As you can see from this image, the XR-E emitter takes up most of the space in the head module. Emitter and reflector are perfectly aligned, this is really amazing fitting considering the large XR-E emitter and the small reflector used. The reflector rests on the silver ring of the XR-E instead of around it on its PCB. The smooth aluminum reflector does a great job of collecting radiation from the emitter with moderate focus which produces a slightly soft spot profile. It's very well polished and machined, no faults, marks, debris or defects to be found on in. The lens used is made of AR coated class which helps provide maximum light transmission out the front end.

They body of the L0D CE is very small and slim, as expected from an AAA light. It disappears in your pocket if u happen to carry it along with your key chain, light enough to not notice it's there. Even more so if you choose to power it with a lithium AAA instead of standard alkalines or NiMH rechargeables. The entire light is coated in Type 3 anodizing. One thing to note is that the coating on the current line of Fenix lights is smoother and more shiny compared to the earlier LxP series of lights. Thankfully the body is a hexagonal shaped tube, and the head also has a band of knurling about 1cm wide around it which makes the twist activation comfortable and manageable even with greasy fingers. Overall the aluminum body is pretty thin to keep it's weight and size down.

Inside the body is all nice and cleanly finished, at the head end you will find the PCB for the "+" contact and at the bottom of the battery tube is a spring for the "-" battery contact. This prevents battery rattle and gives good tension to the body when the head is loosened in "off" position. The threads on this light are almost perfect. They are very smooth and free from accidental cross-threading, you won't need to turn them counter-clockwise to get the threads to align. Throughout the entire testing phase of this light, I did not experience any sign of cross-threading. Finally, since the L0D CE is just made up of a head module and battery tube, there's no tail cap. At the bottom end of the battery tube there's a hole for a lanyard or key ring, and also a notch for the key ring to allow the light to tail stand. The o-ring around the neck came very well lubricated too.

The L0D CE works in the following 5 modes:
Off > Medium > Low > High > Strobe > S.O.S.

The "Medium" and "Low" modes are achieved by using PWM while High is driven by a constant current. Similar to the JETBeam C-LE, however there's a difference in the way these two lights react when the battery starts running low. While the C-LE introduces PWM on "High" mode to compensate, the L0D CE maintains a constant current flow to the emitter at a reduced current level. One thing to note about "S.O.S." mode is that the pauses between each sequence is quite long, about 5 seconds.

Overall output is really very good coming from an AAA powered light, more so if you are used to the output form a Mag Solitaire or one of those generic 5mm LED lights. The soft spot actually makes sense and works well for the L0D CE. Because this light will most likely be carried on a key chain, it would probably be used for general, non-specialized everyday tasks such as finding key holes, looking around inside the car or just walking around the house at night. Another use could be for technicians or electricians who occasionally need a little light while working but don't want to put on a head lamp. You can work while holding the L0D CE in your teeth or clip it to a cap. It's so light that you won't even notice it.

I did not take control shots for the "Medium" and "Low" mode because the PWM screws up my camera and results in an inaccurate representation of its intensity. This is because the each pulse of the PWM in these modes is basically the same intensity as the non-PWM "High" mode.

Runtime 1x AAA 800mAh Eneloop Medium 02:43 to 50% Low 05:56 to 50% High 01:11 to 50%

The Good - Amazing output on "High" for a single AAA light, great build quality as expected by Fenix. Type 3 anodizing, perfectly smooth and aligned threads, well engineered smooth aluminum reflector and AR coated toughened glass lens. Small and light enough to go along with your key chain.

The Bad - Price is a little high for a single AAA light compared to other production brands currently on the market. If you are rough on your lights, the thin aluminum body might dent more easily than the much thicker AA powered Fenix lights.

The Relative - The first obvious point would be the PWM used for "Low" and "Medium" levels, some people hate it, others don't even notice it. It all depends on each individual's sensitivity. The dark ring which is commonly associated with XR-E lights it present in the L0D CE as well, but only appears within about a foot. It really doesn't affect practical usage at all. Lastly there is a very small dark line in the hot spot which my camera doesn't pick up, I suspect it's caused by the bond wire across the emitter and also because of the size of the reflector used.

Head module (front view).

Head module (side view).

Head module (rear view).

Battery tube (front view).

Battery tube (side view).

Battery tube (rear view).