Battle of NEW Urban Exploration EDCs...Fenix PD36R Vs. Nitecore MH10 V2

LED Flashlights – General Info 21700 Flashlights
1

So I’m looking for a new urban exploration light (think abandoned buildings and manufacturing facilities) with more runtime and power than my Zebralight SC600 II. Principally I need a balanced, combination beam that is reasonably floody with decent throw…no glaring hotspot. Heat buildup might be an issue due to potentially longer runtimes in dark basements, so uninterrupted 10-15 minute runtimes should be considered likely. I want 21700 cells, a reasonable form factor (P60 Host-ish in proportions, with no bulbous out-of-proportion head) and the USB-C port seems like a good idea. Proprietary or non-standard cells like Olights are a deal breaker. I’m looking at the following 2 newly released lights…

Fenix PD36R, Luminus SST40 equipped.
Its got a good 800 lumen / 1.56A high mode that the other choice lacks, and the Turbo mode of 1600 lumens / 3.99A is the maximum the load I care to put on a battery…and its right at the maximum light output that I’m looking for.
The CONCERNS are that I’ve read a review stating Samsung 40T cells don’t work, I think longer protected 21700s are needed (per 1lumen.com review)…I’m unsure, and clarifications on this would be great. Also negative, it doesn’t appear to tail stand with its semi-shielded tail switch, which I find occasionally important.

Nitecore MH10 V2, Cree XP-L2 (V6) equipped.
Looks like a reasonable contender. It can be had for about $55, which is about 1/2 price of the Fenix. Comes with better supporting equipment such as well thought-out holster and 18650 / CR123A battery adapter. It certainly tailstands with no rear switch.
The CONCERNS are that the maximum 1200 lumen / 2.93A output might actually be closer to 912 Lumens (per amateur review on zeroair.org). And there is only 4 modes with a pretty big output gap between medium 300 lumen / .55A, and High 1200 lumen / 2.93A. The Fenix has 5, better balanced output modes.

I’ve been a member here almost 7 years, and I know there is a lot of brilliant minds contributing here. I’d like to hear your thoughts on these lights, or a competing choice worth considering.

2

For urban exploration, I would go with the soon to be released Fenix LR35R. You will get more power as well as longer runtime. It can run 1200 lumens for 3 hours nonstop.

3

The C8F-21700 has a C8 head, but with the wider tube feels way more balanced and proportioned than a regular C8.

Also, as an aux light, I’d seriously suggest a WK30. Beautiful white beam with the ’351, but also you got red and UV!

Why would you want that? Red for low-light use and better sneaking around without alerting others, and UV to light up any fluorescent markers/paint that geocachers or other urbexers may’ve left.

4

You could look at a Sofirn IF25A; it should do what you want and is good value at $30.

5

Your concern about the Samsung 40T not working in the PD36R is probably legit. I just tried a Samsung 50E, and a Sofirn 21700 unprotected and neither worked in the PD36R. I think it is a fail that the Fenix can’t tail stand. Tail standing comes in very handy at times.