Have you been searching for a rechargeable light that you can use for everything? Feel like you just can’t find the right one? If this sounds like you, it’s time to take a closer look at the Fenix UC30. The compact UC30 flashlight is an affordable rechargeable flashlight offered by Fenix. Don’t let its affordable price fool you; the Fenix UC30 has plenty to offer. Keep on reading to find out everything the Fenix UC30 has to offer.
Before You Buy
Unless you are a collector you want to purchase a light you can use. The compact, rechargeable Fenix UC30 is a true EDC style light. The Fenix UC30 is perfect for daily use for both indoor and outdoor tasks. The Fenix UC30 was designed for people whose flashlights get heavy use. The people who go have to change their batteries every week, if not every day. With the micro-USB charging option, you will save hundreds of dollars on batteries.
When selecting an EDC style of light you want to look at a few key factors. You need a light that offers different brightness levels. A light that provides the right amount of light for a variety of tasks. You need a light that is going to hold up under heavy and repeated use. Affordability is something else to consider. The more features a light has the higher its price will be. Check out our EDC Buyers Guide here to see more EDC options.
Fenix UC30
The compact, rechargeable Fenix UC30 is the perfect go anywhere type of flashlight. The Fenix UC30 was introduced by Fenix as its most affordable, rechargeable light over a year ago. The Fenix UC30 will last for 1 hour and 10 minutes on Turbo and up to 120 hours on its lowest setting.
The CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED offers a 50,000-hour lifespan and allows the UC30 to emit 10 to 960 lumens of light. The high powered LED provides a beam distance of 669 feet with a maximum beam intensity of 10,404 candelas. Manufactured from durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a Premium Type III hard-anodized finish and the ability to withstand impacts up to 3 feet the Fenix UC30 is extremely durable. The IPX-8 rating allows the light to be submerged for no more than 30 minutes in 6.5 feet of water.
Pros:
- Micro-USB charging
- Low Battery Indicator
- Nylon holster
- 4 brightness levels
Cons:
- No tail switch
- No lock-out feature
Specs:
- Dimensions: 5.1 inches long and 1-inch diameter
- Weight: 4.4 oz without batteries
- Output: 10 to 960 lumens
- Runtime: 120 hours on low and 1 hour and 10 minutes on Turbo
Fenix UC30 Features & Benefits
User Interface
User InterfaceThe Fenix UC30 utilizes a side switch rather than a tail cap switch. To power the light on, press and hold the side switch for half a second. The light will be powered off in the same way. To switch between the different brightness levels press the side switch with the light on. Cycles can be accessed in this order: Turbo, Low, Mid, and High. The light will start in Turbo mode the first time. Mode memory allows future start-ups in the last mode used.
Rechargeable
The Fenix UC30 features a built-in micro-USB charger. The 2600mAh Fenix 18650 battery can be charged inside the light. Included with the purchase of your light are a micro-USB charging cable and a Lumen Tactical USB adapter. You can use any rechargeable 18650 battery, but using the Fenix battery that comes with the light will provide you with the best results. Unlike ordinary rechargeable batteries, Fenix batteries can hold 70% of their original capacity after 500 full charge and discharge cycles. With reverse polarity protection, you won’t have to worry about damaging occurring from improper installation.
Low Power Warning
With the Fenix UC30, you will no longer be surprised when your battery suddenly dies. The low power warning alerts you to when the battery is starting to run low, giving you time to recharge it. The flashing red light signals that the battery level has dropped below the preset level. In low mode, the light will blink three times every five minutes to alert you the battery needs to be recharged or replaced. If any higher modes the light is programmed to step down to the next level to conserve battery life. Although the light will step down to conserve battery life Fenix utilizes a digitally regulated output to maintain constant brightness.
Social Proof
The Fenix UC30 is a light that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others. It is also one that I would willingly purchase to keep in my car or even my pocket. After spending several hours online reading through numerous reviews I have discovered I am not the only one who recommends the Fenix UC30. One thing that several reviewers noted is the affordability of the light. It is around 30% cheaper than other Fenix rechargeable lights. The Fenix UC30 is an excellent light, but not everybody is a fan of the side switch or the shorter size. If the micro-USB port is not covered the light is not fully waterproof.
Alternatives
Fenix UC35
The Fenix UC35 offers many of the same great features and benefits as the Fenix UC30. Like the Fenix UC30, the UC35 utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED that can emit up to 960 lumens. Both lights feature reverse polarity protection to protect batteries from damage if installed incorrectly. Micro-USB charging is also offered by both flashlights. The Fenix UC35 features 5 brightness levels, plus strobe mode. The Fenix UC35 is a great alternative for those who want to spend a little bit more on a flashlight that offers a little more. Check out our Fenix UC35 Review here.
Nitecore MH10
The Nitecore MH10 makes an excellent alternative to the Fenix UC30 if you are looking for something just a little brighter. The Nitecore MH10 uses the same CREE XM-L2 US LEDs but can emit up to 1,000 lumens. The MH10 features 4 brightness levels, but also offers Strobe, Location Beacon, and SOS mode. The built-in micro-USB charging port allows the battery to be charged inside the light using a variety of power sources. Once plugged in to charge the light will automatically detect the status of the battery and select the appropriate charging mode.
Olight S30R Baton III
For those that need something more than what the Fenix UC30 has to offer, the Olight S30R Baton II makes a great alternative. The rechargeable Olight S30R II includes a micro-charging dock and an Olight 3200mAh rechargeable battery. The S30R III utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U3 LED to emit up to 1020 lumens. The glow in the dark o-ring located inside the bezel of the light makes it easy to find when it is dropped in the dark. A magnetic tail cap allows the S30R to be secured to metal surfaces allowing the light to be hands-free.
Fenix UC30 Review Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a go anywhere, do anything rechargeable flashlight the Fenix UC30 is an excellent choice. The built-in micro-USB port charges the battery directly inside the light. The light comes with a micro-USB charging cable that allows you to use a variety of power sources to charge your light even if you are on the go. Measuring just 5.1 inches with a 1-inch diameter, the compact Fenix UC30 fits comfortably in your hand during use. There are several EDC lights available to choose from, but the rechargeable Fenix UC30 is an affordable option that delivers everything an EDC light needs. Now that you have seen what they Fenix UC30 has to offer, go on out and purchase one today!
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