[Trigami Review]
This product review is a comparison between two high-performance flashlights: the LED Lenser M1 and the Fenix PD 20.
These two LED flashlights promise maximum light output with low energy consumption – we at meinhaushalt.at will compare these two products in the hope of helping you with a possible purchasing decision.
The packaging of the M1 and PD20
The M1 is packaged quite elegantly in its black case and therefore makes an expensive impression. Fenix has opted for more sporty packaging.
I find the packaging of the Fenix PD 20 sufficient and can do without the luxury of the M1 packaging, as I would throw both away anyway.
The accessories
Both flashlights include a wrist strap, although the wrist strap of the PD 20 appears more robust at first glance. Unfortunately, attaching the wrist strap to the Fenix PD 20 is not that easy; with the M1, it is done quickly.
The holster of the M1 fits very well and offers a few really good features like a small carabiner and Velcro fasteners where you need them. The Fenix PD 20 fits well in the holster, but unfortunately, it is not that easy to remove from the holster. This is annoying and better solved with the LED Lenser M1. The holster of the M1 simply works.
The manual for the M1 is easily accessible and understandable thanks to the Smartcard, a small quick-start guide in credit card format.
It is a completely different story with the Fenix. Not only are the functions in my opinion well hidden, but they are also not explained well in the manual. A clear victory for the LED Lenser M1.
The Fenix PD 20 has other accessories that make me rather suspicious: 2 O-rings and a replacement rubber cover for the switch. Both things (seal, cover) tell me that there are wear parts here that will break. With the M1, this does not seem to be necessary due to the design of the flashlight – completely in line with my wishes, because I neither want to store these small parts nor have to change them. A flashlight just has to work – service is out of the question for me.
Below is a short video showing the packaging, the contents, and the assembly:
The functions
Both flashlights offer the possibility to reduce the light intensity to save energy and to illuminate objects that are very close without blinding. However, only the M1 has succeeded in implementing this functionality, I would say.
With the M1, unlike the PD 20, you don't have to turn anything, but can activate the energy-saving mode by simply pressing and switching.
Strobe mode is easily adjustable on both lamps by pressing or switching.
Focusing is solved on the M1 with a super one-handed sliding system; with the Fenix, you first have to turn it cumbersomely to activate this mode. No question that the M1 is ahead here.
The construction
The Fenix PD 20 appears more robust due to its corners and edges, but also very "vulnerable" due to its rubber switch.
I prefer the homogeneous design of the LED Lenser M1 here – this flashlight seems to be made from one piece – no rubber that can be easily damaged disturbs the image.
Both flashlights are made of metal and fit well in the hand thanks to the roughened surfaces. The M1 is slightly larger than the PD 20 and, in my opinion, easier to handle.
The light
Both flashlights shine very brightly, so you have to reduce the light to read maps in the dark. Here, only the M1 offers a quick way to activate the energy-saving mode – and that with one hand!
The Fenix PD 20 has a rather warmer, greener light; the light of the M1 appears bluish – here I like the light of the PD 20 a bit better.
Conclusion
My choice falls clearly on the M1 because of the simple switch between full light intensity/energy-saving mode and the one-handed focusing. This is a super flashlight that promises a long service life and is high-quality processed. Just to my taste, because if I ever need a flashlight, I don't have time to read an instruction manual to change something – I need quality and the LED Lenser M1 can clearly offer that.
Anyone who wants to read more info and feedback is welcome to check out the LED Lenser Community!
Photos by Andreas, meinhaushalt.at
Read also: The perfect outdoor equipment for your next adventure
Congratulations on this extraordinarily bad review.
The rubber parts and the rubber rings of the Fenix are there because the flashlight is waterproof (1 hour 2 meters); the LED Lenser would probably drown immediately. So not a spare part because it breaks, but simply see it as a feature.
Furthermore, the mode change of the LED Lenser is poorly done. For reading maps at night, I don't need to start with 150 lumens; the 9-lumen mode is enough for that (Fenix switch on once). You only turn the lamp head if you have to... the 94 lumens in general mode are plenty.
Fenix has no focus function (so nothing with complicated turning...).
A good lamp doesn't need a focus...
You usually hold such a lamp in a cigar grip, i.e., between 2 fingers... hardly possible with the Lenser, but the Fenix sits perfectly due to its angular design...
Furthermore, the Fenix does not roll away on the table, can stand upright...
Honestly: The winner was already decided before the test! I have rarely read such a biased "test"...