Review: Fenix PD30 (R2) Flashlight

[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.

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Original thread here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ar/69803-fenix_pd30_r2_flashlight_review.html​