When I first saw the new Fenix CL28R lantern I was blown away by the solid feel of the lantern and very impressed with the insane brightness it offers.
I am primarily using this lantern for overlanding / car camping and as an emergency light. Being in California we've been getting a lot of power outages and I'm sure with the upcoming summer and fire season, we will see even more. The Fenix CL28R is an incredibly powerful and versatile camping lantern that provides up to 2000 lumens of brightness. It's perfect for lighting up large areas such as campsites, outdoor workspaces, or in a tent (although a little overkill for inside the tent). There's also a button on top which when held down will activate a solid red light. You can then click the button again and it will begin a slow flashing red light. The red light should run for about 170 hours or 340 hours on the red flashing mode. The CL28R is built like a tank in comparison to it's competitors. It is built with an aluminum body all around, unlike most of its competitors using polymer. In the short time I've owned this lantern I've (well not all me, but friends too) have dropped this lantern several times and even slammed it between the liftgate and vehicle body about 6 or 8 times (don't forget where you leave it). But it shows little signs of use or abuse and keeps working flawlessly. The CL28R also acts as a power bank, so you can charge your other devices while you're using it via a standard USB port for output. This does have USB-C input for charging. One of the standout features of the CL28R is its long runtime. On its lowest brightness setting, the lantern can provide up to 360 hours of continuous light, making it a reliable choice for extended use camping or in an emergency. The lantern is also rechargeable, so you don't have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. The CL28R has a durable and rugged design, with an IP66 waterproof rating and a toughened ultra-clear glass lens. This makes it a reliable choice for use in any weather conditions. The CL28R is also incredibly easy to use. The lantern has multiple brightness settings, ranging from 9 to 2000 lumens, and can be easily adjusted using the intuitive control knob to choose the ideal brightness for the environment. It also has a 2nd knob for adjusting the color hue of the light from a warm yellow on one end, bright white in the middle, and near blue on the other. The lantern has a battery level indicator similar to those found on many of Fenix's headlamps, so you always know how much power you have left. Overall, the Fenix CL28R is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a high-quality, powerful, and reliable camping lantern. With its continuous brightness settings, long runtime, and built-in power bank, this lantern is perfect for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity. The CL28R is also easy to use and has a durable and rugged design, making it a reliable choice for use in almost all weather conditions. Downsides: While the Fenix CL28R is an excellent camping lantern, there are a few downsides to consider. One of the main drawbacks is the price. The CL28R is a premium camping lantern, and its price reflects that. It may be too expensive for some people, especially if they only need a lantern for occasional use. However, I believe this is very minor compared to all the benefits this light offers. Another potential downside of the CL28R is its weight. While the lantern is compact and durable compared to some other camping lanterns, it still weighs right about 1lb. This may be too heavy for some people, especially those who are weight conscience. Overall I can't say anything else negative about it. Personally, I love the lantern and have made sure friends and family members have purchased one for themselves.
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I recently picked up the new PD25R V2 to replace my current EDC light (LD30). I wanted to try something a little more compact and liked the slightly more focused beam pattern the PD25R offered over the LD30 despite having slightly lower lumens.
The Fenix PD25R V2 is a compact and powerful flashlight that is perfect for a variety of applications. With a maximum output of 800 lumens, this flashlight packs an impressive punch for it's size. It's also rechargeable, so you don't have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. The PD25R V2 has a maximum runtime of 70 hours. The PD25R V2 offers a USB Type C charge port on the flashlight body which is protected by a cover that unthreads to expose the charging port. One of the standout features of the PD25R V2 is its dual switch design. This allows for easy operation, even in low-light conditions. The flashlight also features a battery level indicator, so you always know how much power you have left. The PD25R V2 is made from high-quality materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum and a toughened ultra-clear glass lens. This makes it durable enough to withstand even the toughest conditions. The flashlight is also waterproof, with an IP68 rating, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged if you're caught in the rain or accidentally drop it in water. Another great feature of the PD25R V2 is its compact size. Measuring just over 4 inches in length, this flashlight is easy to carry in your pocket or attach to your belt or backpack with the included holster. Despite its small size, the PD25R V2 is a powerful and reliable flashlight that you can count on when you need it most. I've also found with this light's smaller size, it's been a great light for my kids to use. They find it easier to carry and simple to use. They love it. Overall, the Fenix PD25R V2 is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a high-quality, durable, and powerful flashlight in a small package. With its dual switch design, battery level indicator, and compact size, this flashlight is perfect for outdoor activities, work, or everyday carry. Fenix TK65R Headlamp
I've been using the Fenix HL60R headlamp for several years now. I've been wanting something slightly brighter, mostly because I wanted something brighter rather than actually needing it. When Fenix announced the new TK65 model, I knew I wanted to try one. Not only was this model 1400 lumens (vs my HL60 at 950 lumens), but it also has a flood beam and a separate spot beam that can be used independently or together simultaneously. The new TK65R is even smaller than my HL60R headlamp. It comes with the Fenix 18650 3000mAh battery. The headlamp itself features a USB Type C charging port which is covered by a rubber cap. One big of the big improvements made in the newer headlamps is the headband, Fenix added thin silicone lining on the inside of the band offering a much better grip for active use. I must mention this headlamp has been very durable. Usually, I'm pretty careful with my gear but somehow this headlamp got smacked, dropped and wet quite a few times since I got it. It took a good 15+ foot drop while being swung from my backpack hitting, bouncing and sliding on cement. It left a good little nick on where it landed, but the light never skipped a beat. I've been using the TK65 headlamp as my primary headlamp for about 4 months now. I've used it for working on my vehicles, camping, hiking, work and I couldn't be happier with it. If you're looking for a new robust, all-in-one, do everything headlamp which will impress you and your friends, look no further than the HM65R headlamp. Pros: Great battery life. Includes 18650 battery. Easy to use. Flood and Focused beams. Dual buttons for beams. Great headband. Durable Super bright. Lightweight for the overall package. Cons: When closed, the on/off buttons aren't completely covered but I haven't had any issues yet. No red light. I purchased this flashlight directly from Fenix on May 28, 2019 and received it on May 30, 2019. I replaced my last EDC light (Fenix PD32 flashlight) with the E30R because I wanted something slightly smaller than what I had been using. Not to mention the 1,600-lumen output on the E30R definitely caught my interest as well. The other feature which convinced me to try the E30R was the built-in USB charging design vs the need to remove the battery to charge with my PD32. This light is noticeably smaller than most tactical / EDC flashlights on the market, even those offered by Fenix like my PD32. So I was very pleased upon my unboxing and putting it in my pocket for daily use. The light is also lighter even though it's not as obvious. But having carried the PD32 for quite some time, I could notice the difference when I swapped them out. The pocket clip feels more robust and sturdy than others and is a reversible design which allows it to be clipped (light up) and also clipped onto the bill of a ball cap for hands-free use. I've used it on the bill of a baseball cap and while it is much larger than I would prefer for that use, it is handy when a headlamp isn't an option. The lens is a diffused/fogged out design which I haven't decided if its more of a con than a pro. Having 1,600 lumens, I was expecting a little more throw than it does but it does allow for a good amount of overall lighting. Depending on where you carry this light, the lockout feature may need to be used. I carry it in a side cargo pocket and have had this light come on when I leaned against something too long. It's not something I have had to worry about with tail cap activated lights in the past. The lockout feature is easy to use. A simple rapid double-click on the on/off switch will turn on the lock (shown by two flashes of the light) and repeat to unlock. I actually carry it in the locked position for the obvious reason of preventing accidental activation, but instead of having to click and hold the light for .5 seconds for the light to turn on, it will turn on immediately when unlocked which is faster. Overall I really am enjoying this new E30R Flashlight for EDC use. It's easy to carry, use and charge. The battery life is excellent even for those with frequent daily use and require a lot of light frequently without sacrificing portability or convenience. Pros: Smaller than most flashlights with this level of output. Only 3.9" overall length. Lightweight at just 98g / 3.6oz. Comes with a 3500MaH battery. Easy to use magnetic USB charger. Reversible pocket clip. Easy to lock & unlock safety to prevent accidental light activation. I purchased this flashlight directly from Fenix on May 28, 2019 and received it on May 30, 2019. I replaced my last EDC light (Fenix PD32 flashlight) with the E30R because I wanted something slightly smaller than what I had been using. Not to mention the 1,600-lumen output on the E30R definitely caught my interest as well. The other feature which convinced me to try the E30R was the built-in USB charging design vs the need to remove the battery to charge with my PD32. This light is noticeably smaller than most tactical / EDC flashlights on the market, even those offered by Fenix like my PD32. So I was very pleased upon my unboxing and putting it in my pocket for daily use. The light is also lighter even though it's not as obvious. But having carried the PD32 for quite some time, I could notice the difference when I swapped them out. The pocket clip feels more robust and sturdy than others and is a reversible design which allows it to be clipped (light up) and also clipped onto the bill of a ball cap for hands-free use. I've used it on the bill of a baseball cap and while it is much larger than I would prefer for that use, it is handy when a headlamp isn't an option. The lens is a diffused/fogged out design which I haven't decided if its more of a con than a pro. Having 1,600 lumens, I was expecting a little more throw than it does but it does allow for a good amount of overall lighting. Depending on where you carry this light, the lockout feature may need to be used. I carry it in a side cargo pocket and have had this light come on when I leaned against something too long. It's not something I have had to worry about with tail cap activated lights in the past. The lockout feature is easy to use. A simple rapid double-click on the on/off switch will turn on the lock (shown by two flashes of the light) and repeat to unlock. I actually carry it in the locked position for the obvious reason of preventing accidental activation, but instead of having to click and hold the light for .5 seconds for the light to turn on, it will turn on immediately when unlocked which is faster. Overall I really am enjoying this new E30R Flashlight for EDC use. It's easy to carry, use and charge. The battery life is excellent even for those with frequent daily use and require a lot of light frequently without sacrificing portability or convenience. Pros: Smaller than most flashlights with this level of output. Only 3.9" overall length. Lightweight at just 98g / 3.6oz. Comes with a 3500MaH battery. Easy to use magnetic USB charger. Reversible pocket clip. Easy to lock & unlock safety to prevent accidental light activation. Cons: Not a great throw. No tail cap button. Does not turn on in the last mode used. It will always turn on to the lowest setting. Not a great throw. No tail cap button. Does not turn on in the last mode used. It will always turn on to the lowest setting. I've used several other packable wood stoves in the past, but have been looking for something lighter and more compact.
I did a little searching and came across a few very similar models from different brands, mostly looking the same. I ended up purchasing this model because it was a few dollars less than some of the other identical models. So far I really like it. Setup is simple and quick. When setup, the stove is extremely sturdy. Easy access for keeping it filled with tinder and twigs. The storage bag isn't the best of quality but not bad. Overall it's a great lightweight stove which allows you to use natural fuel. I recently picked up some NVG filters for my PVS-14s from Claude Riccoboni for $15 shipped. I picked up and blue and amber filter. They are a solid build and are great quality. The ring is made of a lightweight alloy and the lens is a polycarbonate with super clean clarity.
I highly recommend his filters - Great price and quick shipping! I will say, I really do like the blue over the amber but the amber does work better in lower light condition. Not the best photos due to my older NVGs but it does show the difference in amber to blue. I've been tempted to purchase newer WP (white phosphorus) NVGs for awhile, but with the new blue filter I think I'll be able to hold myself off a little longer. |
Tactical-BushcrafterI'm an avid outdoorsman who enjoys a good mix of primitive bushcrafting skills and modern tactical gear and survival equipment. Archives
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