Does your flashlight always run out of batteries at the worst possible time? Are you tired of carrying around spare batteries? Are you looking for a light that you can recharge while on the go? If any of these sounds like you, it is time to look into the Fenix RC11. The rechargeable RC11 is ideal for those who need a bright and reliable light. To find out what this flashlight has to offer, keep reading our Fenix RC11 Review
Before You Buy
Different flashlights are designed with different purposes in mind. Before you go out and purchase a light you want to determine what you need the flashlight for. Most of us find that EDC lights are the best choice, as they can be used for a variety of tasks, including self-defense. How the light is powered is something else you need to consider before purchasing the light. Some lights use ordinary batteries, while others require specialized ones. Rechargeable batteries are a nice upgrade, but some lights even offer you the ability to be charged on the go with built-in charging ports, such as the Fenix RC11.
Fenix RC11
The Fenix RC11 belongs to the magnetic charging line of lights. It measures 4.5 inches long, but don’t let its small size fool you. The Fenix RC11 utilizes a powerful CREE XM-L2 U2 LED to emit up to 1,000 lumens of light. The RC11 offers users five brightness levels to choose from, plus a 1,000-lumen strobe mode. The RC11 comes with a lockout mode that will prevent accidental activation, so your light is always ready when you need it.
Fenix includes a single 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery with the light, as well as a magnetic charging cable. The charging cable charges the battery through the magnetic suction port located in the neck of the flashlight. The RC11 comes with a built-in charging indicator, so users will know when the light is fully charged. Charging typically takes four hours to complete. The RC11 cannot use the flat-top design 18650 batteries, but it can accept two non-rechargeable CR123A batteries.
Pros:
- 5 brightness levels
- Digitally regulated output
- Lockout mode
Cons:
- Charges slow
Specs:
- Dimensions: 4.47 inches long with a 1.16-inch diameter
- Weight: 2.47 oz without batteries
- Lowest Setting: 10 lumens for 135 hours
- Highest Setting: 1000 lumens for 1 hour and 20 minutes
Fenix RC11 Features & Benefits
User Interface
The RC11 features five different output modes, ranging from 10 lumens up to 1,000 lumens. A 1,000-lumen strobe mode is also included. Each of the five modes, as well as strobe, is accessed via a single switch for the easiest one handed operation. Powering the light on or off requires you to hold down the switch for 0.5 seconds. Switching through brightness levels requires a single click of the switch until the desired level is reached. Strobe is accessed by holding the switch for 1.2 seconds. To exit Strobe simply press the switch again.
Lockout Function
The lock-out function prevents the light from accidentally turning on when not in use. If you do activate the lock-out function the light will not respond. If you try to operate the light you will see two low flashes. Activating lock-out mode requires you to double-click the switch within 0.5 seconds. The light will blink twice and go out to indicate it is locked. To unlock the light you will need to double click the switch again within 0.5 seconds.
Overheat Protection
Too much heat can cause problems with the light and can make the light too hot to handle. On Turbo, the light will only run for five minutes before it automatically steps down to High mode. This step down is to prevent the light from overheating. Turbo mode can be accessed again by resetting the light. Warning resetting and reactivating Turbo mode too many times in a row can cause irreversible damage to the light.
Magnetic Suction Charging
The Fenix RC11 comes with a magnetic charging cable. The cable can be used for charging via micro-USB or magnetic suction charging. To charge using the magnetic suction port found in the neck, simply place the magnetic end of the charging cable close to the port. The port will draw in the charging cable automatically. The indicator light will flash green to indicate the battery is charging. Once the battery is full the light will turn a solid green.
Social Proof
If you are looking for a rechargeable light that is considered reliable and bright, I would have to recommend the Fenix RC11. This light is one of the newest lights to be added to the magnetic charging line. Most reviewers have plenty of positive things to say about the RC11, but it does have a few noticeable flaws. The biggest complaint with the Fenix RC11 is how long it takes to charge, which is about four hours for a complete charge. Although it is not recommended to use the light while charging, it can be used in mid output mode only.
Alternatives
Olight S2R
The Olight S2R is a great alternative to the Fenix RC11 but doesn’t offer quite as much. With the Olight S2R you have five brightness levels to choose from with a CREE XM-L2 LED, but no strobe mode. With the S2R Turbo mode will emit 1020 lumens for two minutes. Once those two minutes are up, the light will automatically step down to High Mode. Unlike the Fenix RC11, the Olight S2R offers a true Moonlight mode of 0.5 lumens. The tail cap comes with a strong magnet allowing it to be secured to metal surfaces to provide a hands-free work light.
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The Nitecore MH20GT measures 4.37 inches long with a head diameter of 1.25 inches making it one of the smallest rechargeable lights. Don’t let its small size fool you, as the light is quite powerful. Utilizing a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED the Nitecore MH20GT can emit up to 1,000 lumens with a throw of 1188 feet. The MH20GT features thermoelectric separation technology to provide users with output stability and extend the life of the LED. A blue power indicator light alerts you to remaining battery life; each stage will flash a different pattern. Built-in charging port comes with USB cover to keep out dust and moisture.
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Thrunite TC12 V2
The Thrunite TC12 V2 uses a CREE XP-L V6 Led to emit up to 1,110 lumens of light. The light offers five brightness levels, plus strobe mode that is easily accessed via the side switch. The stainless steel side switch was recently updated to allow for improved operation. The Thrunite TC12 V2 doesn’t offer magnetic charging, but it does use micro-USB charging so it can easily be charged on the go. The TC12 V2 uses intelligent overcharge protection, so you won’t have to worry about overcharging the batteries.
Fenix RC11 Review Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a compact and powerful light with the ability to be recharged the Fenix RC11 is a great choice. The Fenix RC11 comes with a magnetic USB charging cable that allows for micro USB charging, as well as magnetic charging via the magnetic section port in the neck. With the simple and convenient charging options the Fenix RC11 is one of the best choices for any task at hand. Now that you know what the Fenix RC11 has to offer, go on out and purchase one today.
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