Received a sample Fenix PD35 v3.0 a few months back. The increase brightness of 1,700 lumens immediately catches my attention.
A 18650, dual-switch, 1,700 lumens tactical flashlight that offers battery state indicator, forward clicky, pocket clip and a 2600mAh Micro-USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery (ARB-L18-2600U). Let's take a quick glance at the specifications:
A quick comparison to other Fenix PD35-series flashlight I have in my collections:
As can be seen from the picture above, the newer PD35 v3.0 is slightly shorter than the older version.
uni-direction, rotatable pocket clip is similar in design to that of Fenix E28R and does not offers deep pocket carry. Yours truly much prefer the older PD35 pocket clip as it feels more sturdy.
featuring Luminus SFT40 cool white LED sitting behind a smooth reflector for long and focus throw.
Fenix PD35 v3.0 does not offer tail-stand capability due to the protruded boot...
however, this does make it a little easier to push on the switch.
aesthetically, love the copper-colored ring surrounding the side electronic-switch
and the middle of the electronic-switch has a battery status indicator.
This is a two color status indicator to indicate the following:
- Green light on: 100% - 85%
- Green light flashes: 85% - 50%
- Red light on: 50% - 25%
- Red light flashes: 25% - 0%
Although Fenix says that "this only works with Fenix ARB-L18 series 18650 battery", my testing shows that it works with any good quality 18650 (both protected and unprotected) batteries. The battery indicator only lights up for 3 seconds everytime Fenix PD35 v3.0 being turned ON. Although it may seems OK, but I would really like Fenix to offer additional way for user to check the state of the battery, and not wait until it reaches below critical level to flash the red LED indicator.
It feels sturdy holding in my hand.
Included ARB-L18-2600U is to be inserted positive (button side) towards the head and negative side facing the tail switch.
Included battery is a Micro-USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 2600mAh.
Although the inclusion of a USB rechargeable battery is good, the capacity is a little low considering we are in the year 2021 and 18650 battery capacity of 3500-3600mAh is the norm nowaday. Fenix could have included the ARB-L18-3500U instead in my opinion even if that means we need to pay a couple of more dollars.
The UI of Fenix PD35 v3.0 is split between the tail switch and the side electronic-switch:
The tail switch is mainly for ON/OFF and momentary ON (half press), while the side switch controls the modes -- Eco, Low, Medium, High and Turbo.
Fenix PD35 v3.0 supports strobe mode where you can access by holding down the electronic-switch for 0.5 second and click again to switch back to previous mode... and yes, you can access the 1,700 lumens strobe mode in any of the 5 brightness level.
Physical lockout can be engage by simply loosening the tail-cap by 1/4 turn.
Fenix PD35 v3.0 does not support electronic lockout.
my measured output:
The usual disclaimer: I do not claim the above measured lumens as authoritative nor an indication of over/under-stating the number given by manufacturer. It's calibrated against some known light output (e.g. SureFire, Elzetta, etc.) so take it with a grain of salt and just as a relative reading.
and the runtime tested, without any fan cooling:
last but not least, a group photo with a few other tactical flashlights...
From left: Fenix TK11 Tac, Olight M2T Warrior, Fenix PD35 Tac, Fenix PD35 Tac Digi Camo, Fenix PD35 v3.0, Magicshine MOD20 and the classic Fenix PD30
In conclusion, this is a good revision of a long family line of PD35 series especially in brightness improvement. Perhaps in next revision, we will see Fenix PD35 with 21700-sized battery for longer runtime, improve battery status indicator, stronger pocket clip (preferably deep pocket carry clip) and a better tint LED (the current one is greenish cool white).
Thanks for reading.
You can now get yours from: https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-pd35-v3-0-everyday-carry-flashlight-1700-lumens/