Fenix E12 high performance LED flashlight, Black E11 Upgreade 130 Lumens with LegionArms AA battery by Fenix E01

This is now my EDC light that never leaves my side (it stays on my nightstand when I'm in bed). I was originally unhappy that the light always came on in the lowest output mode, but that quickly changed after I got it. I almost never need to increase the brightness past that, unless I'm trying to see over longer distances. I can't comment on battery life or durability, as I haven't changed a battery yet or subjected it to any rough treatments (it won a short fight with my leather wallet). It feels very sturdy and the threading and o-ring are solid, so I'm not worried about it.

So, the E12 is an upgrade to the older E11. There are a number of design changes, almost all of them positive and some of them a matter of preference.-Slightly shorter than E11 overall-Shorter switch allows the E12 to tailstand, unlike E11. This was a common complaint among lighting geeks, solved in the E12.-Supports 3 light levels now via tail switch, instead of 2 modes via forward twisty on the E11. You lose momentary-on capability for the switch, and gain light mode selection. Rejoice or despair at this decision, depending on your preferences.-Slightly upgraded bulb; max lumens 130 vs. 115 (I didn't notice a huge difference with the beams side by side though.)A major plus for me is the addition of a low light mode. Most people use a small pocket light for close and personal illumination (1-3 feet), and 35-50 lumens can have you seeing spots at that distance. You also get a LOT more runtime overall, when you have the option of using a low light mode.Comparing battery life and light modes:E12: -low: 8lm, 40h -med: 50lm, 6h30m -high: 130lm, 1h30mE11: -lowish: 35lm, 6h15m -high: 115lm, 1h50mOverall I like the changes they made; the light feels closer to the LD-series lights and having three light modes provides more versatility. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and get some good rechargeable batteries- they provide much better runtimes in high-performance flashlights.

Now this flashlight gets brighter by tapping the switch; previously it dimmed with a srlight twist, from full power. Many users would prefer bright first and dimmer only if needed. It is a shame; this used to be the perfect carry flashlight.

I used to have a Fenix E01 I kept on my keychain and I LOVED it! It came in handy almost on a daily basis. It ran forever on AAAs, even cheap ones. Unfortunately one too many batteries leaked inside the body and it bit the dirt (I know I know, that's what I get for using cheap batteries lesson learned). This one is a bit larger and seems to be the E01's big brother, it takes a AA, has a tail clicker and features three modes. The 8 lumen low (which it reverts to whenever it's turned off) is perfect for everyday use looking around under/behind desks, cabinets or whatnot. You tap the clicky for when you just need a bit more oomph and it bumps the output up to 50 lumens which is great for dark rooms, closets anywhere indoors you may be poking around. The 130 lumen high setting is really impressive from this little light. It's great for anything from poking around under a car at night, to power outages to messing with your buddies at the bar (because the 500 lumens from my SF P2X is just downright mean). While Surefire is my go to for high performance lighting, Fenix is my go to for cheap reliable EDC lighting. Some may be brighter, some may be cheaper but Fenix hits a favorable compromise of price, performance and reliability that will keep me a customer.

This is my second such Fenix (one AA). The first one went many years EDC on my set of 'work keys' and was nearly worn smooth. When I was at the SHOT Show in 2015 I stopped at the Fenix booth and showed it to their engineer types (kind of humorous as we had an obvious language barrier but all keen on flashlights). They studied it quite a bit as it has seen real-world use/abuse.But due to my neglect the battery corroded the innards and it was time to replace it. Since the first Fenix gave very good service so I replaced it with another. I also am on my second E05 as well. I think the first versions lasted me around 7 or 8 years.IMHO, these single AA lights are as big as I want to carry in my pocket EDC. The single AAA are handy too, so it's a matter of what suits you. I have both on the two key rings I pack around daily. One or the other is with me whenever I step out the door.

the switch worked well for the first 3 or 4 times, then it became totally erratic. the light quality and throw were very good, but the malfunctioning of the switch killed it for me. returned it.

I have had the E12 for about a month now and carry it every day in my work-around-the house-jeans. I have an E05 for dressier occasions. So far it has fully met my expectations. The size is perfect because it fills the width of my pocket so that the lens doesn't get scratched by coins and the other misc. stuff that guys have in their pockets. For those that wondered, it comes on at the lowest brightness every time, no memory of what you did last. The tap swicth takes a bit of thought. I still have a tendency to turn it off again when I really wanted to tap up to a brighter setting. That is not exactly a complaint, just the need to train yourself.

Really 5star except for the tiny ring loop in the tail cap. If a large ring could be fit to the tail cap or have a pocket clip the E12 would serve better as an daily carry item.

Liked my Fenix LD22 so much, decided to buy the Fenix E05 and Fenix E12. A big factor in buying these three models was that they are all powered by commonly available batteries:E05 requires 1xAAAE12 requires 1xAALD22 requires 2xAAIt is worth noting that while they work fine on disposable Alkaline batteries, Fenix recommends the use of Ni-MH rechargeable batteries for optimal performance. Only used Alkaline so far without any issues but am considering buying a charger and the Ni-MH batteries.This is a summary of my observations so far which may help you to decide which model to buy:FENIX E05This flashlight is light and tiny.. only slightly larger than a AA battery. Great for carrying in your pocket or putting on a keychain. It is so small that am afraid I'm going to lose it. Keep this in a small pouch with my Swiss Army Knife which stays in my pocket when leaving the house.For such a small flashlight, you'll be suprised at how bright and powerful it is.SPECSOne Handed Control: YESTo Turn On: Twist head counter clockwise to turn on.To Switch Between Brightness Levels: Quick twist head clockwise and back counter-clockwise to go to the next level.Length: 2.6"Diameter: 5/8"Weight with Battery: 0.84 ounces# of Brightness Levels: 3 (8,25,85 lumens)Brightness Cycle Order: Low to HighStrobe: NOSOS Signal: NOMAX Distance: 45metresOverheat Protection: YES.. after 3 minutes on high will autoswitch to medium.Case / Pouch / Sheath: NOLanyard: NOKeyring: YESRemovable Clip: NOFENIX E12This is starting to become my 'go to' flashlight in poorly lit areas around the house/yard. Fits great in my hand or in my pocket.. it would be fine as an everyday cary but is bigger than the E05. Very bright, lightweight, simple and easy to operate. If you only buy one flashlight and don't need a Strobe or SOS, buy this one.SPECSOne Handed Control: YESTo Turn On: Hard press button on tailend of flashlight. It makes a fairly loud snapping noise when turning On/Off. (it may wake a light sleeper).To Switch Between Brightness Levels: Soft press button on tailend of flashlight.Length: 3.5"Diameter: 3/4"Weight with Battery: 1.8 ounces# of Brightness Levels: 3 (8,50,130 lumens)Brightness Cycle Order: Low to HighStrobe: NOSOS Signal: NOMAX Distance: 88metresOverheat Protection: NOCase / Pouch / Sheath: NOLanyard: YES but it's a cheap (freyed in under a month), non-adjustable Lanyard.. suggest ordering a better, adjustable after market replacement.Keyring: NORemovable Clip: NOFENIX LD22This flashlight is powerful and on highest level and strobe can temporarily blind/disorient someone. Keep this on my nightstand as it can be turned on without a hard click (unlike the E12, so as not to wake up my Fiance). Also reduces the need to cycle through as it remembers the last brightness level you used.SPECSOne Handed Control: Not Really.. has a tail button to turn On/Off AND a front button to cycle through the brightness levels. But, it does remember the last brightness level you used and will start with that brightness level.. awesome feature.To Turn On:1. Soft Press Tail Button.. when you release it will turn off.. this is great if you only need light for a few seconds or don't want to make any noise.2. Hard Press Tail Button to keep on.. It makes a fairly loud snapping noise when turning On/Off (it may wake a light sleeper).To Switch Between Brightness Levels: Press Front Button. To engage Strobe or SOS hold down Front Button.Length: 6+1/8"Diameter: 7/8"Weight with Battery: 4.0 ounces# of Brightness Levels: 4 (3,50,105,215 lumens)Brightness Cycle Order: Low to HighStrobe: YES (215 lumens)SOS Signal: YES (105 lumens)MAX Distance: 115metresOverheat Protection: NOCase / Pouch / Sheath: YES a nylon pouch with a velcro flap and a belt loop.. am looking for a higher quality replacement.Lanyard: YES but it's a cheap (freyed in under a month), non-adjustable Lanyard.. suggest ordering a better, adjustable after market replacement.Keyring: NORemovable Clip: YESThe Fenix flashlights are solid, lightweight/compact for the power. Highly recommend.

New product for 2014 which is an upgrade to E11. Gone is the twisty switch, replaced by a rear reverse clicky. Two lights modes from E11 are replaced by three light modes in E12. The high mode is enhanced from 115 lumens to 130 lumens. The new mode is the low mode at 9 lumens. Tactical tap button for easy switching between light modes.Very pocketable EDC light. Very bright cool white beam. Spot beam is wide, so this light is more suited to short range applications. Solid build, deep knurling resulting in good feel in the hands.Some suggestions for improvement:1) The low mode at 9 lumens is still very bright and actually too bright for total dark situations. Would be nice to have a moonlight mode.2) There is no pocket clip to get at the light easily in your pocket. You have to dig through everything else and that is an issue since this light is so small.3) On high mode, this light gets very hot. Not sure what long term impact if any that will have. But it should be noted.Overall, this is an excellent light, and I highly recommend it.

Everything is fine, just a little heavy for my key chain. I wish fenix will make EDC with E12 features but powered with AAA battery.

Yes, I've become a Fenix fan