Fenix brings us the best every day carry flashlight with the E05. Occupying only a third of your whole palm, this flashlight is the most compact and slick flashlight available in the market today. Read our Fenix E05 review to learn more.
Pros
- Uses Total Internal Reflection
- Free Accessories
- Great Everyday Carry flashlight
- Medium and low settings look the same
- Low setting could be too bright for some.
- Unprotected LED bulb
Build Quality
Despite weighing only 1.6 ounces and measuring 64.4 mm, the E05 still performs like it is something more than what actually meets the eye. Its petite outline should not be considered as a limiting feature because its slim body built is crafted from aluminum with hard-anodized (Type 3) finish.
Just like other EDC flashlights which are much longer and heavier, this one also has the same material feature and finish. So, you basically aren’t missing out on anything with the Fenix E05 because you get to have the same features than a relatively better-looking flashlight would offer.
It is also waterproof according to IPX-8 standards. Submerging it to 2 meters of liquid would not damage the flashlight nor would it affect any of the outside material. This could also be a keychain light that is assured to stay with you for a long time since it was built to be weather proof.
The knurling feature of this every day carry flashlight is of the traditional diamond-cut grooves. Extending from the body to the head or torch, the knurling ensures a fall proof flashlight. The bands of knurling specifically occupy the battery body and the head band. This is most advantageous for the Fenix E05 since it is such a miniscule flashlight – it will be hard and cumbersome if it almost always caused you trouble by falling off.
The threads connecting the head or torch to the battery tube is ample and accurately finished. This allows the body to be attached and secured, preventing annoying rattling sounds.
Light Output and Quality
The Fenix E05 flashlight is considered the best EDC flashlight out there because of its illuminating functions. A Cree XP-E2 LED bulb is what allows this flashlight to give off quality lighting.
The bulb also boasts 50,000 hours of burn time and is capable of producing a maximum of 85 lumens—impressive enough for its size and built. Its three brightness settings include High at a full 85 lumens, Medium at 25 lumens, and Low at 8 lumens. Even the low brightness setting could help you easily navigate in a dark room, with just an 8-lumen light output.
With only three brightness settings, the Fenix E05’s user interface is also easy to understand. This every day carry flashlight works with the help of a twist mechanism, which basically acts as the main controls since the E05 does not have buttons of any sort.
Not having buttons to be accidentally pressed is a huge plus because precious battery juice would not be spent in vain. Clock wise twists power up the E05 and depending on which brightness mode you prefer, you might have to do more turns. The brightness sequence starts with High to Medium to Low.
Batteries and Power
This best EDC flashlight also runs on a single AAA battery. Any kind with a 1.5 volt will basically do, whether its Alkaline, NiMH, or Lithium. Since alkaline battery cells have a reputation of leaking, it would be best to opt for any of the two latter options.
Most would suggest using an Eneloop battery brand since it performs very well and has never had an issue with lead leaks. The E05 also has current control features to prolong runtimes.
The E05 also is flood flashlight which allows for a larger light coverage, permitting light to the peripherals as well. It does have a nice throw too, but not really tight and focused enough to be considered a quality throw. It is most perfect for reading maps during a late night hike or just reading a book at night, that is, on Medium or Low Mode.
The Fenix E05 can stand on its own too. Having tail stand capabilities, this flashlight is both handy and reliable. Some work load may require the use of both hands and the E05 flashlight will let you do as you please. The groove at the tail end allows it to stand firmly.
Pros
- The Fenix E05 uses TIR or Total Internal Reflection.
- Free accessories include a split ring, a spare 0-ring, the manual and a warranty card. It is advisable to keep the spare O-ring since it is almost impossible to get a new one from the manufacturer.
- Mounting the split ring does not affect the EO5’s tail stand feature.
Cons
- The Medium brightness mode of 25 lumens and the Low brightness mode of 8 lumens is hard to tell apart from reality. Differences are noticeable on white walls, but when it comes to a physical environment, there is really not much of a difference.
- The 8-lumen low brightness mode is still quite bright for some. It could still bother some people when the brightness setting is abruptly turned on.
- The LED bulb is not protected by an outside glass frame and the plastic diffuser does not reach all the way down to the actual LED bulb.
Fenix E05 Review Verdict
When it comes to finding an Every Day Carry flashlight that you can trust, the Fenix E05 is a great go-to option. Aside from some hiccups, like unprotected bulbs and hard-to-distinguish differences between light settings, the Fenix E05 is a solid option for those looking for an affordable EDC light that does the job.
