New 1700 lumen flashlights
May 01, 2024
Late last year, Fenix launched several new handheld flashlights with similar parameters. These are compact handheld flashlights with great runtime and 1700 lumens of power for hiking and outdoor activities as well as for service and work use Fenix PD36R V2. 0, Fenix LD30R and Fenix E28R V2.0. Let's take a closer look at what they have in common and how they differ. Which one to choose?
From left, PD36R V2.0, E28R V2.0 and LD30R.
Shape and power of the light beam
The flashlights have the same maximum light output. While in the „civil“LD30R and E28R V2. 0 produces light identical to the LED Luminus SST-40, in tactically tuned PD36R V2.0 lights the SFT-40 from the same manufacturer. In combination with the shape and size of the reflector at it, Fenix has achieved a longer range of 396 meters. The light cone has a more pronounced and narrower center. LD30R and E28R V2. 0 reaches just over 260 meters and the light is more spread out than with the PD36R V2.0.
From left PD36R V2.0, older PD35 V3.0, LD30R and E28R V2.0
Battery and runtime
The PD36R V2.0 also differs in the battery used. The 21700 type battery it uses for power has a capacity of 5000 mAh. The 18650 used in the other two flashlights has a capacity of 3400 mAh. This accounts for the difference in runtime in comparable modes.
However, the individual flashlight modes are set differently. While five lumens is the minimum output in the PD36R V2.0 and E28R V2.0, the LD30R has a moonlight mode of 1 lumen. Here, this flashlight wins in maximum light duration per charge with a value of an incredible 31 days. PD36R V2.0 lights with five lumens for 20 days straight and the E28R V2.0 lasts over 10 days.
Higher outputs are then already identical for the E28R V2.0 and LD30R: 50, 150, 600 and 1700 lumens, and battery life is also identical when using them. PD36R V2.0 with a larger battery has been given a slightly higher light load of 50, 350, 800 and 1700 lumens.
Ergonomic buttons
A very important feature of the flashlight is the ergonomics of the controls. We may all have different priorities and each person's controls suit them differently. Therefore, it is a good idea to think about this feature when choosing one.
PD36R V2.0 and LD30R allow momentary switching on by lightly squeezing the main switch in the end cap. A squeeze turns the flashlights fully on. E28R V2.0 has only a flat plate in the location of the tactical switch, but there is a handy magnet in the plate for attaching to anything iron. It is also possible to just stand the flashlight on this plate. It is switched on by a button located on the side. All 3 flashlights have such a button, but for the LD30R and PD36R V2.0 then it is only used to switch power levels.
Buttons on the side of the flashlights, from left LD30R, PD36R V2.0, E28R V2.0.
Switches in end cap, far right E28R V2.0 - magnet only.
The button of the E28R V2.0 then has one more function and that is the Breathing light, which comes in handy if we want to see where we have the flashlight at all times in the dark, or as a low signal light.
Fenix E28R V2.0 has a handy magnet with which it sticks, for example, on the hood of a car.
The light in the Breathing light button can be red or green.
Dimensions
The largest of these flashlights is the PD36R V2.0. The LD30R is more than a centimetre shorter, and in terms of compliance, the E28R V2.0, which doesn't have a tactical switch in the tailpiece, allowing for almost an other centimeter less length. Otherwise, they are comparable to the LD30R.
Smaller version of the PD36R
An alternative to the PD36R V2.0 is the older Fenix PD35 V3.0. It is identical in design and operation to the 36, but due to the smaller battery, it has the same modes as the E28R V2.0 and is approximately the same size as the LD30R. Now, in addition to the black version, it can also be purchased in a beautiful Tropic green surface color. It is the only one listed that does not have a double-sided clip and is the only one that can be combined with a cable switch and is therefore suitable for use on a long gun.
From the top E28R V2.0, LD30R, PD35 V3.0, PD36R V2.0.
On the peak of the PD36R V2.0 cap with double-sided buckle.
PD35 V3.0 in Tropic green.
PD35 V3.0 with cable switch on rifle.
So which is the right one?
As in most cases, choosing the best flashlight is a matter of personal preference, and you can't go wrong with any of the flashlights being compared. Fenix E28R V2. 0 is a smaller civilian EDC variant with a handy magnet and an illuminated button. The Fenix PD36R V2.0 is a rugged tactical flashlight with a large battery capacity. In the middle are the Fenix PD35 V3.0 and Fenix LD30R, with which are especially worth considering ultra-durability in single-lumen moonlight mode.
If you are unsure of your choice, the easiest thing to do is contact us. We will be happy to advise you by phone or on line chat, answer your email questions.