Fenix PD35
This light was provided by FastTech for review.
The Fenix PD35 is a pretty well known and respected light in the flashlight community. It offers great output, functionality and quality in a package that won’t break the bank. The TAC variant is no different, overall it’s a great light. It offers five modes plus strobe, beacon and SOS, with the later three “hidden”. This light will accept two CR123s or one 18650 as a power source. With either choice output and run time are great, on that note runtimes are in line with the manufacturer advertised values. It comes in a simple cardboard box with a pocket clip, lanyard, sheath and instructions.
The PD35 is activated via a forward clicky rear tail cap switch. The forward clicky switch offers momentary activation with a light press. The light will come on in the last mode you used before turning it off (mode memory). While on, a press of the side switch advances the brightness mode, pressing and holding will put you in strobe mode from any previous mode. While off, pressing and holding the side switch until the led flashes will put you in “tactical” mode. This only allows access to high, low and strobe. I’m not normally a fan of clip on style pocket clips but this one is sturdy and doesn’t leave me thinking I will eventually lose the light. The lanyard is pretty cheap compared to what other companies send you but it does the job.
Now with all that out for he way, on to what I don’t like. There isn’t much that I consider a negative on this light and I could definitely get over it in time. The first night I had it I used it as the dog walk light and right away I noticed it is tough to find the side switch in the dark. My Fenix PD32 and Nitecore P12 both have rubber side switches, their texture is very different from the flashlight head that surrounds the button, you know when your thumb is on it. The PD35 TAC has a smooth silver button and the texture is basically identical to its surroundings making it difficult to find in the dark, at least for me. The second gripe I have is that when you put the light in “tactical” mode, you lose the ability to switch modes with the side switch. In “tactical” mode you have to use the rear click switch to change modes. Along those same lines, in “tactical” mode you don’t have the choice of not accessing strobe while switching modes. I mean, I get it, it’s “tactical” but come on. I definitely like the idea of being able to switch mode groups and making it so I only have access to low and high but in my opinion, making me cycle through strobe also I asanine and could potentially give you away in a situation where you were using the light “tactically”. Also, putting the light in “tactical” mode basically turns it into a different light, by that I mean you essentially have to learn a different UI which is annoying. If it were my only light I could probably get past that but two different user interfaces for one light is annoying.
In the end the Fenix PD35 TAC is a great light. It’s provides great build quality and functions well, not to mention is backed by a reputable company. It’s similar to other lights out there and it comes down to what features you want and don’t want in a standard 18650 light, I keep this style light on both nightstands. Mode memory and a forward click switch make it easy to put into use when you need to find the cat that’s throwing up in the middle of the night SOMEWHERE in the house.
