Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight Review: Bright, Rugged, Rechargeable, and Perfect for Everyday Carry

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The Lowdown

If you are looking for an everyday carry light, I highly recommend the Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight. Filled with features and offering a long battery life, you cannot go wrong with this choice.

Overall
5

Pros

  • Rugged housing with IP68 Dust and water resistance
  • Included 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Bright light with six modes
  • Looks great and is easy to carry with either the included clip or belt case
  • Perfect for everyday carry

Cons

  • Nothing

Having a high-quality, reliable flashlight is essential, and that’s what Fenix aims to deliver. I was recently sent the Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight to test; it’s the third version of Fenix’s popular PD35 series, and this model promises even better performance. I prefer flashlights that are easy to hold, small enough to carry, and that are also plenty bright; let’s see if the PD35 checked off all of the boxes.

The PD35 is one of the most popular models Fenix carries. Version 3 of the light has been improved to shine 1700 lumens at a total distance of 1,171 feet. A single 18650 rechargeable battery powers the Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight, or it can be operated using two disposable CR123A’s.

I like that the rechargeable battery has a built-in charging port, so there is nothing more to carry than a Micro USB charging cable; since I usually have one lying around handy, keeping the flashlight topped-off is not a problem. When using the flashlight’s Eco mode, you can expect up to 230 hours of runtime.

Contents of the Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight package.

The package includes the Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight, a rechargeable battery, a carrying case, a Micro USB charging cable, a spare O-ring, and a wrist strap. The carrying case can be attached to a belt for easy access, though I usually carry the light in my front pocket using the built-in clip.

The Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight measures 5.28″ long by 1″, and it weighs 2.95 ounces; it fits nicely in my hand. The light feels quite rugged, and it has a nice heft to it; I like the tactical look of the design. The flashlight has all-metal housing, which offers impact resistance to one meter; it also has IP68 providing underwater protection to 2 meters and is dustproof.

Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight

The Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight is turned on via a button on the back end. Once the light is on, the battery status can be read on the front side button. The green light indicates that the battery is 100%-85% full; if the green light flashes, the battery is at 85%-50%. A red light comes on when there is 50%-25% battery, and a flashing red light indicates a critical battery level of 25%-1%.

Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight turned on.

The Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight has six light modes; the lighting modes are adjusted using the front side switch. Eco is 5 lumens and can last for up to 250 hours, Low is 50 lumens and can last for over 25 hours, Medium is 150 lumens and can last for over 8 hours, High is 600 lumens and can last for over 2 hours, and Turbo is 1700 lumens and can last for over an hour.

You can also press and hold the button for half a second to enter strobe mode at 1700 lumens. The tactical tail switch can be fully pressed for a constant beam or lightly tapped for a momentary beam. I like the ability to lightly press the button to get a bit of light with the flashlight turning off after I let go.

Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight with light on.

I get great use out of tactical flashlights around the yard and when I’m out in the woods. The Fenix PD35 V3.0 checks off all of the boxes I prefer with an everyday carry flashlight; it is built to be portable, bright, and nearly indestructible. Having a rechargeable battery and an included clip and carry case also adds to the value.

If you are looking for an everyday carry light, I highly recommend the Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight. Filled with features and offering a long battery life, you cannot go wrong with this choice.

The Fenix PD35 V3.0 Tactical Flashlight retails for $79.95; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Rugged housing with IP68 Dust and water resistance; Included 18650 rechargeable battery; Bright light with six modes; Looks great and is easy to carry with either the included clip or belt case; Perfect for everyday carry

What Needs Improvement: Nothing

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About the Author

Travis Ehrlich
Travis is a high school teacher and coach in a small South Texas town. His love for gadgets began at a very early age, and he has been a cross between a jock and a geek for most of his life. He has two boys and a wonderful wife who lets him be a gadget freak. He is a Mac convert and has drank the whole pitcher of Kool-Aid! He is also an avid guitar player and loves the outdoors, especially hunting with both a bow and rifle.