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The flashlight market today is over-saturated with various different brands offering flashlights of all types. However, there’s one company that stands out for the past several years – Fenix. This Chinese manufacturer based in Shenzhen has been producing flashlights for both everyday and professional use. Alongside flashlights, Fenix also makes headlamps, bike lights and lanterns, but the brand’s main focus is the torch.
LED technology is at the core of their products and when it comes to tactical flashlights, the PD35 takes the lead. Simply put, gear-heads go crazy for this torch. The model comes in two different versions.
PD35 TAC
The first version, the TAC which is obviously short for tactical is a 137 mm long, 25.4 mm wide flashlight that only weighs 89 g (excluding the battery). This Fenix PD35 flashlight comes with a tactical mode which allows for quick access to other modes using the tail switch (turbo, strobe and low). You also get an outdoor mode operation which makes use of the side switch to give you access to all the lighting levels whilst it makes the rear switch work as an on/ off switch.
The PD35 TAC has reverse polarity protection and low-voltage warning function that will remind you when you need to replace the battery. With the TAC you also get a strobe mode and an impact resistance of up to 1m. The torch’s maximum lumen count of 1000 can be beamed across 200 m whilst its total runtime from one charge lasts up to 140 h. The TAC is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminium with Premium Type III hard-anodised anti-abrasive finish.
The TAC comes with over-heat protection as well as intelligent memory circuit when using the outdoor mode. The flashlight’s most power-hungry mode is capable of outputting all 1000 lm for 1h and 10 min with a maximum intensity of 10000 cd. The 140 h of runtime are only available on the Eco mode which offers only 8 lm. You also get a low mode which allows you to use it for 29 h and 15 min with a maximum light output of 60 lm. Medium mode runs for 8h and 30 min with 200 lm and high mode offers 500 lm for 2h and 55 min. Together with the TAC you also get a lanyard, holster, two spare O-rings and a spare rubber switch boot.
PD35 V2
The second iteration of the PD35 is capable of outputting the same 1000 lumens found on the TAC but 50 m further. This flashlight can also run for a maximum of 430 h per charge whilst it also comes with an IP68 rating. This rating allows the flashlight to survive 2 m deep underwater. This Fenix PD35 flashlight does weigh and measure the same as the TAC but it doesn’t come with the tactical and outdoor mode. You do get the low-warning function and reverse polarity protection though.
The Fenix PD35 V2 is made of durable high-strength and oxidation-resistant 6061 aluminium and it has a toughened ultra-clear glass lens coupled with an anti-reflective coating. This flashlight has a strobe mode too as well as a boot-up battery level indicator. The V2 has an impact resistance of 1m and like the TAC it has a digitally regulated output that can maintain constant brightness. The anti-roll and anti-slip body design of this Fenix flashlight has a metal side switch for output selection and it can withstand a fall from 1m.
The V2’s most capable mode (Turbo) can run for 2 h and 60 min with the maximum amount of lumens (1000) and at a maximum intensity of 15600 cd. The flashlight’s maximum runtime of 430 h are available on the Eco mode which offers a 3 lm output, 42 cd of intensity and a maximum beam distance of 13 m.
Are Fenix Flashlights Good?
Yes, Fenix flashlight are indeed of good quality and they also have a ton of flashlights to choose from. You just have to take a good look at what each one offers and decide what fits your needs best.
FAQ:
What Is A Tactical LED Flashlight?
A tactical flashlight is made to satisfy the demands of law enforcement officers, security experts, military personnel, search and rescue teams, firefighters and professionals alike. Usually these type of flashlights are made from the toughest materials and come with powerful and bright lenses.
How Many Lumens Should A Tactical Flashlight Have?
There are different factors including for a flashlight to qualify as tactical, one of which is its lumen count. A minimum of 250 lm is required for a tactical flashlight to have an adequate light source which is why you’ll find that most tactical flashlights use LED instead of an incandescent bulb.
CAN 1000 Lumens Blind You?
Whilst any level of light is able to temporarily blind a person, 1000 lm are still not enough to completely blind someone. Whilst temporary blindness and irritation will occur if you were to flash someone with a 1000 lm of light it surely won’t blind them permanently. 1000 lm would just cause the person to look away since the light is too bright to look directly at it.
