Fenix PD36R Flashlight Review (Long Term Review)
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2021
- Overall, the Fenix PD36R is my number one favorite flashlight! It has a good balance of power/output and battery life with solid metal construction as well as all the necessary features you want in a well-rounded flashlight.
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Fenix PD36R Flashlight Specs:
- Price: Approximately $100
- Rechargeable 5,000 mAh battery with USB-C fast charging
- Max Output is 1,600 Lumens
- Max Runtime: 115 hours (on Eco mode)
- Water Resistant (but not waterproof *)
- Excellent build quality and materials
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews (I highly recommend it too!)
Runtime Breakdown:
Eco: 30 Lumens = 115 Hours
Low: 150 Lumens = 26 Hours
Medium: 250 Lumens = 8 Hours 24 Minutes
High: 800 Lumens = 5 Hours 49 Minutes
Turbo: 1600 Lumens = 2 Hours 50 Minutes
The Fenix PD36R is perfect for camping, hiking, tactical, home defense, and keeping in a vehicle. I have used it in my go-bag, survival pack, and as part of my car kit/get-home bag. I like it better than the O-Light Warrior Mini as well as some SureFire flashlights and torches. It is a little large for EDC carry but it could be used for that as well.
Arguably, it is one of the best Fenix flashlights on the market. And possibly one of the best tactical flashlights for the money!
This is my long-term review and comparison of the best rechargeable Fenix flashlight (IMO), the Fenix PD36R flashlight. I have owned this flashlight since mid-2020 and I have had no issues with it whatsoever. I wasn't sponsored in this video and purchased this Fenix torch with my own money. 
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Great review! Just so your aware, the tail switch on the pd36r (NOT pro) but the pd36r is a mechanically controlled tail switch. What that means is there is no electronics in it other than the switch at a glance being pressed forward into a contact point to battery contact. When not fully clicked in, the battery (separate from the tail switch) is NOT ON and therefore not draining your battery.
This is 1 of the major reasons I love this light even now over the PD36R pro. You can throw it in a drawer for a year, come back and not have the battery drained at all except what the battery parasitically loses stored energy of itself.
Thank you for your review of this flashlight! I just purchased and I am very excited to receive it!
Thank you for the great review!
Thank you for sharing your impressions of this flashlight!
As for buying it, nowhere does it say there is an extra battery included in the pack linked in the description. Is there really an extra battery in the pack?
Good review, I just ordered one from Fenix’s store.
When I bought my PD36R I also bought a spare 21700 battery WITH an integrated USB-C port! In my opinion it's the best of both worlds! For edc I use the spare integrated usb battery and keep the original battery as the spare. As the battery runs down, I can casually top it off every month by plugging in the whole light as needed. If I'm in a situation where I need to swap to my spare battery, I swap in the original battery, and can leave the integrated usb battery Charging separately. That way my depleted battery can be getting recharged AND my flashlight can still be used!
Oh and the rubber flap is not necessary to keep the PD36R waterproof. Just make sure the usb port is dry before plugging it in.
Yep! My usb c silicone cover was ripped off 3 months in to owning the light. I wash the light under water weekly. No problems at all. Just a quick wipe down, whistle into the port area and it’s good to go again 👍🏼
Welcome to the PD36R family 😂. I got mine on discount for 80 euros instead of 99€ regular price. First time I hit Turbo on the countryside I started laughing. It was TOO impressive...
This is absolutely one of the best lights on the market period
Just spent hours looking around and settled for this. Cannot wait for it to arrive!
Ok, then try the PD36 TAC with its 3100 lumens. Greetings from Spain.
@@JordanH859 me too! So r u liking the ld30? Have u took it in the water yet? And if so, how long underwater?
@@newhuskytwenty I have the Fenix TK16 V2. I am STILL impressed by my older Fenix PD36R because of the efficiency long runtimes/ mechanically controlled tail switch. The TK16 v2 is a WOW light for 5 min then drops down and loses even more of its runtime efficiency by having their tail switch with electronic controlled.
Anything electronically controlled is subject to greater failures, constant parasitic drain on the battery unless locked out or tail cap mechanical switch.
It IS a nice light don’t get me wrong, but it is not the runtime king as the pd36r and out of the last 3 months I’ve only charged mine 1 time.
I've used one for years, mainly working on container ships as a lasher.... Best damn piece of kit I've got and has saved me a tonne of grief.
Yes, this is one of the most beautiful lights created by Fenix.
I gave one away in 2020, this year when the price went down I bought one for myself too.
If there was a version with a neutral tint it would be perfect.
Absolutely one of the best lights on the market, almost perfect rechargeable everday carry.
Your link does not include two batteries matter of fact I don't see on amazon when you can even buy the Fenix battery separate. Is it really 5000 mah???
How does it compare with the new Olight Warrior 3?🤔
How much the colour temperature?
Great review and this is also my number 1 flashlight. However I think you forgot to mention the strobe mode which could be helpful for self-defence.
You activate it by keep pressing on the mode selection button.
What is the max wattage for wall charger ?
Wow thanks man this was great. Any chance you have a rec for a similar tool that also has a red light?
I looked it up and apparently the Nitecore Red filter NFR25 fits the Fenix PD36R. It's ten bucks
Does it work with unprotected battery or not?
I've been a big fan of Fenix since I got my first one. I initially began with a PD35 maybe close to 8 or so years back. It served incredibly well and became oversized as I changed gigs. I got another Fenix, the RC05 SE and have loved it. I got the light in question at a fat discount through the REI "garage sale" program where they resell returns. I think I paid $50. Absolutely worth it.
I pass all my old kit on as I upgrade to keep the bag light and the friends/family happy. Everyone I've passed my light to has been sold by it. They do really dang good and can take a fair beating. If you're not trying to break one, odds are fair you won't. My single biggest gripe ironically is the charge port. It's the only point of weakness on the PD36R, if it gets tipped out or worn, it's no longer remotely as water resistant. Even the itty bitty little RC05 SE is waterproof without significant depth pressure, and it has a mag-mount charge system. It's not as convenient or available as a type-C charger, but it's watertight and dust proof under all conditions. I'd rather carry my proprietary cable OR have a different access method than a rubber flap. My old PD35 came with a charger for the battery, but maybe I got that on a deal, it's been too long. That little charger had a neat feature where I could even use the battery as a little portable power supply! I much preferred that method.
What I completely failed to mention! The light!
It has incredible throw for my tasks; maintenance (my job), home repair, auto repair, and hasn't left me wanting at all. There is a definite center beam with a milder, wider beam that is much more diffused. This dissipates and meets in the middle as one single beam after about 25-30 feet reopens to separate beams at 50-60 feet, in my experience. It's exceptionally bright at the higher settings, almost overkill and I find half of my love for these lights is using them for short period at higher to highest settings and letting them rest for another two to three days before pulling them up again. I rarely worry about charge, but that is how MY use is. I am mindful of how long it's been and charge my lights out of timing rather than necessity.
That all said, my use category for these lights has all been work related. Under sinks, under my hood, up in crawlspaces or basements, general operation. Sometimes water is involved, and they shirk it off like nothing. I've never had a failure to light under any circumstance, even after being dropped, which didn't shake it off. I love my Fenix lights, but honestly, it's because they've worked for me. Given my interest now, if I did it over again I'd go Olight at the same budget, but in the end I don't think one is superior, just that Fenix has done perfect by me and I'll espouse that. In the world of flashlghts it's really about user experience and mileage. My mileage is keen to my choice. They've been dropped, submerged, lost and found, beaten and worked every time. If that's what you need, Fenix works. Others do too, but that's been my brand.
Rip it off! The pd36r is watertight from the port area to the body of the flashlight. I’ve had mine 3 years and 3 months in the silicone swelled out of the port area from me leaving my light in NC summer heat 1 day in the glove compartment of my vehicle.
So I told myself… this $100 POS better work after I submerge it without cover or I’m coming after Fenix to replace it.
Long story short? I wash the damn 36 every week to make damn sure it deserves THE spot as my PRIMARY every day carry. And that it does. No flickering, no light hiccups. It just keeps working and I’ve charged it a few times since too.
If it doesn’t work SEND THAT POS BACK TO FENIX 💯
I’m a huge fan of the amount of throw and candelas the Pd32 v2 has so I would personally go with that beam pattern. It’s quite a bit cheaper and smaller as well. Personally, the 36 is a bit too large to be comfortable carrying. Thanks for the review!
The 36 is also carrying a larger rated battery which equals longer runtimes in all higher output modes.
18650 battery at its highest mah rating is 3,500mah
21700 battery is rated at 5,000mah and that DOES make a difference all the way across the performance table.
Its a wonderfull light , i often use it for urbex
I just bought a Fenix Bc26r(1600 Lumens) bike light, it has a Luminus SST-40 And I have another Magicshine Allty1000(1000 Lumens) light that has a CREE XP-L V6, Do you know how efficient it is compared to this one? In terms of light output, efficiency, performance, etc, which one is better and why?
just got the tk 16 v2, looking for another fenix that uses the same battery that has charging port on the battery.
The newly released Fenix PD35R might be a good choice
I too love this light..have also gifted a few of them!!..however there is no Amber light...the green light blinks....thanks😃
There’s no included recessed rubber tail button cap! Lol.
Although that is a GENIUS idea to include so consumers can have their ice cream and pie as far as having a light tail standable lol
Can it be use for hunting ? Or is there a spotlight adjust ?
No. Only Fenix I've seen with focus adjustment is the FD-41 which has horrible wide beam issues. If you want a wide beam or a focusable light the funky Wuben brand has the L60 which has an awesome flood and a crap battery.
Good review! Would love to buy it, but it's too expensive for me.
It’s on sale rn for $99 on their website
Mine will not turn on. I have a green light on side button, but no actual light. Worked earlier today. Only had it for 2 weeks
Man that is a total bummer. Fenixes QC is near perfect albeit they got 1 that went through as a dud and you got it. Did you contact fenix store USA? I’m sure they will replace at no charge to you
Send it back
They have amazing customer service.
Is the pd36r more of a thrower or is it more floody?
I'd say slightly more of a thrower, kind of the best of both worlds?
@@JordanH859 Yeah man for sure, a little more throw-ey than I would like but it’s been a great flashlight. Picked one up shortly after asking about it. Thanks for replying!
You still use this light I just ordered it hope it’s worth it
I’m considering buying one and am wondering how you like it.
@@mattlane2590 I just got this exactly 10 days ago and fully charged it, been using it non stop atleast few hours a day on all settings it’s still full and I love the tint of it feel free to ask any questions..
@@derekquinones8614hello, how is your experience with it now months later? Does it get toasty?
I've owned one for a few month and have zero complaints. I actually ordered another for work. I just don't know if replacement batteries need to be from Fenix or can any other 21700 battery be used.
I would like to know too
@@reecemesser I found out that you can use any 21700 battery but only Fenix brand will show you the battery level status.
I have mine for 4 months and I love it. I ordered another usb-c fenix battery today.
@@lisak4349 How often do you need to replace the battery?
@@reecemesser battery should be good for about 500 charges
Hey Man, get two 360 handlebar mount t'ings and you can stack 'em. Two thousand lumen Over & Under...BLAM....😉
SOFRIN torchlight can't go wrong
Which Sofirn models do you like?
What about the tk16 v20 or pd36 tk
Cant charge those lights in the flashlight gotta take the battery out, those don't make sense to me it's almost 2022 taking the battery out is old school imo
@@Lee-lb9qh I kind of like u have to take battery out says the the rubber plug breaking
@@ajackson-ross7295 thats ur preference, I think it's a waste of time and impractical to take the battery out, cell phones don't have plugs over their port been just fine for years now
@@Lee-lb9qh I’m looking at the olight warrior 3 now
@@ajackson-ross7295 ya I've got my eye on that light too it's very nice
No lock out (off) feature. They actually suggest a half turn of the tail cap. No optional tail switch rubber included. Wont tail stand.
It doesn’t need a lockout function. The 36 uses a non electronic/ mechanical tail switch. These are the BEST also for longevity of batteries as they don’t in Constance parasitically drain the battery in storage or static use. Read up on it.
The p36r… minus the usb c port/ crap flap thing is a perfectly ⚖️ balanced high output/ runtime capable light.
This is why the runtimes are so impressive on specs and individually tested by many
@@aquasound-escapes898 No full recessed area for the tail switch area, this is often considered a benefit for tactical models due to gloved fingers. I've never had a problem with fully recessed tail switches. If you think that you're not gonna have a problem with this thing packed in your kit, pack, tackle box or whatever i think you're in for a surprise😁
@@jtee9548 yep it does stick out a little past the flanges. I keep it in my front pocket and it hasn’t accidentally turned on yet… 😂
Overall, a pretty solid light
For lights in this price group I think this light is underpowered. Ev en if we spend our time using only the "moonlight mode---MED" MOST of the time. The PRO has 2800 max lumens. Sells for $30.00 more. and has 2 tail switches like the TK16R/TK20R.
Try an LD30 an tell me afterwards that the PD36R is still your favorite, I doubt it except for the external USB port that I personally dislike.
Tiny, light and plenty of power, 1.600 lumens too but with a 18650 battery instead wich can have an integrated USB port, in m,y opinion better than the external, exposed to humidity and rubber degradation.
I just got my ld30 yesterday, and im all smiles 👍 its an excellent light !
When I bought my PD36R I also bought a spare 21700 battery WITH an integrated USB-C port! In my opinion it's the best of both worlds! For edc I use the spare integrated usb battery and keep the original battery as the spare. As the battery runs down, I can casually top it off every month by plugging in the whole light as needed. If I'm in a situation where I need to swap to my spare battery, I swap in the original battery, and can leave the integrated usb battery Charging separately.
Also, the same 1600 lumens, but comparing the small 18650 vs the larger 21700 battery, the 21700 should have more time between needing a charge. And again, topping it off is as simple as plugging in the whole flashlight intact, as opposed to having to open it up to get to the battery!
YMMV...
My fenix PD36R without the silicone flap still works. Submerged in water all the time too in the 3yrs I’ve had it. Hasn’t flickered once
So far as I am concerned I am very disappointed and sad. Within 11 months of buying this model: Fenix PD36R, the rubber flap covering the charging area malfunctioned. It was not closing. The dealer in India said that its a normal wear and tear. Not acceptable,because firstly, it was sparingly used and a new one. I purchased it on April 2021. I keep my things in an immaculate condition. I have other models of Fenix and other company models as well. Feeling disappointed and sad . I feel that it is not expected from a reputed company like Fenix. The quality of rubber flap in Nitecore MH12S that I also use is of superior quality. Fenix should take care of this. I will not buy models that has rubber flaps in future. I will look for models that does not have rubber flaps in Fenix.
My rubber malfunctioned too. I ended up ripping it off.
It is waterproof even without the rubber flap, just make sure the usb port is dry before plugging in the charging cord. My rubber flap kinda swelled up (from oil??) and I had to carefully trim it.
Rip it off and run it under water. If it works and continues to works? Well then it deserves the spot as your EDC. If not? Send it back to Fenix I’m sure they will send you a new light
@@jayjayhooksch1 haha so did I. I wash it every week just to make sure it’s still water tight 😂.
Pd36r just keeps workin 😂
I would be disappointed as reflector is smooth, not orange peel. Written off for me 😁
Let’s go brandon…