I’m always looking for the next best thing, whether that’s guns, optics, flashlights, and more. For handheld lights I want to squeeze out as much power as I can in my preferred form factor. This continually leads me to new makes and models to see how the competition stacks up. I first learned of the Fenix LD12 after reading Justin’s review over at Swift, Silent Deadly. Being a big fan of his work there and at RevolverGuy, my curiosity was piqued. Shortly thereafter, I had an LD12 of my own.
Form Factor
The Fenix LD12 is a fairly conventional handheld light. Made from anodized aluminum, the light is just slightly smaller in diameter and length than the Streamlight 1L-1AA. The details make this light stand out. Fenix includes fantastic texturing on the body, offering a solid purchase without being rough on the hand. The tailcap is harder to press than my 1L-1AA, cutting down on accidental activation of the light. Just behind the bezel is slightly oblong, allowing the LD12 to be placed down without rolling away.
A unidirectional belt clips means the Fenix LD12 must be carried bezel-down if clipped into a pocket. This clip rotates to suit the user’s preference of orientation. In my experience, the clip is very secure. In several months of carry I never lost the light or had the clip become detached. Additionally, the clip never rotated in the pocket, ensuring consistent button placement when drawing the light.
Fenix LD12 Controls
Controls are a fairly conventional, two button setup. The tailcap switch is your on/off button. Pressing lightly can provide momentary light, while a deep press provides an audible and tactile “click” for constant light. This button is textured for a positive purchase with the thumb. There is some fencing on either side of the tailcap switch to aid in preventing accidental discharges of light. It is possible for the light to stand using the fencing, though the slightest of bumps will knock the LD12 over.
A smooth, grey button on the oblong area near the bezel provides brightness adjustment once powered on. the LD12 remembers your previous brightness setting even after several weeks without being activated. The LD12 cannot be activated solely using this button. Once on, holding this side button will activate a strobe mode until pressed again.