Review of the Fenix PD35R Tactical Flashlight

In this Fenix PD35R flashlight review, we will go over this rechargeable, compact flashlight. The Fenix PD35R is like the little brother of the PD36R flashlight, except the LED has been upgraded to 1700 lumens. This flashlight is supposed to be durable and able to handle tough weather conditions. 

This newly released flashlight comes with a number of accessories. It’s weatherproof, dustproof, and fast charging. Let’s see if it’s all it’s cracked up to be.

What Is Included in the Box?

The Fenix PD35R is similar to the popular Fenix PD36R and Fenix PD35 v3.0 flashlights, but more compact. The box containing the flashlight is orange and black, and the front and back of the box clearly indicate the product features, technical parameters, and specifications. Once you open up the package, you will see the following:

• • Fenix PD35R
  • Holster
  • USB-C charging cable
  • Spare o-ring
  • User manual
  • ARB-L18-3400
  • Lanyard
  • Warranty card
  • 18650 Li-ion battery type

Fenix PD35R Powerful Tactical Flashlight

Once you take the flashlight out of the box, you will notice its small size. The size of this tactical flashlight makes it perfect for bringing along with you for EDC, camping, fishing trips and walks at night, or it would work well during a power outage at home. 

The flashlight is simple to operate as there are dual tail switches. 

To turn it on and off, you use the large tactical switch. This switch can go in and out of six lighting modes. There is a USB-C charging cable so you can charge the 18650 Li-ion battery included in the flashlight. You can also use two non-rechargeable CR123A lithium batteries to power the flashlight.

There is a mounted battery level indicator on the side of the Fenix PD35R, so you know when the battery is getting low. 

The instructions in the packaging also indicated that this flashlight is IP68 rated, dustproof, and waterproof if it is submerged up to 6.5 feet in the water.

Specifications

• IP Rating – IP68
• Peak Beam Intensity – 31200 candela 
• Peak Beam Distance – 1,158 feet
• LED – Luminus SFT40 with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
• Maximum Brightness – 1700 lumens
• Weight – 4.94 ounces
• Dimensions – Length of 5.35 inches, Width of 1 inch, and Height of .91 inches
• Max Runtime – 100 hours
• Color temperature – About 6500K
• Lighting Modes – six lighting modes
• Warranty – Limited lifetime guarantee from Fenix Lighting USA

Lighting Modes

There are six lighting modes featured in the Fenix PD35R flashlight. 

Eco Mode

The eco lighting mode is the lowest setting for the flashlight. During the eco mode, there is an output of 10 lumens and a maximum runtime of 100 hours. It has a maximum distance of 85 feet and a 170cd intensity. 

Low Mode

The low lighting mode is the second lighting setting on this tactical flashlight. With this mode, there is an output of 50 lumens with a maximum runtime of 38 hours. The maximum distance is about 197 feet, and the intensity is 930cd. 

Medium Mode

The medium lighting mode is the Fenix PD35R’s third lighting setting. It has an output of 350 lumens and a maximum runtime of 4 hours and 45 minutes. The maximum distance is about 535 feet, with an intensity of 6680cd.

High Mode

The high lighting mode is the fourth setting for the Fenix PD35R. It has an output of 1000 lumens and a maximum runtime of 2 hours and 55 minutes. The maximum distance is 912 feet, and the intensity is 19300cd.

Turbo Mode

Turbo mode is the highest setting for the Fenix PD35R high performance flashlight. It has an output of 1700 lumens and a maximum runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. The maximum distance is 1158 feet, and the intensity is 31200cd.

Strobe Mode

Strobe mode is the sixth lighting mode for this flashlight. It has an output of 1700 lumens and quickly flashes on and off.

Features

The Fenix PD35R has some notable features that can set this flashlight apart from other common LED flashlights. The Fenix PD35R flashlight has these features:

• Dual tactical tail switch to prevent you from accidentally switching lighting modes or activations
• It has a maximum output of 1700 lumens in an 1158 feet beam
• There is an overheating protection system to ensure your flashlight is protected against damage from heat
• HAs an anti-abrasive finish
• Compatible with two types of batteries – one 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries that are not rechargeable
• It has a USB-C charging port, so you can quickly charge your batteries
• There are various lighting modes that you can choose from
• Strobe mode makes it possible to you this flashlight for emergencies 
• Low voltage warning indicator 
• The pocket clip and lanyard make it easy to carry with you
• Made of a durable material (A6061-T6 aluminum)

Batteries and Charging

It is recommended to use the 18650 rechargeable battery included with the flashlight. Recharging your battery using the USB-C charging port is more economical, as you do not need to replace your batteries every time it gets low.

The Fenix PD35R USB-C charging cable allows you to charge your flashlight at twice the speed of a standard micro USB charger. You gain five hours of light every ten minutes you charge your flashlight. 

However, you can use the alternative option to power your flashlight. You can use two CR123A batteries instead of one rechargeable battery. When using the CR123A batteries, the flashlight will not allow you to use Turbo or Strobe mode. 

This could be one of the reasons Fenix recommends using the rechargeable battery, besides the fact that it comes with a high-capacity 18650 battery and a charger for the battery. Recharging your battery can take up to three hours to fully charge. 

The indicator will light up red when charging and turn green when it is completely charged. It will flash red when the battery is getting low. 

Pricing

The pricing of the Fenix PD35R flashlight may seem high compared to other compact and rechargeable flashlights, but it seems high for a reason. Fenix is generally a reliable brand. Therefore, when you purchase a Fenix flashlight, it will likely work well and meet your standards. 

Currently, it is priced at around $110 in the United States. Since the flashlight contains many accessories, it isn’t surprising that it is priced this way. If you were to purchase a generic flashlight similar to the Fenix PD35R, likely, it does not come with accessories, batteries, or a warranty.

Who Should Use the Fenix PD35R Flashlight?

Anyone can use the Fenix PD35R flashlight. Since it is so compact and durable, it makes an excellent flashlight for everyday carry and general use.

This would be a great flashlight to use on a camping trip, running or walking at night, work, hiking (using a headlamp), pet walking, night fishing, emergency situations,  and it can be used in law enforcement. The strobe mode makes it a good flashlight to use if you need to signal for help, and the turbo mode is excellent for law enforcement. 

Pros

• Includes various accessories
• USB type-C charging so your flashlight can charge quicker than if you used a standard USB charger
• Excellent runtime
• Good output
• Six lighting modes
• Great for EDC carry

Cons

• No shortcuts to Strobe or Turbo mode – you have to go through each setting to access the correct mode

Final Thoughts

The Fenix PD35R flashlight is impressive and can be used for many different purposes. 

Whether you need a flashlight for around the house, walking your dog, or you work in law enforcement, this flashlight will not disappoint. If you want your own 1700 lumen flashlight from Fenix, you can purchase the Fenix PD35R flashlight today!