The head houses an XR-E emitter and focused by a textured aluminum reflector. Emitter and reflector are aligned very well, perhaps leaning just a hair to one side but really it's almost perfect. The reflector rests on the silver ring of the XR-E instead of around it on its PCB. The lens used is made or hardened AR coated glass for increased light transmission as compared to regular uncoated glass. The Type 3 coating is a little smooth for my taste, which coupled with it's short battery tube, sometimes makes it slightly difficult to twist for single handed changing of operating modes. The emitter module is sealed inside the head and is not easily disassembled.

They body of the L2D CE is similar in size to most 2x AA cell lights such as the LumaPower LM302, but slightly larger than a Mag 2x AA. Don't expect to fit the L2D to fit comfortably in your pocket. If you are used to carrying lights in holsters, the L2D will be perfect on your belt. 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. The body is cylindrical instead of hexagonal like the L1D. The front half of the battery tube is checkered while the rear half is smooth and slightly slimmer, probably for holding the light in a cigar grip. The head is smooth with a couple of ring designs around it. The aluminum body of the L2D is very thick and sturdy, similar to the LM302. Inside the body is all nice and cleanly finished, at the head end you will find the PCB for the "+" contact. 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.

The tail cap houses a reverse push button. The rubber cap over the switch is smooth and doesn't have any texture on it. I really like the response of the switch, it's not too soft or too stiff and it has really short travel. This could be a bad characteristic if your carry this light in your pocket though since the switch is much easier to turn on. There's a thin band of checked texture around the tail cap which helps a little when unscrewing the tail cap. The "-" contact spring is gold plated and all the rubber o-ring came very well lubricated. Lastly, there are two holes and a notch for attaching straps or key ring while still allowing the light to tail stand.

The L2D CE has 6 modes in total, separated into 2 sets according to the position of the bezel. Cycling through modes in either set is done by half-pressing the push button, sort of like how the auto focus works on a digital camera.

Set 1 (loosened bezel)
Off > Low > Medium > High > S.O.S.

Set 2 (tightened bezel)
Off > Turbo > Strobe

All the different levels on the L2D CE are controlled true constant current regulation. This means that you will not experience any high frequency pulsing, unlike the C-LE for example which uses PWM to achieve lower output levels. One thing which I've never figured out about Fenix lights is why they don't have better tint considering their price point. Even since their earlier P1 and LxP models which had varying tints of yellow, green and blue. My L2D CE sample has a cool tint with a light green hue, while other lights such as the JETBeam C-LE and even the MXDL-style Cree both have almost perfectly white tint. The dark ring around the hotspot is present as well, just like is most other XR-E based lights. However all these factors don't really affect practical use.

Overall output is very good. On Turbo mode the L2D is very bright, easily on par with 2x CR123 powered Luxeon based lights. Runtime is also very good, the regulation circuit works very well. When comparing lux numbers to the regular L2D CE, do take note that this Q5 is version has a textured reflector while the regular L2D CE reviewed earlier was using a smooth reflector. Overall output is definitely higher with the Q5 version. Runtime is also increase, and if you compare the graphs you'll notice that the regulation is also much better. There is no longer a dip in output over the first few minutes.

The Good - Amazing output on Turbo mode coming from a 2x AA, 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. True constant current regulated output levels.

The Bad - Price is a little high compared to other production brands currently on the market.

The Relative - The dark ring which is commonly associated with XR-E lights it present in the L1D CE as well, but only appears within about a meter. Able to tail stand without problem. Uses a reverse push button. Beam has a cool temperature with a light green hue.

Head module (front view).

Head module (side view).

Head module (rear view).

Battery tube (front view).

Battery tube (side view).

Battery tube (rear view).

Tail cap (front view).

Tail cap (side view).

Tail cap (rear view).