Fenix E09R | Expert Review by Koen van der Jagt

The Fenix E09R is a perfect medium-sized flashlight, perfect for daily use. Fits on your bunch of keys but still has enough power to compete with the larger flashlights. Curious to find out what I think of it? Continue reading!

Contents

• First impressions
• When and how
• Controls and comfort
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Value for money?
• Conclusion
• Beamshots

My first impressions:

Very compact; about the same size and length as my index finger. Lights you can hold in between your thumb and index finger (fun test!) often fit in every type of pocket. The E09R has some features of its big brother, the Fenix E28R, and feels just as decent. A clip is missing because the E09R is a keychain flashlight. The battery is built-in and cannot be replaced. The construction quality and finish are both great. Not a spectacular design, but simply a decent, compact Fenix light.

When and how:

Even though I feel the E09R is a little too big for on your bunch of keys, it is still a light that won't take up a lot of room in your bag or luggage. As such you can always keep it close, without it getting in your way. The light is versatile and therefore practical for almost all daily situations. It is the result of the balanced light modes with a reach ranging from 3 to 600 lumens: the two lowest modes for inside and the three higher modes for outside. The presence of the instant-turbo is also a great feature: you always have immediate access to the maximum amount of 600 lumens as long as you press and hold the switch. Granted, this mode is meant for short use only to protect the battery and the light.

How is the E09R in terms of controls and comfort:

The E09R offers enough grip which is mostly the result of the sliding cover of the USB charging port. This creates a 'difference in height' on the body, providing you with more grip. A great and waterproof solution to make sure you no longer need a rubber cover to protect the charging port. You can quickly charge the light with the contemporary USB-C connection with control light for the status.

Via the copper-coloured switch (I think it is too small) you can control all light modes and lock the light. The light has four fixed light modes and will turn on with the mode last used. I love the extra low mode of 3 lumens, it is namely more than enough light for indoors and also very economical. The highest mode is a 'burst mode' which means you cannot secure this mode but merely use it as long as you hold the switch. Please note that, afterwards, the light will always function in the mode last used. You need to lock it via the switch which, I believe, is a disadvantage. You cannot loosen the battery compartment because the light has a built-in battery. Now you can only lock or unlock the light via a fast double-click of the switch.

This is what I love about the E09R:

I love the five light modes ranging from very low to quite a lot of power. As such the E09R is very versatile. The direct-turbo/Burst mode is also great if the light has not been turned on yet. Also great is the presence of the USB-C; contemporary, and you cannot put the plug in wrong.

This could be better:

The switch is very small, especially when compared to your thumb, with which you usually control the light. The switch is enhanced with elevated edges. Locking the light by double-clicking the switch is also something I am not a fan of: I prefer to loosen the battery cap or head of the light because I feel it is more reliable.

Value for money?

The E09R is not expensive at all. With the E09R you receive a compact light with a mature output. Based on that fact I don't think the light is 'overprized'. It is, however, a light with a built-in battery. It will function as long as the battery functions.

My conclusion

A very compact but mature light, especially when you look at the light output. Thanks to the broad beam and the hotspot perfect for many different situations. Less suited for larger hands or thick fingers and when you lock the light you need to be careful.

Also:

If you think the E09R is too big this is also a great option: the Fenix E05R. This smaller brother works according to the same concept, but is slightly less powerful.

Last, but not least. The beamshots:

For the beam shots I chose a location in a small nature reserve alongside a harbour. It is where you will often find narrow paths in between the Pollard willows where you can definitely use a flashlight! As you can see in the pictures, the moonlight mode is more suited for indoors. When you look at the broad beam the large hotspot stands out: at shorter distances you have a good overview. When using the Burst mode you can see my hand in the shot because you need to hold the switch for this mode.

A couple more shots while holding the E09R in hand, with the light using the highest mode. A surprising amount of light comes from this 'baby'!