Fenix PD30 (R2) Flashlight Review

[Lars]

I ordered a Fenix PD30 light recently. I already had a Surefire G2 and
a Surefire E2D light, so I didn't really need another flashlight.
However I wanted something that was LED-based rather than Xenon for
improved battery life and more intensity.

The size of the Fenix PD30 makes it a good light for everyday carry. It
comes with a pocket clip, a lanyard, and a belt case. It's about the
same diameter as the body on my E2D, but the head and lens are smaller.
Its overall length is about a half inch or so shorter as well.

The Fenix PD30 has I believe 6 different modes it'll operate in. In the
standard setting, a click on the rear tailcap turns the light on, at ~ 5
lumens or so. This is a good brightness for average flashlight use,
reading things in the car etc. A half press on the button raises the
intensity, another half press takes it to somewhere near 100 lumens. a
third half press makes the light flash Dit Dit Dit, Dash Dash Dash, Dit
Dit Dit (or SOS in Morse Code)

If you twist the head of the light, you put it into "Turbo Mode." A
click on the rear tailcap results in a blazing 235 Lumens. It's insane
how bright this light is considering it runs on 2 CR123s. Like
"standard" Mode, a half press on the tailcap switches the function. This
time to a rapid, 235 lumen strobe.... It's disorienting and bright.

Overall I had very high hopes for this light as an every day carry
defensive flashlight. Unfortunately you have to CLICK the tailcap to
turn the light on. From a defensive flashlight use, I'm pretty against
clicky tailcaps. My E2D also has a clicky tailcap, but it at least has
a momentary on function before the click. Because of the clicky
tailcap, the PD30 has found a home on my Rifle. It's mounted in a
Viking Tactics light mount. Once I go through a couple of low light
carbine courses I'll report back on whether or not that light will
remain on my rifle or not.

Next purchase will be a Fenix TK12 which should be modifiable to NOT
require a click to on. And might be modifiable to NOT click at all.

 

[r6vr6]

Great review.

Do you really need a reason for another light? ;-)

I think mode'ed lights that use the tail cap to switch modes probably are not the best for a weapon light. This would make a great edc light though.

Some other lights use a bezel twist to switch modes and use the tail cap for momentary\ continuous on. (fenix TK series) I just ordered a olight M20 warrior this weekend that uses this interface and it seems to make pretty good sense to me.

 

[Hoosier Gun Coat]

What kind of mount is that. Also, Can this light be set up with a pressure switch?

 

[Lars]

What kind of mount is that. Also, Can this light be set up with a pressure switch?

It's a Viking Tactics mount I got from Indiana Supply Depot

Here's a close up of the top of the mount.

 

[360]

I just bought the TA-21. It's HUGE, but man it's as bright as a car headlight.

I will be buying the TK10 or TK 12 soon.

 

[tyler34]

I just bought the TA-21. It's HUGE,

I have a tk40, try EDCing that one!

 

[mettle]

What kind of mount is that. Also, Can this light be set up with a pressure switch?

Fenix sells pressure switches for most of their models.

 

[JohnP82]

That looks sweet!! Congrats, hope you enjoy it.

 

[Tinman]

I've been carrying the same light for about a year. Like you, I found the switch a real limiting factor. I also don't like not being able to program the light to come on in strobe mode if that's what I want to use as a default light.

I understand that there is a "forward activating" switch upgrade you can get through 4sevens that allows this light to work as a momentary and clicky constant on, but I have no experience with that upgrade.

I recently changed to a Nitecore Extreme Series light. It has all the features I wish the Fenix had. Programmable turbo mode for constant on, or strobe, momentary and constant on. As a bonus, the low power general use mode is user adjustable, so you can set your own desired light level. The only things it lacks behind the Fenix lights are the lack of SOS mode (no loss for me, I've never used that mode), and it only has a single adjustable light level for general use mode. I really don't see that as an issue since you can set you're own personal light level, and it is programable on the light, it just takes a couple of extra steps.

Tinman....

 

[esrice]

Thanks for the review Lars!

 

[Lars]

I'll review my Surefire E2D and Surefire G2 tonight as well.

 

[Cemetery-man]

Wow I want one of those mounts. I wonder if CWood ships to Bremen?

 

[Cwood]

We can arrange pick up if you would like one.

 

[Cemetery-man]

Great!