Fenix WT16R | Expert Review by Koen van der Jagt
No light is the same: something that once again became clear when I saw the Fenix WT16R for the first time. Clearly not just any ordinary light: more a compact all-rounder. Also curious to find out what this worklight can do and what I think of it? In this review I will tell you all about it.
My first impressions:
In terms of looks the WT16R is an outsider, all in all the WT collection looks nothing like the rest of the Fenix family. In terms of size and dimensions it makes me think of a chocolate bar and, surprisingly so, the weight as well. The design is filled with remarkable details, of which the carrier clip, the diffused lens and the side light stand out. The light is almost completely made from plastic, only the clip, the switch and the magnets are made from metal. And yet the WT16R feels like a decent tool that can handle its own. The battery is built-in and cannot be replaced. In short: a great design for a lightweight light.
When and how:
In time I discovered more and more options for the WT16R. It is the result of the fact that it is a work, warning and flashlight at the same time. Thanks to its compact size and the low weight you can take it with you no matter where you go. The double LED light of the flashlight provides you with enough light up close, the worklight is powerful enough to light up larger spaces and the orange flashing mode guarantees your safety. To light up something or when looking for something located far away you use the flashlight function, as a worklight you attach it to your jeans or a magnetic surface and, as a warning light, you hang or click the WT16 to yourself or an object. As an emergency light in your car the WT16R is also a great option: you can use it for search ops, repairs or when marking something.
How is the WT16R in terms of controls and comfort:
The WT16R feels great in hand and your thumb nicely falls in place, on the switch. The switch has a clear pressure point and the controls are not complicated. Hold the switch to turn the light on and off, switch between modes by briefly pressing the switch. Switching between flashlight and worklight is easy by holding the switch for a long period of time when the light is turned on. The WT16R has a mode-memory, even though it will always start in the flashlight mode. Low and energy-efficient light modes are missing, but the other light modes are nicely divided. Especially as a worklight the WT16R produces nice and even light without a hotpot, great when working around the house or for repairs. The orange flashing mode is not very bright, but enough to mark an object, especially in the dark.
You can easily charge the light via the USB-C port and the indicator next to the control button can provide you with the current battery status. You can only lock the light electronically, but the chances of you accidentally turning on the light in your pocket are a lot smaller than with a keychain flashlight.
This is what I love about the WT16R:
The fact that it is very practical and the many options are things I love. This is truly an all-rounder. This could be better: a lower light mode for the worklight would make the light even better; at short distances overexposure can occur. The orange flashing mode could be a little brighter; a signalling light should stand out.
Value for money?
The WT16R is not cheap and you don't have to look long to find a worklight that is more affordably priced. And yet I am convinced that this Fenix is a top-quality product. And that is why I feel that this justifies the price.
My conclusion
The versatility is what makes the WT16R stand out. You can carry it with you as a flashlight, but it is also great in the workshop or car. You will always enjoy these types of lights and the signalling option also adds safety. I can truly recommend it!
Also:
The Fenix WT collection contains many more lights amongst which a powerful search light and a version with a head that can tilt.
Last, but not least. The beamshots:
Behind a warehouse I found a great spot to demonstrate the light image and the power of the WT16R. First the three modes in the spotlight mode, where the WT16R is used as a flashlight. The light image shows you a large hotspot and a reach of approx. 50 metres.
The floodlight mode is great during maintenance work. I mounted the light above a cooling unit with the magnet. As you can see enough and usable light to carry out repairs.
Koen van der Jagt
Ever since he could walk Koen has been interested in lights, wires and batteries. As a child he was always working with dyno torches, bike lights and electrical boxes. The krypton and halogen lights were replaced by LED lights. A couple of years ago he discovered the ‘professional’ stuff. His first brands were Led Lenser and Fenix. Photography is also one of his hobbies. In addition to nature and meteorology Koen loves to show others what a light can do and what its beam looks like at night. Koen’s reviews can often be found on forums such as candlepowerforums.com and taschenlampen-forum.de. Throughout the years Koen has collected lights in practically any category: from small and compact to enormous powerhouses.
