Lights for DIYers, trailblazers or cavers?

5.8.2024

Earlier last year, a unique light Fenix CL28R went on sale. We were anxiously waiting to see if we would like it. The first batch disappeared from stock within days and the flashlight became very popular. Now Fenix has come out with a new model of similar design – CL27R. How are the two lights similar and how are they different? Let's take a look in this article.

Fenix CL27R on the left, Fenix CL28R on the right.

Categories of CL lighting

These lights are classified in the CL lighting category, which is the designation for the series of lanterns. Unlike other lanterns, however, they do not shine diffusely omnidirectionally, but have a directional reflector. The design is somewhat reminiscent of halogen work lights, but offers much more.

Unique control and lighting options

The lighting intensity can be continuously changed via a rotary dial. Another rotary dial is used to smoothly shift the light temperature from 2700 K up to 6500 K. In addition, both lights also feature red lighting and a red flasher.

Color temperature shift in the range of 2700 K and 6500 K.

COB LEDs with a 50,000 hour lifetime enable a smooth change of light output and colour temperature. The light is pleasantly wide and perfect for illuminating a work desk, evenly lighting a room, tent, etc. In addition, the new CL27R allows you to switch to a spotlight with the Luminus SST-20 LED and a range of up to 177 metres at 800 lumens and combine both floodlight and spotlight. This can come in handy for example for cavers when lighting in corridors, hikers to see better when moving in nature etc.

Fenix CL27R: spotlight - COB LED floodlight reflector - red light.

Lighting modes in detail

While the CL28R has only a wide cone light with a 10 to 2000 lumen output and a range of up to 58 meters, the CL27R also has a spotlight with a light output in the 5 – 800 lumen range, for which the color temperature cannot be changed. This is set to a so-called daylight white of 5700 K. The spotlight can be switched on at the same time with the floodlight to reach a maximum output of 1600 lumens with a range of 180 metres. The minimum light output in this mode is 15 lumens and the colour temperature changes according to the COB LED setting of the floodlight reflector. This itself has an output adjustable between 10 and 1200 lumens and the colour temperature can be controlled from 2700 K to 6500 K.

Battery, charging and powerbank

The battery capacity of the CL28R is 10,000 mAh (36 Wh). Thanks to this, the manufacturer has decided to equip the flashlight with ports (1x USB-A and 1x USB-C) and electronics for charging, so it can be used as a power bank for charging other electronics, mobile phone, GPS navigation, etc. Powerbank supports fast charging protocols PD3.0/PD2.0, QC3.0/QC2.0 with 18W. The battery is built-in and cannot be easily removed and replaced. It is made up of two Li-ion 21700 cells.

CL28R - charging and discharging ports, CL27R - charging connector on the side only.

CL27R is powered by one 21700 cell and is hidden under a screw cap on the bottom of the flashlight. This makes it easy to swap it out for another charged one when you run out of juice in the field. The capacity of the supplied battery in the CL27R package is 5000 mAh (18 Wh). However, it does not have a charging port and we cannot use this light as a power bank. Both lanterns can be recharged via a USB-C connector hidden under a rubber cap. However, you can also charge the battery from the CL27R in a external charger that supports the 21700 battery size of 76 millimeters with protective electronics. You can also buy batteries with their own rechargeable USB-C port.

CL27R with battery removed.

Mounting the lights

Both lights are equipped with a mount that rotates 360°, which houses strong magnets. The lights can be attached via magnets to anything iron.

The magnets hold the lights to iron objects.

There is always a 1/4" thread for screwing onto a tripod on the center of the flat surface of the handle. The CL28R has an eyelet on the edge of this surface through which we can thread a string or hook to hang the flashlight horizontally. The CL27R does not have this loop, but the string or hook can of course be threaded through the handle itself.

 
CL28R attaches to the hood of the car via magnets.

Difference in weight

Each of the lights has a slightly different shape, so it's hard to compare sizes. To some, the CL27R may seem larger because it is taller, but objectively (in terms of total volume) the CL28R is a bit larger. The 76 grams more weight of the CL28R is already quite noticeable and the 300 grams weight of the CL27R is immediately lighter in the hand. For the price of more weight, we have with the CL28R twice the battery size.

So which one to choose?

Both flashlights are great helpers for many activities. It depends on your priorities and how you use it. We summarise the conclusions from several points of view:

For DIYers and craftsmen in the workshop: If you need a surface light with more power and a long life, the CL28R is the ideal choice due to its high capacity and its ability to be used as a power bank.

For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts: CL27R is lighter and easily portable. It has the advantage of being able to switch between floodlight and spotlight reflector, which you will appreciate during night hikes or in challenging terrain.

For general household use: The CL28R, with its higher wattage and adjustable light temperature, provides great lighting for a variety of household activities, from working in the garage to evening reading.

For cavers and adventurers: The combination of floodlight and spotlight on the CL27R is great for exploring dark spaces and long hikes where longer range is needed.

General: If you require surface light, more power and battery capacity, or the ability to use the flashlight as a power bank, the CL28R will not disappoint. If it's important for you to be able to light up even at a distance, you want a removable battery with the possibility of replacing it with a spare, you don't need a powerbank or have it designed differently, you just need a maximum output between 800 and 1600 lumens, then the CL27R can be a great choice. For us, the ideal is to get both and use one or the other according to the specific situation ;)

Are you unsure of your choice after all? The easiest thing you can do is contact us. We will be happy to advise you by phone or answer email questions.

 
Difference in colour adjustment of the light in end positions of the dial.