Fenix E25 (260 Lumens): Quick Review

Traditional, yet tactical.

Growing tired of using flimsy, unreliable flashlights, I finally made up my mind to pursue something better. I needed something durable and dependable to provide light without fail. Something once and for all to replace all those cheaply made flashlights I've wasted money on that fail within a few months.

Easy task, right?

I had a few preferences in mind. It had to be a medium sized light, something that felt substantial in my hand yet could be dropped in a pocket, a bag or glovebox without taking up too much space. The light had to be reasonably bright and capable of throwing a beam a fair distance. Lastly, I wanted something that could utilize common batteries, especially rechargeable ones that I have an abundance of.

On paper, the AA powered Fenix E25 seemed like a winner.

• Cree XP-E2 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
• Digitally-regulated output to maintain constant brightness
• 3 Brightness Levels (run time varies with battery types)
• Burst - 260 Lumens 
• High - 130 Lumens - 3 hours
• Mid - 55 Lumens - 11 hours
• Low - 8 Lumens - 140 hours
• Maximum beam throw:  180 Meters
• Intelligent Memory Circuit: Automatically enters the previous used brightness level when turned on
• Reverse polarity protection guards against improper battery installation
• All-function switch; simple and convenient operation
• Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
• Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
• Slip-resistant body design provides for a comfortable and secure grip
• Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
• Premium Type III hard-anodized and abrasive finish
• Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating

In person, it didn't disappoint either. The light has a traditional styling - thin barrel, flared head. It's not too big, not too small. Size-wise this was basically what I was aiming for and the result is a pretty versatile flashlight for a variety of situations. The included lanyard keeps it safe in your hand. Running on just 2 AA batteries, the output is pretty impressive. Very crisp white light, fairly wide spread with a nice hotspot in the center of the beam. It definitely produces more of a throw than a flood, so essentially it's not going to light up a really wide area but it will cover a good distance.

One caveat: The single control button is on the head of the light. The button is fairly flush and not quite as distinct as I'd like. It takes a bit of getting used to. There's no tail switch on this one either. Hold the button down briefly and it turns on. Push again and you can cycle through the modes. When you depress the button a bit longer you activate "burst mode" - the 260 lumen highest setting, which only stays on only for as long as you hold it down. Once you let go, it returns to the previous setting. Once you turn it off and turn it back on, it starts on the setting you had it on previously.

Overall, it is a solid performing flashlight that goes for about $35. For someone who wants a quality light powered by common batteries, this is an amazing choice. My only gripes would be an improvement of the power switch - something a bit easier to feel, or even just a regular tail switch. Burst mode is helpful but I would have liked to see that as a regular mode and not one I have to constantly hold the button down to achieve - perhaps 260 lumens is too taxing on regular AAs to utilize for long run times.

In the end, just a few small details prevent this from being the perfect light. But as is, it is a pretty awesome light, and being near perfect isn't bad at all.