Fenix PD35R Review: My Favourite POCKETABLE Tactical Flashlight!
I’ve got a new favourite… and it’s the Fenix PD35R. It all started with the PD35 V3.0, which took me by surprise with its incredible attention to detail, quality, and performance. But most importantly, it could be easily carried around in my jeans pocket. The PD35R has some additional features that make it a FULLY-FLEDGED tactical light that anyone can use. Is this the right light for you? Find out in my video.
Get the Fenix PD35R here 👇
This light was sent to me as a sample by liteshop.com.au for the purposes of review. I have not held back on any issues with this light. All opinions are my own.
Fenix PD35R Review
General thoughts after a week of usage/size comparison/practicality/interesting things:
• I was very eager to get this light in the mail, given that I’m a huge fan of the PD35 V3.0. The PD35R is a step up in some ways, but I wouldn’t say it’s hugely different from the PD35 or even in the same category. The PD35R is a fully-fledged tactical flashlight and you get an upgraded 3400mAh cell, dual tail switch, and USB-C charging. It’s high candela, pocketable – everything that I look for in a tactical flashlight.
• This is what you get in the box: 18650 cell, holster, lanyard, instruction manual
• Comparison with other similar-sized tactical flashlights.
Overall Construction, LED, lens, bezel, and reflector
• Fenix is second to none when it comes to build quality. They incorporate a classic design with intricate details. I like the tail cap detailing especially. Even the clip is perfectly machined! The logo lines up perfectly, which is another example of attention to detail. Smooth slightly glossy anodization. Some fine knurling on the battery tube. One thing I like about this light is that it’s basically the same diameter from the head to the tail cap. It’s only 25mm at the largest point, which makes it very comfortable to pocket.
• SFT40 with a smooth reflector. AR glass lens. Crenulated bezel with no sharp edges, it won’t attract unnecessary attention but remains functional if you need to break a window.
• The light has two switches on the tail-cap, one to access the momentary/constant output modes, and the other for a one-step strobe. Doesn’t tail-stand unfortunately. I find tail-switch lights much more comfortable and practical to use.
• Takes a 18650 cell (included) and also 2X CR123 primaries. Onboard charging is available. Did I mention you also get a lifetime warranty?
UI – modes
• One of my favorite Uis – It’s just so simple to use. Half-press for momentary on. Full press to switch it on. The smaller switch then switches between the 5 modes. If you switch the light off, the momentary mode will store the last remembered mode. When off, the smaller switch activates strobe mode. I’ve come to appreciate simple Uis and in a tactical light especially, a shortcut to turbo and one-step strobe is so important, as you don’t want to be fumbling around in a crucial situation.
Performance – total output, beam profile, longevity, practicality
• Ceiling bounce test, CCT, CRI. When using a Samsung 30Q, I actually measured over 400m throw.
• Beautiful, round beam profile with strong and bright hotspot, decent spill with no artefacts. It’s amazing how intense the hotspot is, given the smaller reflector and bezel size.
Considerations
• USB-C port cover design – I prefer the port under an unscrewable bezel, or on the battery itself. But it does make it easy to charge this light on the go. The port is also waterproofed so if for whatever reason the cover comes loose, you’re safe.
• On turbo, sustains output until 30 seconds vs 2.5 minutes for the PD35 V3.0 – quite a significant difference. On the positive side, the PD35R never gets too hot to hold. Both lights seem to be using different drivers.
• No spring on the head – not an issue for me as I use this as a general EDC.
Verdict
• Fenix has seriously hit the ball out of the park with the PD35R. Yes, it does cost more than some other tactical lights out there, but it’s extremely well-rounded with great performance, quality, reliability, and ongoing customer service – for me, the PD35R is up there in my top 5 EDC tactical flashlights.
