Best Pocket Light Under $30? Fenix E12 V2 AA Flashlight Review

This video is a gear review of the Fenix E12 V2.0 AA Flashlight. Simon has been carrying this light for over a year, and shares the features, benefits and shortcomings of this light with you. Is it the right flashlight for you? Watch and learn!
Best price on the Fenix E12: amzn.to/3tKJOIj
In this video:
0:00 - What features to look for in a light
1:52 - How much should you spend on a light?
2:30 - AA battery vs rechargeable
3:26 - Simple design vs lots of features
4:14 - Fenix E12 features
6:26 - Battery life vs lumens
7:05 - Downsides of the Fenix E12
8:15 - Design flaws
11:22 - Should you buy it?
Brought to you by LakeHub. We are sharing the joy of lake life! Learn more at LakeHub.com

[@theoriginaljohngalt2450]

I ALWAYS carry a flashlight. I started carrying the Fenix e11 about 10 years ago. I think Fenix is a great company that makes durable and quality products.

[@LakeHubTV]

I Agree!

[@buzonperiodista]

Great review. A couple of contributions: you cannot use a rechargable 14500 batt otherwise it will explode as per the user manual. However, using a lithium, non-rechargable one will double the usage time, which is fantastic!

[@LakeHubTV]

Great input - more lumination, less explosion, 2 of my favorite things -Simon

[@NunalSaPaa]

Thank you so much for this!

[@LakeHubTV]

Glad to help!

[@hamzaharis4087]

sub immediately after 3 second hearing your voice bro. you got a great voice. i lost my molten vallkeen whistle & nitecore light few days ago. Your review really helps. thanks.

[@LakeHubTV]

Ha thanks! It's *almost* my regular voice, still has a little post-covid mellow to it! Bummer about losing your EDC gear, a Fenix ain't exactly a Nitecore but feels a lot better on the wallet -Simon

[@juliannarae]

Absolutely right! Been with different kinds of High Lumens Flashies but yea I only carry my Fenix E12 V1 and soon ill have this. For daily EDC, this is way more than enough. I love the newer design of the V2 though. Cheers.

[@LakeHubTV]

Concur!

[@donjon2682]

I bought one for the longer run times .the size is perfect and the tail cap button is the best so far .my only petpev is that the hot spot is not wide especially on low mode

[@LakeHubTV]

Good feedback - hadn't considered that. It's served my needs so far! -Simon

[@cecilm3720]

Love the Calvin & Hobbes mural. The E12v2 is one of the few flashlights available where I live (overseas). Tempted to get it though it’s closer to $40 here.

[@LakeHubTV]

Thanks! I still love mine. -Simon

[@AnilSingh-rn3kx]

11:29 Great review fenix lights are the best my go to edc is the fenix E18r v 2.0. Seem to me it looks like you need the fenix HM71r works both as a headlight and flashlight.

[@LakeHubTV]

I'll check that out! Thanks -Simon

[@VladimirLadev]

I have the original e12, after 8years of daily use the rubber button was eaten by my parrot and the switch started to do some weird stuff. I 2as going to buy one of those feature packed lights with UV and High Cri etc. But then I remembered I just want a simple click light that helps me out when I need it, AA batteries non of that lithium polimer that would die in a few years. The Ikea LADDA rechargeable batteries are amazing 2450mah. So I found some old forum post on how to disassemble it and swap the switch and that is what I am going to do.

[@LakeHubTV]

Awesome, fix is better than new all day!

[@VladimirLadev]

@@LakeHubTV Yeah! Had some advice from a friend sprayed some WD40 on the switch and that did the thing, now it is working like new. Ordered a tail cap from Ali express and is should be good as new. Great review on the v2 by the way, thank you.

[@johnwayne666]

Very good....🤠🤙🏼

[@LakeHubTV]

Thanks!

[@onedirection3510]

I really enjoy a solid hat clip. Unfortunately the E12v2 doesn’t deliver on that. Bummer. I wish Fenix would bring on another version with a more robust clip (like the old E16) and also the capacity to run a 14500 as an option. Then they’d have truly nailed it! Given the cons you pointed out I’m surprised you actually bought two as opposed to waiting to see what’s next from Fenix. 🤷‍♂️

[@LakeHubTV]

Ok confession time... one rolled under the bed and I thought I lost it! So I DID buy two, I bought a replacement so that's a testimony - but I didn't go buy another "just because"! -Simon

[@onedirection3510]

@@LakeHubTV Ahhh I feel better now! 😅

[@roflswamp6]

Bro i look for the same exact things i dont like mutliple inconvenient settingd and i likw that it starts on low. I love fenix and being able to use both alkalines and rechargeables, im debating between this or a skilhunt im wondering which one is more consistent and efficient

[@LakeHubTV]

I have been really happy with the Fenix!

[@Phyxsius_85]

In my opinion, the biggest drawback is that the lenses break very easily, I love Fenix, but after I broke 2 lenses, I switched to another brand. If they added a little more metal to protect the lens, I would go back to Fenix without a second thought

[@LakeHubTV]

Good feedback - I haven't experienced that yet, but I haven't beat them up too terribly bad -Simon

[@cassidylackey]

Can you provide a link to purchase it?

[@LakeHubTV]

You bet! amzn.to/3tKJOIj -Simon

[@johnwilliams8654]

Is it small enough to fit on a keychain?

[@LakeHubTV]

It's pretty big for a keychain, although I've seen some pretty big keychains too. I'm a minimalist when it comes to pocket gear, and the clip is good. -Simon

[@arindambhattacharjee1121]

Can I use 1.5volt 1000mah li ion battery in it?

[@LakeHubTV]

If it's a AA format, I have used rechargeable batteries and conventional, both lithium ion and nickel cadmium. -Simon

[@arindambhattacharjee1121]

@@LakeHubTV thanks, I today I checked it with usb AA batteries 1000mah and it works just fine

[@adrianotero7963]

You want more power, buy the LD12 V2....can use a 14500.

[@LakeHubTV]

great tip thanks!

[@monza8844]

Bought a Fenix flashlight once, awful, will never buy from Fenix again.

[@LakeHubTV]

What is your go to brand?

[@967evil]

E12v2 is an abomination, styrofoam is less fragile. E2 V1 was an invincible masterpiece.

[@LakeHubTV]

Out of production?