Fenix FNX-E01BK E Series LED Flashlight, Black

The Fenix E01 is so small and light that you are likely to keep it handy, which makes it more useful than the flashlight you left home. Mine weighed in at approx. 0.95 oz. with the battery installed. The body diameter is about the same as an AA battery (it takes one AAA battery), but about 1/3 longer. It would easily be at home on a keychain if you like keychains with extra things hanging off them. It also will quite comfortably fit in a pocket.Of course, it's a natural for a purse or fanny pack. Another reviewer commented that the reflector collected lint, which I didn't understand until I got the light. There is no lens covering the reflector. Therefore, if the flashlight is knocking around in a purse, I could see how the reflector could end up collecting lint. On the other hand, there is no lens to crack or get scratched up.The light turns on and off with a twist of the ring surrounding the reflector. There's no button to push. There is no high or low beam. It's simply on or off.Given some of the earlier reviews, I expected this light to be brighter than it is. I tested the light on an unlit staircase at night and found that all seven stairs to the landing were well illuminated. The corona around the hotspot covered the entire width of the steps. Going outside, I found the light to be adequate for illuminating a path while walking outside at night, but don't expect it to "throw" its beam any significant distance. There is a hotspot in the center of the beam, but more even and wider than the hotspot from an incandescent mini-MagLite. The hotspot has a lavender tinge to it, but the corona is fairly white.The flashlight is designed so that it can be stood on its end and used like a candle, with the beam aimed at the ceiling. Doing this at night, I found it dimly illuminated a 20 x 30 foot room. The lighting was sufficient to easily see all the furniture and avoid bumping into anything, but most people wouldn't be able to read, of course. Used as a candle in such a large room (600 square feet), it's more like a night light on steroids. Used as a candle in a normal-sized room, like my bedroom, the room is more brightly illuminated (not simply like a night light on steroids). Used as a flashlight in a bedroom or closet, it works quite well.I compared the beam to that of a lower-end flashlight that I bought at a local retailer. The lower-end flashlight has 9 LEDs and three AAA batteries so it is not surprising that it offers better light (a brighter and wider hotspot) than the Fenix E01 (which uses one AAA battery and has one LED). The lower-end flashlight is cheaply made. For example, the on/off button for the lower-end flashlight doesn't always work the first time. And it's bulkier. The lower-end flashlight's claim to fame in this case is that it cost $2.99 (and came with three AAA batteries).Given that cost difference, why is the Fenix E01 a fair value? Because its compact size and light weight make it much more convenient to carry it on you at all times. (Carrying something on your person every day is sometimes referred to as Every Day Carry, or EDC.) In addition, its more reliable construction adds value.One reviewer suggested keeping one of these lights in emergency kits. I can't agree with that. If I were preparing an emergency kit, I would want at least a 2-cell flashlight with variable light output that has AA batteries, which offer the potential for more light output or greater battery life (and maybe both). Of course, those flashlights with variable light output are more expensive, but I am confident that a simple, fixed-output, well-made 2-cell LED flashlight that uses AA (not AAA) batteries can be found at close to the price of the Fenix E01.If you are not going to EDC this flashlight (say, for example, you intend to keep the flashlight in a desk drawer or in a glove compartment), then you might be better off with a 2-cell flashlight where you get better performance and don't pay a premium for small size. Furthermore, while the Fenix E01 is light, a slightly longer flashlight would probably be easier to carry in hand for an extended period of time.One plus of the light not being too bright is that it makes it easier to read in the dark printed materials that are illuminated by the light. A dimmer light is also more useful when you're crawling under a desk trying to read the labels for jacks on the back of a computer. Sometimes the brighter light will cause glare that makes reading difficult. And if the flashlight is used to navigate a darkened bedroom at night without disturbing your sleeping partner, being less brilliant is better.All in all, this is an excellent flashlight if you want to carry a small, lightweight light with you at all times. For nightstand use, it can't be beat.UPDATE:I also have taken this light with me when traveling, and it is perfect for a carry-on bag when flying. It takes up almost no room and the weight is insigificant. When traveling, I keep it in my pocket, and it is fine for illuminating a path. I was in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the streets and sidewalks are paved with stones, which can be quite irregular (not to mention the occasional hole), and the street lighting is not consistent. I put the Fenix into my pocket when going out at night and didn't even notice that the flashlight was there. But when I needed it, it was perfect for the task. My sister was using a MagLite Solitaire, which was pathetically dim in comparison.At this price, my only complaint is that the round body allows the flashlight to roll too easily. I have to be careful when placing it on a nightstand that it doesn't roll off, particularly when I reach for it in the dark and hit it with a finger but can't grasp it. To keep it from rolling, I put it next to something that will keep it in place.As evidence of my opinion of this product, I'm buying another one to give to my sister.FURTHER UPDATE:I have finally figured out a cheap and simple way to keep the flashlight from rolling. I took a split ring and attached it to the base of the flashlight. A split ring is often used to attach keys to each other or something else. In my case, I took a split ring that was used to attach my car key to a parking stub and used that. (You can't get cheaper than free!) It's about the size of a nickel, and being of thin wire, it weighs almost nothing. There is a small hole at the base of the flashlight that that allows you to fit one end of the ring through, and then you just turn the ring until it's all the way on. The hole in the base is really small though, and a more substantial split ring might not fit.If I flip the split ring on under the flashlight when I lay it down, it won't roll. If the split ring is not flipped underneath, then the flashlight will roll a little, but the ring usually stops it after a few revolutions. Having the ring on the base of the flashlight makes it easier to fish the light out of a sleeve in my carry-on bag that I slip the light into. The ring does not interfere with standing the light on its base so it can be used in candle mode.I have updated my rating to five stars.

I was looking for an LED companion for my Maglite Solitaire. Some people say the Solitaires are great, some people hate them. Truth is, mine fills a niche. But on to the Fenix.Fenix and 4Sevens have done some amazing things with single AAA "keychain" flashlights in recent years.With Fenix's E01, L0D, and LD01 and 4Seven's Preon I, they've introduced us to a new era in single AAA flashlights.I have a 1977 Eveready "Little Commander" single AA flashlight. I'd estimate it puts out around 0.5-1.0 lumens. A single AAA Maglite Solitaire will put out 2.3 lumens (for around 2-3 hours).This wonderful little Fenix E01 puts out about 10 hours of 10 lumens (so-called sunlight mode) and about 10 hours of, well, something less, for 10 more hours (so-called moon mode).Remember how I said the Maglite Solitaire still had it's place in my routine? Well that place is reading while my wife is asleep next to me. The Fenix is much too bright for that, and I don't fancy keeping a dying battery on hand so it'll run itself in "moon mode". I wish they'd include the lower mode at will. One thing I absolutely love about the 4Sevens flashlights (oddly enough this feature is NOT on the Preon I) are their "moonlight" modes, which on their CR123 lights put out 0.2-0.4 lumens for around 30 days. Now that's a nice feature. I would honestly never have said I'd only need 0.2 lumens, but I see the benefit of it now.Back to the E01.It's very bright, very well built, and very affordable. You can pick up a Maglite Solitaire at Lowe's for around $7 including tax. This ran me $11.Considering the "moon" mode is basically just a low battery indicator since it can't be summoned at will, we'll just say that this flashlight has a 10 hour battery life.That's great, especially considering the Solitaire's runtime of around 2-3 hours.This light is water, although I don't see how (see gripes below).I prefer forward clicky-style on buttons, but this light's twisty-on works perfectly, although I think that the "on" position could cover more of a revolution around the head. It's about an eighth now, perhaps a quarter would do better?I've never had a problem with it turning itself on in my pocket.It's construction is top notch. It came with an extra o-ring and a keychain loop.Gripes:1) Nothing in front of LED: There is no window (lens if you will) in front of the LED, which means you'll be blowing lint out of it often.2) The LED exhibits a purple hue in the center of the beam. It's VERY noticeable, although it does nothing to affect the usefulness of the light. It's just the nature of the LED they chose to use. Also prominent is the shape of the hotspot. The LED has two dies that sit next to each other. When projected onto a wall it exhibits a defined (yet blurry) rectangle shape. Not distracting, just noticeable.3) This really isn't a gripe, but rather a comment: The light uses a focused LED, which means unlike the Fenix L0D and LD01 and 4Sevens Preon I, the reflector doesn't do too much reflecting. I understand that it's cheaper, and I wouldn't change it, but it's worth bringing up.All in all I love this light and I highly recommend it. If you're looking for something this small in a much more powerful package try the  Fenix LD01R2, 3 Level High Performance CREE LED Flashlight  or the  Quark Preon 1 Stealth Black 70-Lumen Cree XP-G R5 LED Flashlight . Both of those are fantastic lights and are rated at almost 100 lumens (i.e., about as much as an old 3 D-cell Maglite).-------- (6/4/11) UPDATE --------This light is still running strong and still amazes me with its ability to operate on batteries that were previously thought dead.Even with the plethora of single AAA lights on the market (4Sevens' Preon 1 and Preon ReVO; various other Fenixs, including the E05; Maratac's line of excellent AAA lights; etc.) this one still fills its own little niche that nearly everyone has need for.-------- (10/8/12) UPDATE --------This light is still chugging along just as reliably as the day I got it. You seriously can't go wrong with it. Even in lieu of newer lights, this one still holds its own in terms of efficiency and reliability.

Very please with this. I had a specific use for it which was to go in a Skinth M7 everyday carry wallet which sits in my wallet with a few other daily use tools including a pen and notebook. I wanted something powerful for its size, small, rugged and could take AAA. I've got another Fenix torch which I've been using for around a year and I love it. I did lots of comparing with cheaper alternatives on Amazon but decided on this because I trust the brand. I've tested it and it's certainly bright for a little thing and it fits really well in my wallet (see pictures).On the negative side, I would prefer if it had a switch rather than twist on. Because the torch sits in a tight sleeve I have to push it into place which means putting pressure on the slightly unscrewed light facia (off position) which turns it on everytime I push it down. Although not the end of the world a thumb switch on the base would be preferrable.Anyway, great for purpose. It feels really well made and there's a 'quality' that you can feel when the unscrew it. It comes in a nice package with a spare battery, instructions and even some spare gaskets/o rings.

This flashlight is great! It uses a single AAA battery (I use rechargeables with no issues), it is bright enough for most tasks, I've used it frequently as it is part of my EDC keychain, super compact, well made, sturdy. A high quality item!

I find that darkness engulfs lie, so to balance things out, one needs the light. This provides it. You can just flick this one and off compulsively, and it may make you feel a little giddy. It is virtually indestructible so if you are one to form attachments with your world wares, this will last. It has a decent beam and for a small size can be kept in your pocket and can be useful when you drop a coin under the bed. Not many products are worth buying (not even this), but it comes close so if you live in a country where things are dark (figuratively and literally), it is worth getting this. At least you will always have light, and light is important, otherwise a company would not have spent this much money to make this. Buy it if you must, and if you must buy it, do it, now, if not later (when it may be more expensive...).

Exactly as described but once I had it in my hand I was slightly disappointed with the size and general feel of the torch. It's great that it's waterproof and the single AAA battery is very convenient. Personally I found that I don't like the feel of the twist-to-turn-on action rather than a proper switch. I do like the fact that it will "tail stand" to act as a miniature lamp. This is a great emergency light with terrific battery life but it lacks the satisfying build quality of the larger Fenix lights. The light is quite feeble and completely unfocused but adequate for its intended purpose of finding things in the dark. I decided I won't be using the E01 much and bought a Coast G19 instead, which I much prefer and has the benefit of a pocket clip.

This is a good little keyring torch. With an emphasis on little. It is actually the same size as my little pinkie finger in both length and girth!There is a new version with 13 lumens and this isn't it. I was sent the 10 lumen version. I don't mind, but if you want the new version make sure you do some research first. With 10 lumens, you can easily navigate a dark room or see where you're going at night. It's not a big light output but it's good considering its size and runtime. It's well built, strong and I have no hesitation putting it on my keyring alongside my motorcycle keys - I know it will withstand the vibration, cold and wetness when I'm out on the bike. Overall this is a very good buy.Now, a little update to this review. Did you know the E05 is the same size as the E01 but is TWICE as bright? Consider an E05 if you want a sturdy little keyring torch that's brighter, but only if you can live with a reduced runtime. The E01 is king if you're happy with a dimmer light that can shine for a very long time.