Fenix E01 V1 – Great Affordable EDC Flashlight


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This review was originally posted 4/3/2017.  Since then Fenix has replaced this model with the E01 V2.

Original Post:

The Fenix E01 is somewhat of a legend in the flashlight world. It’s respected by flashlight aficionados and It’s low price makes it hard to ignore. If you EDC (Every Day Carry) you most likely carry and/or collect flashlights. The size of the Fenix E01 makes it easy to carry and keep nearby. It’s slightly larger than a tube of chapstick and carries well on a keychain. 13 Lumens with a 16 hour run time on a single AAA battery. It’s also water resistant up to 2 meters (IPX-8 rating). I’ve had mine for a few years and have used it extensively. 

Fenix E01 Chapstick



In the office I’ve used the Fenix E01 to light dark crevices underneath desks and to locate various small items that have been dropped. I use it when I take my trash to the curb. I use it unloading groceries at night when I want to be sure I’ve not dropped anything. I generally have one in my car or bag simply because its a lot of light for the size and price. 

Fenix E01 Measurements



In nearly any survival or action movie scenario you can think of, you always want to have a light with you. The Fenix E01 is a light that you would more than likely have with you due to its small size. Here are just a few of the more practical examples: Stuck in an elevator. Stuck in a stairwell. Stranded in an automobile in the middle of nowhere. Changing a flat tire at night. Working under the hood of a vehicle at night. Extended power outage at your home. Looking for that small screw you dropped on the carpet. (most likely to happen). It’s also handy for doing some cable management behind an entertainment center:

Entertainment Center Cable Management



 You can use a chapstick lid to make a diffuser to light up a room better:

Chaptick Lid Diffuser



Inexpensive, small, and lightweight; it’s hard to any downside to the Fenix E01. While there are brighter lights this size, they are more expensive and may take less common battery types. The on/off switch is the twist type so be sure it’s definitely off before putting it away. The finish will wear, but I like the pocket worn look. 

Fenix E01 Single AAA Battery Powered



The next upgrades from the Fenix E01 would likely be the Fenix E05 and the Streamlight 66118. The Fenix E05 is a great light and brighter, but it is slightly larger and it’s lowest setting (with the longest run time) is 8 lumens compared to the Fenix E01‘s 13 lumens. The Streamlight 66118 is also a fine light with 90 lumens and powered by two AAA batteries. The Fenix E05 uses a twist type switch like the E01 and the Streamlight 66118 uses a push button on the tail of the flashlight. The areas where the Fenix E01 shine in comparison (in my opinion) are the overall size, run time, and price. 

Batman likes the Fenix E01

Final Verdict: For the price you will not find a more capable flashlight. The Fenix E01 definitely deserves it’s reputation in the flashlight community. If you get bitten by the flashlight bug it’s likely that you will either start with the Fenix E01 or pick one up along the way. I consider the Fenix E01 as the first tier of high quality flashlights. The highlights for me are: 

 - It’s bright (13 lumens) – brighter than cheap plastic full sized flashlights. 
 - It can last for 16 hours on one AAA battery. 
 - Made of aluminum. 
 - Water resistant 
 - Small enough to always have nearby. 
 - Inexpensive and readily available. 

If you need a small flashlight, are looking to get into flashlights, or just simply want a capable small light; the Fenix 01 is the one to get. 

The Fenix E01 is: Average Guy Approved. 

Specs per Fenix: 
 - Length: 2.8″      
 - Diameter: 0.56″     
 - Weight: 0.5 oz. (not including battery)     
 - Battery: One 1.5V AAA Battery 
 - LED Type: Nichia white GS LED with a life of 100,000 hours     
 - Switch Type: Twist     
 - Material: Durable aircraft-grade aluminum 
 - Digitally regulated output – maintains constant brightness 
 - Reverse polarity protection,to protect from improper battery installation 
 - Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle.



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