For more than a century now the life of the average household has changed completely which is all thanks to light. Not just any light though, the light produced by electricity has changed how we go about our day and night. Transcending from light bulbs to now pocket-friendly torches, light today comes in many ways. Being able to carry something so powerful yet so small has been the core of one recent uprising company, Fenix. Founded back in 2005, this manufacturer has always been making high-end affordable torches with no compromises to quality. LED has been their core technology and it has changed how a lot of people view the brand. Innovative, ever-advancing into new technologies and solutions Fenix has provided some of the best lighting solutions. One of which is their PD 35 torches which are synonymous with the brand’s strive for making top-notch capabilities available to everyone.
PD35 TAC
Compact yet powerful, the PD35 is capable of producing a light output of 1000 lumens thanks to its CREE XP-L LED. The 90g heavy torch has a total run time of 104 hours and a tail switch which lets you choose from 6 different lighting levels. 137 mm long and with a diameter of 25 mm this Fenix PD35 LED torch is capable of shining a light across 200m. With a peak beam intensity of 10,00 cd and a digitally regulated output, the TAC maintains a constant brightness level. There is no depleting as the battery discharges. You may get less usage but you get top-notch usage. For more run time you just choose a different lighting level and mode.
Powered by either two CR123A or one 18650 Li-ion battery it has a lifespan of 50,000 hours packed with a low-voltage function to warn you when you need to replace the battery. With the anti-roll, slip-resistant body of the PD35 TAC together with the type III premium hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish you get a strong and durable torch. This is a Fenix PED 35 LED torch that comes with two modes, tactical and outdoor.
PD35 V2
The second iteration of the original Fenix PD 35 flashlight, the V2 also has 1000 lm of light output. What’s different here is that the throw (beam distance) of the V2 is at 250 meters and the LED which is a CREE XP-L HI V3. Like the TAC, the V2 also comes with 6 different lighting levels but unlike the TAC it has an IP68 rating.
This rating coupled with the durable, high-strength and oxidation-resistant 6061 aluminium body makes the V2 submersible up to 2 m with an impact resistance of 1m. The V2 weighs about the same as the TAC and it is of the same length whilst being powered by the same battery options. With the V2 you get a Fenix PD35 LED flashlight with a peak beam intensity of 15,600 cd and a total run time of 430 hours.
The Qualities of a Good Torch
Batteries
The ability of a flashlight to last a long time on one single charge is to have a big enough battery. But why do you want a rechargeable battery in a torch? With a rechargeable battery, you get a more powerful torch and a better one that will last a lot longer. Yes, you need to charge the battery from time to time but at least you will have a more capable device.
This is why most rechargeable torches today sue Li-ion batteries. The same batteries that smartphones, tablets and laptops use. Also known as Li-ion batteries are known to have a long lifespan, high-discharge rate and short charging times. This means more power, less charging and more use. NiMH batteries are sued too but they are often found in more straightforward torches since they are less expensive and less capable too.
Lumens
The level of brightness a torch can achieve is expressed in lumens. The more lumens a torch can produce the more power it draws but also the brighter it is. But a lot of lumens don’t necessarily equate to a good torch. Yes, your torch might be brighter but does it last long enough to make good use of those lumens. For the majority of people who want a torch for everyday stuff 100 to 200 lumens is usually enough. When you enter the 1000 lm and up territory, you’re typically getting a torch that can do much more than just illuminate. These type of torches are commonly used by search & rescue teams as they’re usually coupled with a long beam distance.
Durability
No matter how big of a battery or how bright of a light a torch can shine if it doesn’t hold up well then it’s all a waste of your money. A durable torch means one that can withstand all types of weather conditions with ease, while water suitability is a big plus it is not always a must. For the majority of people, an IPX4 rated torch is all you’ll need as anything above that IPX rating is considered either near or in tactical territory.