The Fenix LD22 2015 Edition is an upgraded version now at 300 lumens of max output. It is branded as a tactical flashlight but offers two types of modes: outdoor and tactical. After reviewing the LD22, we feel that the LD22 would be best suited for outdoor use given the functionality and flexibility the outdoor mode offers.
The LD22 Fenix is a straight-forward flashlight that would be a good compliment to your regular every-day-carry (EDC) light.
Specifications
Output and Runtime
The Fenix LD22 2015 offers 4 different levels of output brightness, as well as Strobe and SOS modes. It has varying measurements of runtimes depending if you use a Ni-Mh (Nickel Metal Hybrid Battery) or an Alkaline battery.
You would get longer maximum runtimes with Alkaline.
- Low
- Output: 5 lumens
- Runtime:
- Alkaline: 100 hours
- Ni-Mh: 90 hours
- Medium
- Output: 30 lumens
- Runtime:
- Alkaline: 35 hours and 5 minutes
- Ni-Mh: 22 hours and 30 minutes
- High
- Output: 100 lumens
- Runtime:
- Alkaline: 7 hours and 10 minutes
- Ni-Mh: 5 hours and 5 minutes
- Turbo
- Output: 300 lumens
- Runtime:
- Alkaline: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Ni-Mh: 40 minutes
Maximum Throw Distance
Maximum Intensity
The Fenix LD22 has a peak intensity of 3600 candela per lumen (cd/lm). The LD22 would make for a great spot beam.
Functionality
You can use the tail-switch turning on and off the flashlight, and side-switch for cycling between brightness outputs and special modes: SOS and Strobe.
To switch between standard modes (outdoor and tactical), simply hold the side switch for two seconds until it flashes twice on the low mode.
Tactical:
- All functionality is in the tail-switch; side-button doesn’t do anything.
- You can use high, strobe and medium and alternate between them by holding the tail button for about 2 seconds - otherwise the the flashlight will start on high.
Outdoor:
- In contrast to the tactical mode, the Outdoor mode uses both the side and tail switch.
- The side-switch changes the output brightness; uses its intelligent memory circuit to remember the brightness it was last using.
- Strobe can be accessed by holding the side-switch for about 2 seconds; you can then press it again to get SOS mode.
- Unfortunately there’s no memory circuit for SOS/Strobe, so you always have to cycle through Strobe to get SOS.
Overall we think that the outdoor is more useful - hence why we think it’s more suited for general outdoor than tactical settings.
Additional Features
The LED bulb used is the Cree XP-G2 R5 - giving it 20% more lumens per watt and improving system efficiency cost up to 57% from the previous XP-G. The XP-G2 is a great fit for this high-lumen LD22.
Accessories
If you buy it from Amazon, the package would include the following:
- Light-weight nylon holster
- Lanyard
- Spare O-Rings
- Two Double AA Alkaline batteries
Personally, we think that the LD22 is long-enough to go without a lanyard, but having it included is always nice. There are additional accessories you can get - like an external battery charger or color filters - but they’re not that necessary.
Battery
The LD22 Fenix conveniently uses double AA batteries which are easy-enough to find around the house. For practical-use, it would be best to go with rechargeable alkaline batteries for the longer-runtimes, as mentioned above.
And by standard, this Fenix light has reverse polarity protection in cause
Material and Durability
Like the majority of Fenix flashlights, the LD22 is made of all-metal, aircraft-grade aluminum with an anti-abrasive finish. The glass lens is toughened and ultra clear with anti-reflective coating.
The Fenix LD22 is relatively light and compact. It has a length of 6.1 inches or 155 mm and diameter of 0.8 inches or 21.5 mm. It weighs about 2.5 oz or 72 grams (g) without its batteries
Depending on your needs, it can be your EDC flashlight, but we would prefer something a bit smaller like the Streamlight MicroStream or the SureFire Titan Plus.
Impact Resistance
The LD22 Fenix being all-metal is very durable and has 1 meter of impact resistance.
Waterproof / Water-resistant
The LD22 is waterproof with an IPX-8 rating and can be submerged underwater down to 2 meters.
Additional Notes
- Unfortunately the tail-cap cannot serve as a tail-stand for hands-free lighting like a candle stick.
- The body has nice rough notches for providing a solid grip and anti-roll design.
Conclusion: Our Fenix LD22 Review
Overall we think that the Fenix LD22 is an excellent flashlight that is versatile with its outdoor mode, and very bright at 300 lumens. It’s user-friendly and straight-forward to use, and its functionality can get you by for the majority of your EDC needs.
That being said, we do think there are better options for an EDC light and that the Fenix LD22 would be a great additional compliment.
See below for some good examples for an EDC light:
But you should definitely check out the Fenix LD22 on Amazon!