As someone who’s owned numerous flashlights over decades, I can say with sincerity that I’ve been disappointed with all of them. Most were hand-me-downs that were no better than a candle. Nowadays, we see TV commercials and internet ads for some amazing flashlights, tactical ones even, that can produce more than 1000 lumens with beam throws in upwards of 1000 feet. This brings us to the Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight. This “professional performance” flashlight puts out some amazing specs. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight 2019 review.
• LED has 50K Hour lifespan
• Tactical and outdoor modes
• Up to 1000 lumens
• Aluminum body
• Intelligent memory
• Low voltage indicator
• IPX-8 waterproof
• Small size, lightweight
• Warm to touch at the highest setting
• Price of $72 may be too high for some
Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019
Head into a Home Depot or Lowe’s, better yet, head over to their respective websites and type in the word “flashlight.” You’ll see hundreds of flashlights, almost all sub-par, mostly from brands that aren’t in the lighting space. In other words, flashlights aren’t their main product line, they’re an accessory. So if you’re looking for a great light, then you’ll need to look into those from a great brand like Fenix.
As you can see from our Pros vs. Cons list, the former greatly outweighs the latter. To me, the $72 price tag (reduced from $99) isn’t an issue as you’re getting a high-quality product with a great warranty.
Design and Features
There are only a few things you need to know about operating the PD35 TAC. With a slight press of the tail switch, you’ll see the light beam that was last used. So if you shut off the light at ‘Mid Mode,’ then it restarts at ‘Mid-Mode.’
Fully pressing the tail switch activates the flashlight. Pressing the stainless steel side switch once (and then again) changes the mode, of which there are five. Holding the side switch down for three seconds takes the light into tactical modem aka the strobe. It’s this setting you would use on a home intruder.
The PD35 TAC is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with notches, grooves, and cross-patterns throughout. This way the light should’t slip out of your hands.
The LED is the XLAMP® XP-L from Cree, which has a lifespan of 50K hours. The lens itself is made from ultra-clear glass. It also has an anti-reflective coating.
Are you worried about using the PD35 TAC in the rain or dropping it in shallow water? Well don’t be. The light has an IPX-8 waterproof rating allowing it to be underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of 2 meters.
The PD35 TAC measures at 5.4″ long x 1″ wide and weighing at approximately 4 ounces with installed battery. Speaking of batteries, you’ve got two options here. The model we received came with two CR123A batteries, but we would recommend getting the Fenix ARE-X11 rechargeable lithium-ion 18650 battery with charger. There’s no reason to keep tossing batteries out once they expire.
Specifications
• Turbo: 1000 Lumens, 200 Meter Distance, 1 Hr 10 Min Runtime
• Low: 60 Lumens, 48 Meter Distance, 29 Hr 15 Min Runtime
• Strobe: 1000 Lumens
• Turbo: 1000 Lumens, 200 Meter Distance, 1 Hr 10 Min Runtime
• High: 500 Lumens, 135 Meter Distance, 2 Hr 55 Min Runtime
• Mid: 200 Lumens, 80 Meter Distance, 8 Hr 30 Min Runtime
• Low: 60 Lumens, 48 Meter Distance, 29 Hr 15 Min Runtime
• Eco: 8 Lumens, 17 Meter Distance, 140 Hr Runtime
• Strobe: 1000 Lumens•
What’s In The Box?
• Two CR123A batteries
• Pocket clip
• Holster
• Lanyard
• Spare rubber boot
• Warranty card
• User manual
Performance
We tested the PD25 TAC indoors and out, during the day and night. We were thoroughly impressed with the results.
It’s crazy how good a product this is with its intelligent memory circuit and reverse polarity protection. Under most settings, the beam throw goes from one end of my yard to the other, and I’ve got a good-sized yard. The rabbits feeding throughout the yard become quite visible.
Think of the benefits of using this flashlight during a brownout or in the event your car fails along the road. The typical car engine light barely illuminates anything, but the PD35 TAC certainly will. And the PD35 TAC hardly takes up any space in the glove box.
Conclusion
From a physical design perspective, I found the PD35 TAC to be very comfortable and portable, true to its mission. The quality of light and its throw is most impressive.
The more I write about this product, the more excited I get about it. As a consumer technology writer, flashlights are on the edge of what we cover. While we review keyboards and headphones by the dozens, we only use one at a time, preferably a great one. The same could be said about flashlights. You, the consumer only need a great one. Having a second (that is another PD35 TAC) for your car wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
The cost of the Fenix PD35 TAC is an upfront expense some will balk at. Feel free to do your research, but don’t do so much that you’re now wasting time. Take our word for it; this product is worth buying. You won’t be disappointed.
What do you think of this Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight 2019 review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts. Should you wish to purchase this flashlight, click this PD35 TAC store link. We don’t earn a commission or anything.
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Fenix Blog page to see the latest announcements and reviews. The Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight comes with no less than a 5-year warranty on the light. If you have a rechargeable battery, there’s a 1-year free repair warranty. See the Fenix Warranty page for more information.
FTC Disclosure: Beantown was provided with one (1) Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight sample (2019 model) for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.