If you still think that the flashlight is something you should carry when you wish to, think twice! A flashlight is a tool that you may need at any time, depending on the situation that you are in. So, ensure that you have an EDC light if you are afraid of carrying heavy lights.
Today, I am going to review the Fenix E12 flashlight. This Fenix brand flashlight is the successor of the Fenix E11 flashlight. The E12 light is an excellent EDC flashlight with powerful illumination. It is durably made, and an additional light mode is added. Also, the design of the body at the end of the tail cap has been altered to make it different from the E11 LED flashlight. If you need a small, compact, and everyday carry flashlight, then buy Fenix E12. Read this Fenix E12 review to know more about this flashlight.
Upgraded Fenix E12 Flashlight Review in 2023
The Fenix E12 flashlight, a previous version of Fenix e18r, covers a great distance of 88 meters and uses a new technology, which is Cree XP-E2 LED, with a lifespan of 50 000 hours. It is powered by one AA flashlight battery, and these are very easy to replace. The Fenix E12 is easy to use and has a recessed switch to prevent accidental switching on/off of the flashlight. But before making the final decision, I have listed some pros and cons in this Fenix E12 flashlight review to save you time and effort. Here are the notable features:
Technical Specs:
| Features | Fenix E12 LED Flashlight |
| Maximum Brightness: | 130 lumens |
| Minimum Brightness: | 8 Lumens |
| Maximum Run-time: | 22 hours (8 lumens) |
| Minimum Run-time: | 1 hour (130 lumens) |
| Beam Distance: | 88 Meters |
| Impact Resistance: | 1 meter |
| Modes: | 3 (8, 50, 150 lm) |
| LED: | Cree XP-E2 |
| Body: | Durable Aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Waterproof standard: | IPX-8 (Underwater 2 meters) |
| Length: | 90 mm |
| Weight: | 28.5 grams |
| Battery Include: | Yes (AA Alkaline batteries) |
| Price: |  Check Price |
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General Features of the Fenix E12 LED Flashlight
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- High-efficiency total reflection lens
- Premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
- Powered by one AA (Ni-MH, Alkaline) flashlight battery
- 3 light modes (low, medium, high)
- Uses Cree XP-E2 LED with a lifespan of 50 000 hours
- TIR light
- Tail tap switch
- IPX8 waterproof rated
- Polarity protection with reverse clicky switch
- Recessed switch
- Impact-resistant up to 1 meter
- 22 hours maximum run-time
- Maximum Lumens of 130
- Maximum beam distance of 88 meters
- Digitally regulated output
Is the flashlight durable enough?
The Fenix E12 LED light is a good investment if you want a flashlight that will last for a very long period of time. This is because it is sturdily constructed from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, which is a lightweight and strong metal. In addition, it has a type 3 hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish, which can resist corrosion and other tough conditions. The tail cap switch is designed in a way that it can protect the tail cap switch. If you intend to use the flashlight in a camp or something similar, you can make it stand on the tail cap and act like a candle.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- IPX-8 Waterproof ratings
- Corrosion-free performance
- Better shock-absorbing capacity
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Bright light with 3 light modes
One of the things I dislike about this flashlight is that it has 3 light modes, but it lacks the strobe and SOS modes. Yes, I love this flashlight’s three different light modes, but it would have been better if it had those two special modes being an EDC light with a tactical build. The low light mode uses a maximum of 8 Lumens and has a long run time of 40 hours. This is ideal for learning at night. The medium mode follows the low light mode. This has a maximum of 50 Lumens and runs for 6 hours 30 minutes. Finally, we have the high mode. It operates at a maximum of 130 Lumens and has a run time of 1 hour 30 minutes.
- High Mode: 130 Lumens
- Medium Mode: 50 Lumens
- Low Mode: 8 Lumens
In order to access the different light modes, you have to switch on the flashlight through its tail cap switch. Press it halfway, and you will land on the low mode. Then, you can cycle through to the medium and then the high mode. If you want the brightest mode, switch to high mode, and it will cover up to 88 meters. This is enough to light your path at night or the entire camp.
NiMH or Alkaline: Two battery options
The best thing about the E12 LED flashlight is that it is powered by one AA (Ni-MH, Alkaline) battery. When you purchase this device, you will get a single AA battery from Edinson included in the package. AA batteries are easy to find, and you won’t have a problem getting them at very good prices. If possible, ensure that you carry spare AA batteries when you go camping, hiking, to work, to school, or even hunting.
- Run-Time on high mode: 60 minutes
- Max. Run-Time on medium mode: 3.5 hours
- Run-Time on low mode: 22 hours
What are the special features?
If you thought this was just a regular EDC flashlight, then you are wrong. Similar to other Fenix flashlights, the Fenix E12 AA light has some special features that make it last longer and be fun to use. The flashlight has reverse polarity protection that secures it from bad battery placement. Its reverse clicky UI button and Tail switch save energy. Also, it has a digitally regulated output that ensures you get constant brightness from your flashlight. In addition, the broad beam lens offers a soft and even beam for close-up illumination. And finally, it has a recessed switch, which prevents you from switching on the light unintentionally. Parts include:
- Fenix E12 Flashlight
- Spare o-ring
- Lanyard
- User Manual
- Battery
Is the Fenix E12 an EDC flashlight?
In my younger years, I hated carrying a flashlight because most of them were big and heavy. This was a burden as I also had to keep a close eye on it so that it was not stolen. Today, most flashlights made are sleek, compact, and lightweight. The creation of LEDs has made this possible. Now, we have small and sleek flashlights such as the E12 that can be kept easily without even one knowing. Keep your E12 light in the pocket, or use a lanyard to attach it to the belt. You can also use a pocket clip, as it doesn’t come with that hanging clip. No person will suspect that you are carrying a light until all hell breaks loose, and you have to grab it. Its simple and sturdy build quality makes this flashlight ideal for those who are searching for a 140-hour long run-time.
- Length: 6.5 inch
- Width: 5.75 inch
- Height: 1.26 inch
Built for tough situations
No one ever plans for bad weather. And even if you do, nature has a way of getting us off-guard. Things like rain, dust, and wind are not always anticipated. But when you are out there in the wild, you better be prepared than be sorry. That’s why you need an all-weather flashlight like the E12. This light is built with a corrosion-resistant body. It has a waterproof rating of IPX-8, which means you can use it up to 2 meters underwater and for 30 minutes. Also, if dropped on the surface, it can survive impacts up to one meter. Another thing is that it has an indestructible Cree XM-ED LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours. This will last long for more than 5 years.
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Warranty
Fenix is a brand that people have come to like very much due to its quality products and customer service. Unlike many flashlight brands, Fenix offers a one-year repair guarantee and a lifetime limited warranty on its products. So, this is what you will get when you buy the Fenix E12 LED flashlight.
Related: Fenix LD22 Flashlight Review
Fenix E12 vs. LD12
The main difference between ld12 and e12 is the lumen. The ld12 has 115 lumens, and e12 has 130 lumens. Also, you need to consider which one is smaller, lightweight, and more durable. So check the table to make a comparison before buying any of these models.
| Technical Features | Fenix E12 | Fenix LD12 |
| Width & Depth | 0.75 in & 3.54 in | 0.85 in & 4.13 in |
| Maximum Range Number of power level | 88 130.0 IM | 87 125.0 IM |
| Price | Low | Medium |
Compared with Fenix E12 Version 2.0 Light
Fenix upgraded E12 V2.0 flashlight features:
Maximum Brightness: 160 Lumens
Medium Mode: 30 Lumens
Low Mode: 5 Lumens
Weight: 0.96 oz
Length: 3.06
Max beam distance: 223 ft
Compared with Fenix E11 Flashlight
Fenix upgraded E11 light features:
Maximum Output: 105
Output in low mode: 32 Lumens
Maximum Beam Distance: 72 meters
Modes: Only Two(High, Low)
Strobe Mode: N/A
Maximum run-time: 8.5 Hours
Total Weight: 1.9 ounces
Rechargeable: No
Summary
So, this Fenix E12 review article has already given a clear idea about this flashlight. This is a great and well-rounded everyday carry flashlight. It is sturdy and can defy day-to-day challenges. What I like about this flashlight is its easy user interface and reverse clicky switches. It is also powerful and powered by just one AA battery. The knurled body makes the handling of the flashlights in wet or tough conditions to be easy. It is lightweight and compact in design, thus very easy to keep in your pocket or attach the lanyard to the belt. The 3 light modes allow you to utilize the flashlight in different scenarios, and it has a lifetime limited warranty. So, whether it’s school, work, or outdoor activities, this flashlight will definitely suit your needs.
Does the light remember the last brightness setting?
No
Mine lasted only about 6 months before the medium and high settings don’t work and only the low works and not all the time either. I’m very disappointed in this and will never buy one. I got this one from winning a contest on a web site so fortunately I didn’t pay anything for it.