Reddit reviews Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight with Two EdisonBright CR123A Lithium Batteries

Fenix PD35

Finding good flashlights is an odd little passion that I have. Of all the lights I've bought throughout the years, this is by far the best balance between performance, lifetime, and cost.

EDIT: I know this isn't technically a lantern, but it is more than capable of doing the job (moreso than most cheap lanterns, I'd say). Also, It can be used outside of camping. I keep one in my desk and another one stowed away in my car. It is extremely handy during the night if I need a light source.




Notable Features:

• 4 brightness settings; the highest one being as bright as my jeep's headlamps. you can practically light up an entire section of a forest with it. edit: this is a pretty accurate picture of how it performs.
  
  
• Strobe mode (I never really use it though)
  
  
• Full metal casing - It is extremely durable. Only time I broke the LED is when I accidentally dropped it 12 feet off a ledge onto concrete.
  
  
• Water resistant - I've gone swimming with it several times with no negative repercussions.
  
  
• Diffuser tip - This is the "lamp" part of the flashlight. with it on, you can easily illuminate a large room. Not to mention you feel like harry potter using that lighty wand spell, too.
  
  
• Rechargeable battery and charger. I highly recommend you buy these, as the batteries this brand uses are not so common.

So in my mind, the basics of an EDC are a knife, a flashlight, a pen, and a notebook. Depending on your preference/level of preparedness, though, multitools are great, a gun is convenient if you're in a dangerous place with any regularity, and a first-aid kit can literally be a lifesaver.

So for the basics I'd recommend:
Knife: a Kershaw Leek or Scrambler. The Leek is smaller, more discreet, very light, and razor sharp. The Scrambler is considerably more robust, has a longer blade (3.5" vs. 3"), but weighs more as well. Both can be found in Kershaw's "Blackwash" finish, which I like both for the feel and for the added rust and scratch resistance. Both are also spring-assisted, which is legal in a lot of places, but check your local laws before carrying either in public. If you can't carry them, take a look at the Cold Steel Voyager. It comes in several lengths, is legal in California, and is very durable, if not super comfortable.

Flashlights: Oh my god, the flashlights. LEDs have become so cheap and so bright over the last few years that it's actually pretty hard to go wrong. Nitecore is currently my favorite brand, but Fenix has some options as well. I would urge you not to buy a surefire; they are undeniably great lights, but unless you expect to encounter truly extraordinary circumstances on a regular basis (any chance your light could fall under a tank or a bulldozer? maybe surefire is for you), they tend to be somewhat more pricey per lumen than a number of other companies. For EDC, the Fenix PD35 2014 edition is almost unmatched. Almost a thousand lumens, takes rechargeable batteries, and small enough to drop into the front pocket of your jeans, if you don't want to use the included clip or holster. If you'd like something more keychain sized, the Nitecore SENS series comes in several sizes and battery types, and automatically adjusts the brightness of the beam based on the light's orientation. Aim it at your feet and you get a soft glow; aim it off into the woods and it grows steadily brighter.

Let's be honest, a pen is going to get lost. The best pen is one you like enough to keep track of, but one you won't miss too terribly should some co-worker walk off with it. I like the Zebra F-301. Writes smooth, classic stainless steel good looks, and comes in RGB & Black. Notebooks depend entirely on personal preference too, but the smallest Moleskine is easily pocketable and has 32 lined pages.

In my mind, there is only one name in multitools. Leatherman has a kick-ass reputation, a 25-year warranty, and a plethora of tools to suit any need. For the casual EDC, I'd go with what I believe is the second-lightest full size tool, the Skeletool. 7 functions include a knife that opens while the rest of the tool is closed, the ubiquitous pliers/wirecutters, two double-sided bits and a driver; and it looks so. freakin. cool.

I dunno much about guns except that of all the things I've listed, a pistol should be the one you consider most carefully, especially whether you need it or not. It's a big investment and a bit of a lifestyle adjustment if you decide to go CCW. I've always heard 9mm and up, so use that as a jumping-off point.

First aid kits are useless unless they're both small enough to be carried anywhere and large enough to contain anything you might need. Making your own is a good idea because you have the best knowledge of your environment, but I found a couple on Amazon which seem to have most of the basics without too much fluff or bulk. The first could be stuffed in a jacket pocket, whereas the second would be useful in a car.

I hope I helped. Good luck!

[Kershaw Scrambler] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I04MOIO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Kershaw Leek] (http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1660BLKW-Folding-BlackWash-SpeedSafe/dp/B00J14BOBU/ref=pd_sim_sg_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1MHD47WR72RJ9HJVWCZN)

[Cold Steel Voyager, 3 inch] (http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Voyager-Tanto-Plain/dp/B00322LQB0/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417535788&sr=1-5&keywords=cold+steel+voyager)

[Fenix PD35 2014] (http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-PD35-Flashlight-EdisonBright-Batteries/dp/B00DR9GWX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417536075&sr=1-1&keywords=fenix+pd+35)

[Nitecore SENS AA version]
(http://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Flashlight-Active-Dimming-Lumens/dp/B008J4CHNW/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417536301&sr=1-2&keywords=nitecore+sens)

Zebra F-301

[Moleskine "Cahier" Notebook, pack of 3] (http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Cahier-Journal-Pocket-Ruled/dp/8883704894/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1417536675&sr=1-1&keywords=moleskine+small)

[Leatherman Skeletool] (http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-830846-Skeletool-Multitool/dp/B000XU9NXW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417536920&sr=8-1&keywords=skeletool)

[Small bag or pocket first aid kit] (http://www.amazon.com/AAA-Piece-Commuter-First-Aid/dp/B000SL0R9K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417537142&sr=8-2&keywords=first+aid+kit)

Larger car first aid kit

EDIT: aspace

Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight with Two EdisonBright CR123A Lithium Batteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR9GWX0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_9MCywbH2HT8KZ

My Leathermen wave for sure!
This flashlight: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DR9GWX0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And of course my stage junk ultimate ratcheting tool

Fenix PD35. 960 Lumens, $71, 18650. Great light.

The Fenix PD-35 was always my go to from BLS to ALS. Whatever you pick, get some rechargeable batteries. Good luck in the field!

https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Flashlight-EdisonBright-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B00DR9GWX0

Get yourself a very bright flashlight with a crenellated bezel, something like the Fenix PD35

It is small enough to fit in your pants pocket and clip in. The light, at the brightest setting, will temporarily blind anyone you point it at. It's bright enough that it will hurt. The crenellated bezel is intended for things like smashing through glass but can also be used for self defense.

Leave the flashlight on its brightest setting when you're walking around, learn to pull it out quickly and thumb the switch. It should buy you enough time to get yourself out of that situation (or hit them if you are truly fearful for your life).

Plus now you have a nice flashlight for everyday use.

I like my SRT5, but given the choice in the current market, I think I could save a few bucks on some alternatives. I do really like the control ring of the SRT5 and it is still unique in the market, but I don't think it's worth the extra price on top of some of these competitors.

• ThruNite TN12 (2014) - This guy is very new to the market but ends up being very similar to a Fenix PD35 at a lower cost. You also get the option of Neutral white tint.
  
  
• ThruNite Neutron 2C V2 - Similar to the Fenix E35 (below) this light has a single side switch for power and mode selection. Excellent value and brightness is on par with all of the others in this realm.
  
  
• Nitecore P12 - $60 for 950lm high mode, side mode switch button just like the PD35 and TN12.
  
  
• [Nitecore P10] (http://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Tactical-Flashlight-Batteries-LumenTac/dp/B00M0EFYIC) - Quite similar to the P12, save ~$5 and take the max lumen output peak down a bit. Mode switch is on the tail next to the clicky - for emphasis on quick access to strobe modes and that sort of thing if you need it.
  
  
• [Fenix PD35] (http://www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=137&tid=9&cid=1) - It looks like Fenix has responded to the P12 with this 2014 edition of the PD35 here on amazon, bringing it to 960lm in turbo. Won't be all that different from the previous PD35.
  
  
• Fenix E35 Ultimate Edition - This light is rather similar to the P10, except you have a single side switch for power and mode changes. Comes in at a great value, if you are OK with the UI.
  
  Out of the above I would basically narrow it down based on what UI you like the best, weighted with price as well. If you would like power and separate mode switches, you've got the TN12, P12, P10, and PD35 to choose from. For a better value with just a single switch there is the E35UE and Neutron 2C V2. Based on my preference and budget I would try to get the TN12 (2014) in neutral tint if you can find it. If I needed a quicker turnaround I'd probably go with the P12 at $60. These are based on my personal criteria, definitely have a look at the parametrek page for your parameters as well.

Woot something I can contribute too! Fenix pd35 something I carry everywhere not just work. Super bright last about 2 weeks with moderate uses. Has setting 1000 lumens, strobe, low light for searching units.

Fenix PD32 is just slightly outside of your price range, and is a great light. Though if you were going to go there, I would choose the PD35. That however is very outside your budget.

Having owned many cheap lights, and a couple quality ones, there is no comparison in my eyes.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-PD35-Flashlight-EdisonBright-Batteries/dp/B00DR9GWX0

1,000 lumens and legendary performance/reliability. Or get last year's model and save a few bucks.

I like this one better than my pistol light to where I carry this almost everywhere.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR9GWX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_13P2Bb9MW5ATE

The Fenix PD35 is a little pricier, but it's unbelievably bright. Get two rechargeable batteries and you can always have one on charge.

no problem man.

Any basic knife will do

flashlight: https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Flashlight-EdisonBright-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B00DR9GWX0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503516912&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=fenix+flashlight&psc=1

Screwdrivers:https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Precision-Screwdriver-Computer-CTK100P/dp/B0001NYK16/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1503517004&sr=1-1&keywords=micro+screwdriver+set

Tweezers:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXXQHS8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Solder Iron:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRC2XU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Solder Sucker:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GIPKOW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Solder Station:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LXL6AHM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Solder Iron Tip Cleaner:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PQ32EPA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Spring Punch:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037UUO60/ref=twister_B01IRD4F34?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Wire cutters:https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-TR-20-M-D-Flush-cut-Construction-Dissipative/dp/B00FZPM2AQ/ref=sr_1_15?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1503517519&sr=1-15&keywords=soft+wire+cutter

I am by no means an expert but my general-purpose go-to is a Fenix PD35

If you want to fall into the rabbit hole then I recommend visiting candle power forums

>Atactical A1

>TN12

>TH10

>Fenix PD35

>Fenix PD35 (2014)

>BLF Combo

I would easily suggest the Thrunite TN12 over the PD35 because it's available in a Neutral White tint and has a moonlight mode which is a minimum requirement for what I want in a light. (Both lights have great mode spacing, nearly identical beam patterns, and nearly identical outputs.) If those requirements of mind don't matter to you though then the PD35 will have a little better build quality. There's built-in rechargeable versions of these lights as well, the TC12 & UC35. (Avoid the PD35 2014 version overall.)

The BLF A6 is a great budget light. The QC isn't quite as good as the two brands above but it's a great light for those who want something bright without going broke for the week.

The Atactical A1 is a new & interesting light. Not quite as bright as the others but it looks like it could make a good budget light. Looking at this review, it's interesting how much it looks like Thrunite which it seems like it's actually made by Thrunite based off the beginning portion of the review. Honestly seems like a pretty good light minus it being only a Cool White tint. I didn't realize how cheap it is to get until I saw your link. I might start recommending it more often.

The TH10 isn't bad but it is on the larger size of single 18650 headlamps. Should provide a good throw while having usable spill. Definitely not a great light for close up hands-on work due to the focused beam but seems alright for your needs. I'm just wondering how front heavy it is. The Nitecore HC30 or HC50 might be a little better option though than the TH10.

>Edit: Maybe a Klaurus light might work too? Hoping someone has some recommendation on this. It's USB rechargable I believe so that's a plus for me.

It's certainly a great light but certainly on the larger size as well. Definitely not pocket friendly. Or not at least with the pants that I wear. Cargo pants pocket might be fine though. You'll be blown away by how bright this guy is.

Fenix PD32 UE Ultimate Edition 740 Lumen CREE XM-L T6 LED Tactical Flashlight with Customized Diffuser Tip and Two EdisonBright CR123A Lithium Batteries.
http://amzn.com/B00AIBFZME

The 32UE is all over amazon, that one has good reviews and two Cr123s for 99.

Here's the link to the PD35:

Fenix PD35 850 Lumen CREE XM-L2 U2 LED Tactical Flashlight with Two EdisonBright CR123A Lithium Batteries.
http://amzn.com/B00DR9GWX0

Has anyone used Fenix lights? I'm considering a Fenix PD35 to replace a Streamlight ProTac 2L that hasn't lasted a year.

and this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DR9GWX0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A38GBW24HDG5AI

I have a Galaxy s5. Check out the video in the first review. A phone can't provide light like that

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DR9GWX0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Fenix PD35 ($75) is a bit cheaper than the PD32UE.

Right, thank you. I'm not sure if that really warrants a $10 price difference but whatever.

I'm trying to go through amazon because I have a gift card. I found the flashlight, charger, and 2 of the panasonic battery on there.

Those 3 separately total to just $15 or so more than the set but I guess I'm paying for quality and an extra battery. Does that all look good?

Depends on what you're needing to use it for....

I keep a Fenix E11 in a pocket pretty much all the time - runs on a single AA, now discontinued in favor of the slightly-more-complicated Fenix E12 - and it's great for looking in road cases, under things, etc.

I've occasionally been looking for - but haven't found - a replacement for the LED Mini MagLite that would fit in the Nite-Ize Pock-Its, but haven't come across one yet that I like.

For a super-bright grid-inspecting light, this Fenix PD35's on my wishlist...

I use a Fenix PD35 with a Daniel Defense flashlight mount. Flashlight is $71 on Amazon right now. $50 for the mount, unless you can find it elsewhere. 960 Lumens. Hasn't broken yet in the 3 months I've had it on. Just an FYI, its very floody, and it's not really meant for firearms, so be warned.

Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight with Two EdisonBright CR123A Lithium Batteries

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR9GWX0/

Definitely spring for a good flashlight. Cheap lights that put off yellowed light are so aggravating, and it's amazing the difference a good flashlight makes if you go camping/anything outdoors at night. My dad has gotten really into flashlights and got us each one of these Fenix brand lights, and they're the brightest flashlights I've ever seen, and can be dimmed down for jobs that need less light.

Edit: Here's an album of the difference between a cheap light and a quality one.

Those Fenix lights are pretty awesome. But somehow I paid half as much as much as this guy did.