesign has provided an awesome feature that allows the use of the 14500 Li-ion rechargeable battery, increasing its brightness by almost 100 lumens. That paired with its unique intelligent drive circuit makes this light a relatively sensible choice.
Some downfalls include the instability of the light while tail-standing, and having to push the button multiple times to change the brightness settings. However, it does feature reverse polarity protection to protect from improper battery installation and over-heat protection to avoid high temperature on the surface.
Overall, the LD09 would be a great addition to a collection of small compact flashlights, or a great investment on its own. While there are some lights that are less expensive, this light provides a great balance of quality and value.