Fenix E20v2 problems / rant

I bought a Fenix E20 v2 from Fenix-store.com last month. Since getting the light it has had some issues.

When using freshly charged eneloops the light only lasts about 1-2 seconds on high before dropping down the medium. When cycling the modes again it then loses high and only has 3 modes and sometimes just 1 mode. Other times the light will work fine and have eco, low, medium, high without any stepdown.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? I have also tried amazon basic rechargeable, Ikea laddas, Eneloop pros and Duracell rechargeables all with the same issue.

When contacting fenix-store.com they said the light needs their Fenix brand lithium 1.5v batteries to work, and that eneloops will not work with the light.

I love my Fenix lights but I won’t do proprietary batteries. Send it back.

Hah? I just goggled it, looked at their own website, and see:

Batteries
@ Included: Two non-rechargeable AA Alkaline Batteries@
@ Compatible: Ni-MH batteries@

So…?

That is the problem. I want to avoid using alkaline batteries if I can help it. I have lost a few lights from them leaking.

I have been using the Eneloops, pros, laddas and amazon basics to see if it will work correctly. When contacting them fenix-store.com. They told me I cannot use eneloops for the light to work and that I need to use alkaline or I need to buy their 1.5v lithium batteries.

As far as sending it back, its been a pain. I have been going back and forth with them since Jan 20th and they keep giving me weird responses or ignoring messages. Maybe best to just avoid using the store again. They do have a 20% discount and free shipping which is why I purchased from them.

Maybe you should refer them to their own webpage for the light.

Ask them what part of “Compatible: Ni-MH batteries” don’t they understand.

Hint: eneloop, amaloop, laddaloop, are all NiMH.

It seems they are talking about 1.5V lithium AA primaries. Like the Energizers I use in my small lights. HKJ’s reviews show they have about 0.2V advantage on Eneloops. But this would be my last resort. Furthermore: could not find those on their website.


BTW, on “fenixlighting.com” it says:

E20 V2.0 Battery:

Two alkaline AA batteries. Ni-MH batteries recommended for best overall performance.
Included:
Two AA alkaline batteries, spare O-ring, lanyard
Warranty:
Limited Lifetime Guarantee from Fenix Lighting USA


Even if 1.5V lithium primaries would work, Ni-MH batteries are their own recommendation. Go for that.

I have sent them a message quoting their product page and explaining that Fenix used eneloop 1900mAh batteries for the lab tests. Still waiting on their response.

The batteries the want me to buy from them are

Fenix ARB-L14-1600U USB Rechargeable Li-ion 14500 Battery 1.5V AA alternative

Something does not sound right. You used the battery they recommended and now they recommend something not explicitly listed on the product page?

That’s complete nonsense.

I have a E20V2 which performs fine on alkaline and Amaloop NIMH. Did you try cleaning the contacts? If that doesn’t work I agree with the send it back option.

You can also add that for this same product, this page shows:

So, if you are using a 2xAA flashlight, you cannot use that cell they want you to buy. That would be good for a 1xAA flashlight, but not for a 2xAA light!

I have an E20 V2.0 and use eneloops in it without any issues whatsoever. The package even lists runtimes on NiMH cells! I bought mine from a different vendor, fenixlighting.com

Glad you posted about the problems with Fenix-store.com—-I’ll try to remember this before dealing with them in the future. Maybe you should link them to this thread so they can see all the bad PR they’re getting from their silliness.

Andrew

sorry to find out about this since i had a very good experience with fenix-store.

Checking some old emails it turns out I had good responsiveness back in Sept. from Daniel at the Fenix-store.com. Since you mentioned them ignoring messages, maybe it would be worth calling and asking for Daniel, who indicated he was in Fenix Service, Warranty, and Repair (800-616-1326).

Andrew

I was finally able to get an RMA number from them. One of the people who gave me roundabout answers was Daniel sadly along with another person in corporate. He was the one trying to sell me their lithium brand fenix batteries.

When trying to call several times I would be waiting on hold then about 10 mins into waiting the line was disconnected. This happened a few different times on different days. When I asked if I can get a replacement they told me that I took longer than their replacement window so the light can only be repaired and will have to pay shipping. I explained that I have been emailing and calling them for the last month. They told me next time call and ask for a replacement next time within 15 days.

Will update once I get the light back to see if they did anything or just sent the same light back without actually fixing the problem.

Wow what a bunch if runaround! I guess no more fenix for me!

In the end Fenix-store sent a new E20 v2 which didn’t have this issue. It did take a while and lots of frustration. In general, I have had very good experience with Fenix brand of lights. It could have just been a rare incident with this distributor since others have had different experiences.

Thanks for the update!

If I ever purchase a Fenix light (not very likely though, as I don't really like their style of lights in general), I'll keep this event in mind.