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Fenix 265 Lumen LED Flashlight
List Price: $84.00Our Price: $55.95You Save: $28.05 (33%)Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Sports See more equipment details
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Fenix Flashlights Brand: Fenix Flashlights Release Date: 2010-03-10 Model: PD30R4 Color: Black Product features: - Compact 4.6 inch length, lightweight 5 ounce body design holds a Cree XP-G LED
- 11 lumens (65 hrs) 75 lumens (9 hrs) 140 lumens (4 hrs)
- Compact body design is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Digitally regulated output will maintain constant brightnesss at all levels
- Improved knurling on body provides extra grip and new clip (removable) allows for this to provide perfect every day carry qualities
Sports reviews of Fenix 265 Lumen LED FlashlightCustomer Review: A Terrific Light Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I am admittedly a "flashaholic". I am constantly searching for the "perfect" flashlight, either a general use light or a exceptional "niche" specific light. In my opinion the Fenix 265 Lumen PD 30 light falls into the upper tier of "perfect" lights, especially for it's size and price point. I used to be strictly a SureFire consumer and have spent more money than I care to admit to on them. However this particular flashlight has shown me there are other manufacturers of quality lights.
The amount of light output from this small dynamo is very, very impressive. If I were still working the streets as a police officer this would absolutely be a contender for duty carry. I like my pricey SureFire but I cannot disregard the fact that this light is also very capable.
It requires two Lithium CR123 batteries. These are expensive batteries but I have previously purchased them in bulk from SureFire and that makes the cost less of a factor. With the purchase of this (okay these, I got some as gifts as well) I also purchased the 40 battery pack from Tenergy. They seem to work well and only time will tell if they stand the test of time. However, with good cold weather performance, and unbeatable shelf life considerations, I've come to rely on the benefits of Lithiums. I want a light that is going to work even though it's been shelved for a while. The advent of LSD (Low Self Discharge) Rechargeable NiMh batteries may change my preference but that's a discussion for another review.
This Fenix light has two output settings with four modes in one setting and two modes in the other. To change settings requires only that you turn the bezel (lens end) of the flashlight from fully screwed on, to loosening the bezel 10 to 15 degrees (and vice-versa). And the setting can be changed while the light is in operation.
When the bezel is fully "tightened", you are in the high (or I should say, super high) light output setting. One full depression of the tail cap button (to the audible click) turns on the light in it's highest output setting. According to the specs this would be good for about 1 1/2 hours of this kind of output. And it is indeed very, very impressive. It is noticeably brighter than the highest mode in the other setting. It quite literally turns night into day within the relatively narrow core beam for a considerable, practical distance. And there's a useable amount of light in the radius surrounding the core beam. This is not a flood light but there is easily enough "broadness" to the output for most practical applications.
If you depress the tail cap button again, requiring only a light touch, the output remains the same but now the light is strobing. If it were shining in someone's eyes, whose eyes had been previously adjusted to the darkness, it would definitely be a blinding, perhaps disorienting experience (truly, as I have tried it on myself and my disgusted loved ones, all in the name of science). Another light depression on the button returns it to steady high output, and each light button press alternates modes until you turn it off or run out of juice. To turn it off you press the tail cap button fully, to the audible click.
If you turn the bezel, in essence loosen it, 10 or so degrees the alternate setting is selected. Again a full depression of the tail cap button turns it on and another full depression turns it off. A light press cycles you through the four modes this setting offers.
These modes are essentially low, medium and high steady beams and finally an automatic SOS blinking mode.
The low beam is honestly enough light for most day-to-day purposes. Your medium, high and super high settings often put out more light than necessary for most day-to-day needs and are often counter productive for close-up work. And that makes the spec'ed 65 hour run time very respectable. That's almost 3 days worth of very usable light. So unless you're in an emergency situation (trapped in a building or cave) you have more run time than you'll probably ever need at once.
The medium output for all practical purposes covers the rest of your needs. A very bright light with about 9 hours worth of output. Again the sun should be shining again before the flashlight goes dead.
The "high" output does actually put out a noticeably brighter light though only for about 4 hours and like I've mentioned, probably not really necessary as the low and medium outputs i'd consider more than adequate for most purposes.
The remaining SOS mode is nice but perhaps not so likely to be needed. But it's there if you do need it and someone familiar with SOS happens to recognize it as a distress signal.
The setting switching process is simple and the changing between modes is in my opinion cleverly designed. You are missing the momentary button mode other lights offer but it's certainly no reason not to consider purchasing this light. If you know and use Morse code then maybe this would be of greater consideration. But you can press and press again the tail cap button quickly enough to provide a momentary shot of light if need be.
The construction appears to be solid. Aluminum throughout. The pocket clip is sturdy as well and provides a secure grip. Overall I think the size is just a shade large for convenient continuous carry unless you don't mind an "open" carry with the clip or included nylon case. The extra "O" rings and tail cap button cover are nice touches. It has flattened edges that provide roll prevention.
Overall, the size, construction, price and output make this a very, very attractive light. It certainly places this light into what I consider a tool category as opposed to a throw-down, throw-away household flashlight. It is amazing to me what strides have been made in LED emitter output. It is brighter than my SureFire that I paid much more for 2 or 3 years ago. And I can only assume this light will pale compared to lights that will come out 2 or 3 years from now. However, how much light is necessary? As I mentioned, the low and medium light levels of this light will suffice 90% of the time or more. The two high settings I'd think would only be necessary in critical or emergency situations, either of which hopefully you or I will not have to face on a regular basis. Besides emergencies, you can only annoy and anger your friends and family, believe me.
On a side note: I also purchased a couple of the accessory kits that include the clear and red filters and the white and red cones. The filters are frankly of little use to me but the two cones are very nice accessories. They fit snugly and securely to the end of the flashlight.
The white, shorter cone is very practical, on the low beam, for providing an overall lighting effect of a lantern. Without the cone the lighting is pretty directional on this light as well as most other flashlights. The cone provides an nice diffuse lighting which makes it useful for hands-free lighting, for instance changing a tire, room lighting during power outages, etc.
The red cone works equally as well. I anticipate using it effectively for directing traffic at an accident or more likely as a warning "flare" if I or someone else happens to have some night emergency at the side of the road.
Although I may opt to use either cone at higher levels than low, briefly, I'm somewhat concerned about heat build-up with the unvented cones in place and perhaps subsequent damage to the light itself. Although compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs are relatively cool, but that's only relative. The light output of LEDs of this caliber do definitely produce significant heat and care must be taken relative to burns and possibly fire hazards as well. These are not Christmas trees LED's. They don't run "cool".
For Christmas this year I bought these lights and accessory kits for my adult kids and others whom I care about. I feel this light is a tool, a tool that will be both generally useful as well as a safety tool if necessary. Understanding the batteries are expensive off the shelf I also provided them with a supply of the Tenergy CR123's as well. The lights would not be useful if the batteries died and they just put the lights in a drawer somewhere. In my case that's a big drawer of flashlights that haven't met my expectations. I don't anticipate that destiny for this light.
Buy it! A quality light, a compact design, incredible output if necessary, usable settings and modes. I don't think you will be disappointed. I have not been, but remember, I'm a "flashaholic".
Description of Fenix 265 Lumen LED FlashlightThe Fenix PD30 is a high-tech, rugged tool that's perfect for any lighting application. It features six levels of output, which not only allows the user to select the best compromise between brightness and runtime for any given task, but also has ability to aid in an emergency. The six output levels include dim, regular, high, SOS, turbo and strobe. When in turbo mode, the Fenix PD30 throws a remarkable 265 lumens beam, an incredible amount of light for a light of any size. If you're looking for a flashlight with solid reliability, digitally regulated brightness, and compact size, this Fenix is for you. ? Cree XP-G (R4) LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours ? 2 modes with 6 types of output ? General Mode: 11 lumens (65hrs) -> 75 lumens (9hrs) -> 140 lumens (4hrs) ->SOS ? Turbo Mode: 265 lumens (1.5hrs) -> Strobe ? Digitally regulated output-maintains constant brightness ? Uses two 3V CR123A battery (Lithium) ? 118mm (Length) x 21.5mm (Diameter) ? Made of aircraft-grade aluminum ? Durable Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish ? 53-gram weight (excluding batteries) ? Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard ? Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating ? Push-button tail cap switch ? Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle ? Included accessories: holster, lanyard, two spare o-rings, and a rubber switch boot
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