Do you need a light you can depend on? Want something that you can always carry with you? Do you need a light that won’t destroy our night vision, but can also blind a potential attacker? If so you need to take a closer look at the Fenix PD32. The Fenix PD32 is a compact and powerful light offering five brightness levels. The compact size makes the light extremely portable, so you will always have it when you need it. Keep reading to find out what else this Fenix PD32 Review has to offer.
Before You Buy
The Fenix PD32 is a compact, yet powerful light designed for a variety of tasks. Like many other lights in Fenix’s PD series, the upgraded PD32 is easy to use, even with dual switches. If you are in need of a small, but powerful light the 2016 version of the Fenix PD32 is an excellent choice. Before purchasing any flashlight you want to take a look at what features the light offers. You want to find a light that provides the right amount of light.
The ability to choose your brightness level allows you to select the output based on the job at hand. Durability is something else to consider. You want a light that you can depend on, one that will work when you need it to. IPX ratings and impact resistance play a big role in how durable the light is. Before deciding on a specific light you want to consider all of the features and benefits it has to offer. If it doesn’t have what you need, keep looking until you find the light that does.
Fenix PD32
In 2016, Fenix gave its PD32 an upgrade. The Fenix PD32 now utilizes a CREE XP-L HI LED and can emit up to 900 lumens on Turbo. This is 500 more lumens of light than previous models. Maximum beam distance also increased with the upgraded PD32. The 2016 edition offers a maximum beam distance of 787 feet. The previous version offered a beam distance of 459 feet.
The 2016 Fenix PD32 is compatible with a single 18650 battery, but will also run on two CR123A batteries. The PD32 offers five brightness levels that emit anywhere from 5 to 900 lumens of white light. With strobe and SOS, the PD32 is ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor related activities. The Fenix PD32 is made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a premium type III hard-anodized abrasive finish. The Fenix uses a digitally regulated output to maintain constant brightness.
Pros:
- Dual Switches
- 5 Brightness levels, plus Strobe ad SOS
- Intelligent Memory
- Compatible with AER-01 and AER-02 remote tactical switches
Cons:
- Button is hard to find in the dark
Specs:
- Dimensions: 5.1 inches long with a 0.90-inch diameter
- Weight: 2.72 oz without batteries
- Lowest Setting: 5 lumens for 260 hours
- Highest Setting: 900 lumens for 1 hour and 55 minutes
Fenix PD32 Features & Benefits
User Interface
Nobody wants a flashlight that is impossible to use. The Fenix PD32 offers one of the simplest user interfaces around. The PD32 features dual switch technology with a tactical tail and side switch. The side switch cycles through both the constant and tactical output modes. The tactical tail cap switch activates the light and controls momentary on function.
Low-Voltage Warning
Nobody wants to pick up a flashlight with dead batteries. To prevent this from happening the Fenix PD32 offers a low voltage warning. If the battery voltage drops below the preset level the PD32 will shift to a lower brightness level. The light is programmed to step down one level until the light reaches Eco mode. Once in eco mode, the Pd32 will blink three times every five minutes as a reminder to switch batteries. The light will continue to work until the battery dies.
Overheat Protection
When using Turbo or High modes the Fenix PD32 will accumulate a lot of heat. Turbo mode emits 900 lumens and High emits 400 lumens. Both modes generate enough heat making the light difficult to handle. The longer the light is in use at these high lumens, the more time heat has to build up. To prevent heat from building up and damaging the light the PD32 will step down to a lower output level. In High, you can use the light for a period of 30 minutes, but Turbo can only be used for three minutes. Both modes can be accessed again by resting the light.
Social Proof
The Fenix PD32 is something I would suggest if you were looking for a light you could depend on. The Fenix PD32 offers a range of abilities, making it an excellent light for normal or emergency use. After reading through other reviews, I discovered my good opinion is shared by others. Several reputable review sites offer numerous positive reviews of the PD32.
While most people have a good opinion of the Fenix PD32 that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its flaws. One of the things that all readers took notice of was the switches. The side switch is of particular concern because it can be hard to find in the dark. The switch doesn’t light up, so you need to find it by feel.
Alternatives
Fenix PD35
The compact and powerful Fenix PD35 uses a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED to provide 6 brightness levels. Eco mode is the lowest mode and emits 14 lumens. Turbo mode provides users with 960 lumens of bright light. Overheat protection protects the light from becoming damaged from the heat produced in the higher modes. Low voltage warning light alerts you to when the battery needs replacing. The tactical tail cap switch powers the light and provides access to the momentary on feature. The side switch is used to cycle through the different modes. Read our full review here.
Nitecore P12GT
Geared toward law enforcement and flashlight enthusiast, the Nitecore P12GT is a great alternative to the Fenix PD32. The compact and lightweight design of the Nitecore P12GT makes it easy to keep it with you while on the go. The P12GT utilizes a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED to emit anywhere from 1 to 1,000 lumens. Powering the light can be done with a single 18650 battery or two CR123 batteries. The P12GT tactical tail switch provides access to constant and momentary on. The side switch cycles users through the four brightness levels and three hidden modes.
Olight R20 Javelot
The Olight R20 Javelot makes an excellent rechargeable alternative to the Fenix PD32. The R20 Javelot uses the same CREE XP-L HI LED that the PD32 does, but it only offers 3 different brightness levels. On the highest setting, the R20 emits up to 900 lumens of light for a three minute period. The R20 Javelot is compatible with two types of batteries. A customized rechargeable Lithium Ion 18650 battery and ordinary 18650 batteries. With the customized rechargeable 18650 users have the benefit of Micro-USB charging. The charging port is located inside the neck of the light and features an indication light above the USB port. The indicator light works as a charging indicator and a low voltage warning.
Fenix PD32 Review Final Thoughts
If you are in need of a powerful light with a compact design the Fenix PD32 is a great choice. The powerful Fenix PD32 emits up to 900 lumens in Turbo mode and 400 lumens in High. With strobe and SOS mode the PD32 can double as a tactical light. The PD32 offers an easy to use dual switch interface to provide you with a powerful light that has the ability to tail stand. Now that you have read about what the Fenix PD32 has to offer, go on out and purchase one today.
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