Fenix PD30 Flashlight Review

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List Price: $84.00
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After using this light daily for a while, I am happy to review it. There is such a large selection of these kinds of lights that it is hard to know which one is right for me, but I did a lot of research and decided to buy the PD30. The light is so well made that it's hard not to gush. It's smaller than I imagined from the descriptions and photos, which is a good thing for a light you want to carry with everyday. It's clips onto your pocket and most of the time you won't notice it's there.

This model has all the modes I might need and nothing I don't. Changing modes in practice was easier than the product descriptions made it sound. This is my first high quality LED light, and even though I had read reviews and watched video reviews on YouTube, I was still surprised at how even and bright the LED light is. It's nothing like those cheap LED lights you see at the convenience stores, or the hardware stores. The beam is rock-steady and more consistent from edge to edge. The shape of the barrel keeps it from rolling on a flat surface which is a nice feature, and the metal case is very tough. I have absolutely no regrets shelling out the money for this light.

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I use this for trail running. I had to give this 5 stars despite a few weaknesses because of its superior performance. If you want to go through an entire night with a featherweight light which is bright enough for trail running without having to change batteries, this is it!

If I am moving slow or on level terrain, the low setting is fine and lasts basically forever.

For typical night trail running (slow running on really rough trail or faster running or slightly rough trail), medium setting is fine and will last all night (even in winter) with plenty of life to spare.

High mode or turbo would only be needed for long range searching with the light. According to Fenix company data you can get almost 8 hours out of high mode, but I have never needed to try it!

I like the fact it uses two CR123A batteries because it makes the light lighter, more compact and longer lasting. It can easily fit in any pack pocket, barely taking up any room. The tradeoff is that the batteries are more expensive and less widely available (you might not find them in every corner store).

It could be engineered better. You have to be careful not to screw the head on so tight that it is in turbo mode. This burns the batteries in a couple hours and there is no "indicator" to tell you that you are in this mode. The head needs to be backed off just a bit to use the "normal" three light levels. If you unscrew it too much, the head comes off. You will get used to this and there is a long way between turbo and the head coming off so you have to really mess up to cause a problem. Also the mode switch is on the end of the light, so if you use what I consider a normal grip, it is not easily operable with one hand. If you have really big hands, this light may be too small to feel comfortable with... I have about a men's medium hand (a bit smaller than average)and it feels really comfortable for me.

Be careful... even medium light can temporarily blind you if you shine it in your eyes from close range!

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This device functions exactly as described! Simply insert the batteries, and tighten the rear battery compartment... click the button and you have a light bright enough to blind/disorient people even in broad daylight here in sunny Arizona!! Half click the button, and you'll have a super-fast strobe that disorients even faster, and can act as a signalling device for HUGE distances.

Unscrew the lens portion slightly, turn the light on, and you'll get a gentle light perfect for use in finding your way around a dark building without completely destroying your night vision. Half click, the light gets brighter, and then one more for another brightness setting. Finally, half-click again to move into a bright, SOS mode, where the light will actually time out, and signal SOS in morse code.

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The manufacturers of this high performance flashlight are not kidding when they claim and market the product high performance. The lighting capacity (257 lumens), the 6 types of output, waterproof property, impact resistance and compact size truly is worth the pricey tag (is a 4 5/8" long flashlight people!). I made it part of my EDC as soon as I got the batteries, yes it doesn't include batteries. It uses 2 3 volts CR123A batteries Energizer EL123APB-2 3-Volt Lithium Photo Battery (2-Pack) which are not cheap either but; Seriously? not even a pair of some unheard brand are included FENIX people? Nowhere in Amazon's product description or Mfgr's product specifications do they indicate that batteries are not included so you have been warned about this small but crucial fact. I recommend that you buy some batteries with the flashlight on Amazon, they offer a better price that any electronics or discount well known stores and avoid that probably forgotten bittersweet memory of getting that highly desired electronic game or toy for Christmas but no batteries. It also comes with a high quality nylon/webbing sheath that could be attached to you belt or added to a MOLLE system gear or could also be attached using a pocket clip with a very nice finish on it. Two additional O rings and on/off extra button are also included. Gave it four stars for stirring up traumatic childhood memories with the lack of batteries issue, the flashlight WITH the batteries deserves five stars.

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When they recommend NOT shining this light into your eyes, it is with good reason. You'll see spots!

A well-crafted, compact, and versatile flashlight. Several modes from efficient (enough to light your path ahead) to blinding portable sun, with SOS and nearly seizure-inducing strobe settings thrown in. Tight beam, impressive beam distance in turbo mode. It's surprisingly lightweight, very good for everyday carry. Not cheap, but in this case you get what you pay for. It's also worth it to buy the fairly pricey CR-123A batteries in multi-packs for a better bargain.