If you ask me, “Which tactical flashlight is the best to buy in 2024? My answer will be the Fenix PD35 flashlight. It is based on my test, not an assumption. Personally, I have tested the pd35 flashlight for each feature like brightness level, modes, beam distance, run-time, battery longevity, build quality, etc. It offers great features, brightness, and quality in a package that won’t break the bank. Read this Fenix PD35 Review to know more about this tactical flashlight.
What features are updated with Fenix PD35 V3.0?
Max Brightness: 1700 Lumens
Beam Distance: 1171 feet (Max)
Max Runtime: 230 hours
Length: 5.28”
Body: 0.90”
Head: 1 inch
Weight: 83.5g without battery
Lighting Modes: 5 Modes + Strobe
LED Type: LED Luminus SFT40
Battery: One 18650 or two CR123A
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee
Battery Level Indication:
- Red light flashes: critical 25% – 1%
- Red light on: poor 50% – 25%
- Green light flashes: sufficient 85% – 50%
- Green light on: saturated 100% – 85%
Compare with other flashlights: 4 alternatives
Update: The Fenix PD35 V2.0 has been released this year. So, Comparing here Fenix PD35 Tac VS PD35 V2.0.
Fenix pd35 vs pd35 tac
Both flashlight functionality is almost similar. The PD35 tac means it is the tactical edition of pd35.
Fenix pd35 vs. tk15
The Fenix TK15 lumens are only 400. The updated version of the Fenix TK15 is TK16. The new version has similar functionality as the pd35. Read the Fenix TK16 review for more information.
Fenix PD35 and PD32 Difference:
The main difference between Fenix pd32 and pd35 is the lumen. The pd35 light is 1000 lumens, and the pd32 is only 315 lumens. Check this Fenix PD32 vs. PD35 article for more details.
Is Fenix PD35 and Fenix UC35 the same?
No. They are not the same. Both have lots of features and differences. You can check this article to know the difference between Fenix uc35 and pd35.
Technical Features of the Fenix PD35 Tactical Edition Flashlight:
Fenix PD35 Tac vs. Fenix PD35 V2.0:
| Features | Fenix PD35 Tac | Fenix PD35 V2.0 |
| Maximum Brightness: | 1000 lumens | 1000 lumens |
| Minimum Brightness: | 8 Lumens | 3 Lumens |
| Maximum Run-time: | 140 hours (8 lumens) | 430 hours (3 lumens) |
| Minimum Run-time: | 1 hour & 10 minutes (1000LM) | 2 hours & 50 minutes (1000LM) |
| Beam Distance: | 200 Meters | 250 Meters |
| Operating Modes: | Tactical & Outdoor(two) | Standard(one) |
| Low Voltage Indicator | Only when very low | Green(full), Green Flash(sufficient), Red(poor), Red Flash(critical) |
| LED: | Cree XP-L (V5) | Cree XP-L HI V3 |
| Body: | Aircraft-grade aluminum | High-strength & oxidation-resistant 6061 aluminum |
| Waterproof standard: | IPX-8 (2 meters for 30 minutes) | IP68 (2 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Length: | 137 mm | 138 mm |
| Weight: | 89 grams | 88 grams |
| Battery Include: | Yes (Two CR123A Lithium) | Yes (Two CR123A Lithium) |
| Price: |  Check Price |
 Check Price |
Summary of Contents
Why Buy Fenix PD35 Tactical Flashlight?
- Durable design
- Perfect for Tactical use like self-defense
- 1000 lumens is Extremely bright and 2X higher than the Fenix LD15R right-angle flashlight
- Side and Tail Switches
- Intelligent memory circuit
- 6 modes, including Turbo and Strobe
- Standard pocket size
- Waterproof & Impact resistant.
I have been using this flashlight for the last 1.5 years without any problem. If you want a quality tactical flashlight at an affordable price, then buy this.
Fenix PD35 Tac Flashlight: Video Review
Do you know which is the best-selling flashlight from the Fenix brand? The Fenix PD35 flashlight is the most popular and selling flashlight on the market.
Fenix is one of the top flashlight brands on the market. The brand focuses on offering sturdy, powerful, and bright flashlights to users. Fenix has been in the market for a while and knows what clients want. In this Fenix PD35 review, we’re going to talk about the Fenix PD35 flashlight. Among the various Fenix flashlight models, the PD35 is one of the best-selling and famous models. The PD35 is sturdily constructed from durable aircraft-grade aluminum.
In addition, it has a premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish that makes it water-resistant. Two 3V CR123A lithium-ion batteries power the light. Moreover, it uses a Cree XP-L LED that is indestructible and lasts more than 50,000 hours.
Fenix PD35 flashlight Specs:
The lightweight PD35 has an anti-roll body that prevents the flashlight from rolling on a flat surface when you accidentally drop it. The LED produces a maximum of 1000 Lumens and covers a distance of 656 feet. With various lighting modes, the user can have full control of the flashlight and use the strobe mode to disorient an enemy. Use the flashlight by simply switching it on via the tail cap switch and cycle through the different light modes using the side switch. But before jumping into our main topic, let’s check some short flashlight reviews about its features.
- Durable air-grade aluminum body with type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
- Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
- Maximum of 1000LM
- Beam distance of 656 ft
- Uses Cree XP-L LED with a lifespan of 50000 hours
- 6 light modes
- Low-voltage warning function
- Digitally regulated output
- Reverse polarity protection
- Overheat protection
- Tactical tail switch with momentary-on function
- Side switch
- Pocket clip
- Powered by one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two lithium 3V CR123A batteries
- Fenix lifetime limited warranty
How Fenix PD35 Flashlight Performs: Our Review
Sturdy construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum
Many people love the PD35 flashlight because of its strong build. Made from lightweight, durable aircraft-grade aluminum, this flashlight will serve the user for many years. On top of that, it has a premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish. Also, it comes with a toughened ultra-clear glass lens with an anti-reflective coating. This secures the LED bulb in the flashlight. When you drop this tactical flashlight accidentally, it will still function well as long as it is from one meter or less.
Brightness: Not The Brightest Flashlight!
If it’s the brightness that you are looking for, the PD35 is not extremely bright. With a maximum Lumen of 1000, expect to receive good brightness from this flashlight. It uses a Cree XP-L LED with a lifespan of 50000 hours. Furthermore, the flashlight has two light settings, which are tactical mode and outdoor mode. The tactical mode has three light modes, which are low, strobe, and turbo modes. The outdoor model has eco, low, medium, high, turbo, and strobe modes. The flashlight has the ability to run for 140 hours. These features are almost similar to the Fenix uc35 960-lumen flashlight or Fenix uc30 1000-lumen flashlight.
Check PriceFor outstanding brightness, switch the light to high or turbo mode. Eco mode is amazing for long-hour use, and the strobe mode is for blinding an assailant. To achieve different light settings, you have to insert either one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A lithium batteries in the flashlight. For long run-time, use rechargeable batteries. And with this light, you will get the best quality rechargeable flashlight.
Durability Check: All-weather flashlight
Whether it is underwater, in the rain, or in a dusty area, the PD35 LED flashlight will still provide you with excellent performance. The CR123A lithium batteries can withstand very harsh surroundings, such as cold or hot. If you don’t like one-time batteries, then I always recommend buying a 18650 battery because of this type of battery’s longevity. The flashlight is also made of a durable body that can survive droppings and crushing in tough environments. This is because it is impact-resistant and has a wonderful hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish.
Versatile use: 6 different lighting modes
If you have been looking for a versatile flashlight for different uses, the PD35 will serve you well. This is because it has 6 different lighting modes. Not only does this assist the user in having full control of the light, but as well get to saves on battery power. The different modes can be accessed by switching on the flashlight via the tail cap switch and cycling through the different modes using the side switch. Start with eco, then low, medium, high, turbo, and finally to strobe mode.
Accidental Fall Protection: Yes
Using a flashlight in the wild or outdoors can be very challenging. Imagine, if you are confronted with a snake and take off, the flashlight might drop if the grip is not good. PD35 has a slip-resistant body that will stick to your hand even in wet conditions. The anti-roll body prevents the flashlight from rolling on the surface if you drop it by mistake on slanted ground. Also, the tail switch allows you easy one-handed operation.
Automated Technology: Wide range of features
One of the reasons people prefer the Fenix PD35 over other flashlights is that it has lots of exceptional features. To start with, the flashlight has a reverse polarity protection feature that prevents the user from inserting the battery wrong. Also, it has to overheat protection to prevent the high temperature of the surface. This adjusts the light from a high mode to a lower one. In addition, the flashlight has a digitally regulated output level – which maintains constant brightness throughout. The low-voltage warning feature lets you know when to recharge or replace the battery. The flashlight automatically switches to the lower brightness level at a low voltage to maximize battery life.
Usability: Easy to use and store
Despite this flashlight having a wide range of features, it is very easy to use. It comprises a dual switch, including s tactical tail cap switch and a side switch. The tail cap switch has a momentary-on function, while the side switch is based on the head for output selection. To switch on/off the flashlight, simply insert one of the two batteries recommended. Then, switch on the tail cap switch and cycle through different light modes utilizing the side switch.
After using the device or when busy performing other duties, you can easily keep the flashlight ready for use by attaching it to your belt using the pocket clip or holster. Also, it has a storage case, which makes storage of the device to be easy. If you are traveling, you can keep it in the backpack or pocket as it is compact in design.
Customer service: Great!
Fenix is an excellent brand with a great reputation. Over the years, it has been providing clients with outstanding flashlights. On purchase of the Fenix PD35 LED light, the buyer gets a lifetime limited warranty on defects in materials and workmanship from the manufacturer. So, you will get much-needed assistance if the flashlight comes with a problem.
Check PriceAdditional accessories
When you buy the PD35 flashlight, you will get extra accessories in their bundle. Things that are included are:
- A holster
- Carrying case
- USB charging cable
- Fenix ARB-L2P 3200mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
- 2X EdinsonBright CR123A lithium batteries
Conclusion
The Fenix PD35 is a great outdoor flashlight. It is sturdily constructed to withstand the tough outdoor environment. Fenix PD35 can defy impact up to 1 meter. Also, it can be immersed in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. It is versatile as it offers the user 6 different lighting modes. A comfortable rubber-booted tail switch can easily turn the light on by using one hand. The flashlight provides a very bright light that is enough to light up two football pitches. With its compact and lightweight design, this is an excellent LED flashlight for hunters, campers, military personnel, law enforcers, and emergency responder. We have explained everything in this Fenix pd35 review article that you should know before buying this.