Hello everyone…
Today we will see the Fenix CL28R: a very comfortable lantern/powerbank with tint and output level selectable via rotary switch. Here you can find the company link and here the link of the product.
- Packaging and content -
The package includes:
- Fenix CL28R torch
- Type-C cable for charging
- keychains
- Multilingual instruction manual
- Fenix Warranty Card
- Main features -
- Max Lumens: 2000
- Max Beam Distance: 190 feet (58 meters)
- Max Runtime: 360 hours
- Lighting Modes: Five lighting modes including three brightness levels, red light, and red flash
- Bulb Type: COB LED with a life span of 50,000 hours
- Color Temperature: Variable color between 2700K to 6000K
- Size: Height: 3.96" (100mm) Width: 3.82" (97mm) Depth: 1.61" (41mm)
- Weight: 13.26 oz. (376g) including battery
- Battery: Two built-in 5000mAh rechargeable batteries
- Included: USB Type-C charging cable, key chain
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee from Fenix Lighting USA
- Output and runtime levels -
The Fenix CL28R has no set output levels for the main LED. It is possible to vary the power from 10 lumens up to 2000 lumens by selecting the output you prefer. In addition to this it is also possible to vary the color temperature of the COB LED in a range that varies from the warmest shade (almost orange) of 2700K to the coldest one of 6000K. To do this, just use the two switches located in the upper part of the flashlight. For the red auxiliary light, however, the output levels are only 2.
For the main white light LED, among all the possible levels, we can identify a High, Medium and Low level with the following characteristics:
- High level - 2000 lm -58m - 880cd (measured 1940 lm) – 9h
- Mid level - 1000 lm – 42m - 440cd(measured 950 lm) – 10h
- Low level - 10lm - 4m - 3.8cd (measured 10 lm) – 360h
For the red light instead
- Red level – 9 lm – 4.5m – 4.6cd(measured 8 lm) – 170h
- Red Flash Level – 9 lm - 4.5m – 4.6cd (measured 8 lm) – 340h
- The body and the materials -
The Fenix CL28R is a powerful and compact lantern with a body made of aluminum (front) and plastic (back and handle) and equipped with a COB LED with selectable color in a range between 2700K and 6000K, plus a red auxiliary light .
The Fenix CL28R is equipped with three different switches:
- Rotary Switch A: which allows you to activate the main COB LED and for it vary the power of the output level between 10 lumens and 2000 lumens
- Rotary Switch B for the variation of the color temperature of the Main COB LED from 2700K (very warm light) to 6000K (cool light)
- Red Switch: for switching the red auxiliary light on and off
The three switches are very comfortable and intuitive to use. I really like the fact that the light can be adjusted at will without established steps both in terms of power and colour. The main COB Led is made up of a series of small Warm or Cool LEDs which are activated or deactivated to generate the different colours.
The Fenix CL28R is also equipped with a 360° rotating handle which allows you to direct the light where it is needed and also acts as a base or support bracket. The handle has powerful neodymium magnets inside that allow the flashlight to be attached to any metal surface and allow the user to use the CL28R without the aid of the hands. Also on the handle is a ¼ screw for attaching to a tripod
Between the two rotary switches the CL28R has a rubber cap which, once opened, shows a Type-C port and a USB-A port. The USB-C port allows you to recharge the powerful and performing internal battery pack of the CL28R, in just 4 hours, and is compatible with the PD3.0/PD2.0, QC3.0/QC2.0 charging protocols.
Both USB-C and USB-A can be used in discharge mode to power any type of compatible device. In this way, the torch turns into a small power bank with a quick charge function. The two 5000mAh 21700 internal batteries guarantee a capacity capable of allowing a latest generation smartphone to be fully charged 2 times. The Fenix CL28R supports the following discharge protocols: PD3.0/PD2.0, QC3.0/QC2.0 with 5V/3A (max), 9V/2A (max), 12V/1.5A (max). NB: USB-C and USB-A ports cannot work simultaneously in discharge mode.
On the front of the lantern are a series of status LEDs that allow the user to understand the progress of charging or the status of battery capacity. To view the battery status, simply press the red switch and the status LEDs will light up as follows:
- 4 LEDs on: 100% - 80% capacity
- 3 LEDs on: capacity 80% - 60%
- 2 LEDs on: capacity 60% - 40%
- 1 LED on: capacity 40% - 20%
- 1 LED on flashing: capacity 20% - 1%
The lettering is precise and well done.
The Fenix CL28R will build up a lot of heat when used on high mode for extended periods. When it reaches the threshold temperature of 54°C, the thermal protection system will intervene and automatically decrease the output to allow the flashlight to cool, thus preserving the life of the batteries and electronic components. When the temperature drops below 54°C, the CL28R will automatically increase the output bringing the brightness back to the starting level.
The millings on the right and left of the COB LED act as dissipation fins.
When the voltage level of the internal battery drops below the preset level, the battery level indicator will flash constantly to remind the user that it is time to recharge the battery.
- Beam, Tint and Beamshots -
The beam of the Fenix CL28R is wide and totally diffused, with an opening of about 160°. Projected onto a wall, you don't notice any artifacts and it's very smooth.
The tint of the main LED can vary linearly, thanks to the rotary switch, from a very warm Warm tending to orange of 2700K to a cool of 6000K.
Following some night shots using the torch on the maximum output level and varying the color temperature of the LED and switching on the red auxiliary LED…
- Beamshot #1 -
- Beamshot #2 -
- Beamshot #3 -
- Beamshot #4 -
- Beamshot #5 -
- Beamshot #6 -
- Beamshot #7 -
- Final considerations -
The Fenix CL28R is an interesting product. The aspects that struck me the most are
- Ability to vary the tint as desired by selecting a color temperature between 2700K and 6000K
- Ability to vary the output without pre-established levels
- Type-C fast charging interface
- USB-C and USB-A for PD/QC power bank function
- 360° rotating handle
- Powerful Neodymium Magnet and Tripod Mount
- Very simple and comfortable user interface to use
- Auxiliary red LED
Obviously I would have preferred that the batteries were removable and interchangeable and that the red LED light was dimmable like that of the main COB LED. Other than that, I can't find any faults with this new model. Well made product from every point of view ... definitely to be recommended!
Below is the unboxing video with the field test and the various Beamshots
[MEDIA=youtube]pmQYh_Fvayk[/MEDIA]
Thanks for reading!!!