*NEW* Fenix PD40 1x26650 MT-G2 Light

[andrew2]

Yes definitely, and arguably subject to square/square root laws - ie, it takes 4x the lumens to appear 2x as bright. So a 60% lumen increase will appear 27% brighter or 1.6^0.5=1.27

Professional !!

 

[SubLGT]

FYI: Someone at BLF is organizing a group buy on the PD40, at $76 (or lower). http://budgetlightforum.com/node/38648

 

[andrew2]

FYI: Someone at BLF is organizing a group buy on the PD40, at $76 (or lower). http://budgetlightforum.com/node/38648

Good information!

 

[avernite]

Just received mine today. The MT-G2 emitter is larger than I anticipated and looks like a tasty, lemon flavored candy. Looking forward to sunset.

 

[moldyoldy]

FWIW, I have the PD40, not sure for how long. I do not really care for the on/off switching method - requiring a rather long press. Changing output modes is a short press. The long press would admittedly prevent accidentally switching the light on from random pressure. However the method is baffling for people new to the PD40 and confusing to me since I often change lights used depending on the need.

More importantly, the presumed burst mode lumen increase does require a low-output-resistance 26650 cell. I first used a 4Sevens 26650 and the difference between burst and high was negligible once used for only a couple minutes on burst mode (exact time not documented). I purchased the recommended Fenix 26650 and the burst mode lumen increase noticeably lasts much longer. The burst mode on the PD40 does require a cell with less voltage drop during high current draw. I tried only the 4Sevens and recommended Fenix 26650 cells.

The difference between burst mode and high is easily verified by setting the light output on high, then holding the switch until burst mode is entered, which also means a very short blackout as it switches. Once in burst mode, then release the switch and the light instantly drops back to high, thus allowing a quick comparison in output.

The MT-G2 LED remains outstanding in this implementation!

 

[StorminMatt]

I don't think protected cells are the way to go with this light. From my observations, this light doesn't seem to go into burst mode if voltage is below 4.0V. Given that you typically lose around .1V through a protection circuit, you can see that burst mode won't work for long at all with a protected cell. Of course, it won't work super long with an unprotected cell, either. But you can maximize available runtime by using cells that can support higher draws, such as the King Kong 4000 or even the Keeppower 5200. If the King Kong 5000 26700 will fit, that would also be a good choice.

At the end of the day, though, this is a rather imperfect light. Fenix should have done a better job with the burst mode. And it's really more of a gimmick than anything else. On the other hand, 1000 lumens still isn't too shabby. And given that the tint and beam of this light is WORLDS better than, say, the Foursevens MMU-X3, it is DEFINITELY worth getting.

 

[lumen aeternum]

I've never thought it appropriate to say "epic fail" before. A 1/2 second of COMPLETE DARKNESS when you try to activate the "emergency" mode... wtf were they thinking?

Not to mention probably needing unprotected cells to utilize it...

Very sad, I love my floody Fenix TK22. The TK40 seemed like a great step up with the available mid-ranges.

 

[StorminMatt]

Not to mention probably needing unprotected cells to utilize it...

I don't see this as a liability. The PD40 already has low voltage protection. So protected cells aren't necessary.

 

[lumen aeternum]

The cell Fenix recommends is their 4800 protected cell. BUT the fine print on the spec sheet says it was tested "with thermal control and low voltage warning function turned off." Does this mean they stripped the protection circuit off the battery, or does the flashlight have those functions? If so, did they mod the light or activate a user-usable function on the light? maybe a hidden mode?

And will that battery fit in an Intellicharger i4?

If I pretend the 1600 mode doesn't exist, are the other modes at useful intervals? Compared to the >900 lumens in the PD35 & TK22...
Its the huge run time off that battery... but you could carry a spare for the other lights...

1000, 300, 80, 20 PD40
920, 400, 120, 10 TK22 (2014 edition)
960, 460, 180, 50, 14 PD35 (2014 edition) is this as floody as the TK22 (I LIKE that flood)

 

[LessDark]

I just got this light as well and tbh I just ignore the burst mode. The 4 other modes are enough, and 1000lm more than enough for sure.
The 300lm mode is perfect for hiking or walking the dog, and at that mode it has a really long runtime compared to the other 18650 lights.
It's my first mtg2 light, and I do really like it but I just wish it had a tiny bit warmer colour temperature.
With a soshine 5500mah battery it has almost endless runtime

 

[StorminMatt]

I pretty much ignore the burst mode myself. And like the other guy said, 1000 lumens is plenty. I should also mention that, unlike 18650 lights, the 1000 lumen mode operates without a stepdown. So you're literally getting 1000 lumens until the battery is dead. And with a Keeppower 5200, this is about an hour and thirty five minutes until it steps down to 300 lumens. Fenix claims 8 hours at 300 lumens. This probably includes runtimes in lower modes after stepping down (in line with FL-1 standards). But even if you can get a solid six hours at 300 lumens, that's not bad. Unlike carrying extra cells with an 18650 light, you don't have to worry about changing batteries on a pitch-black moonless night in the Sierra.

 

[andrew2]

I pretty much ignore the burst mode myself. And like the other guy said, 1000 lumens is plenty. I should also mention that, unlike 18650 lights, the 1000 lumen mode operates without a stepdown. So you're literally getting 1000 lumens until the battery is dead. And with a Keeppower 5200, this is about an hour and thirty five minutes until it steps down to 300 lumens. Fenix claims 8 hours at 300 lumens. This probably includes runtimes in lower modes after stepping down (in line with FL-1 standards). But even if you can get a solid six hours at 300 lumens, that's not bad. Unlike carrying extra cells with an 18650 light, you don't have to worry about changing batteries on a pitch-black moonless night in the Sierra.

For me,I enjoy camping outside,100 lumens is pretty enough for me.It is good for walking around.I really can not understand why people need the 2000 or 3000 lumens output.What do they do with such a bright flashlight?

 

[avernite]

For me,I enjoy camping outside,100 lumens is pretty enough for me.It is good for walking around.I really can not understand why people need the 2000 or 3000 lumens output.What do they do with such a bright flashlight?

I agree. Personally, I find the 100-150 lumen range ideal for walking around in the woods; 300 lumens or more is not as comfortable to my eyes. Dedicated throwers are a different story though, I can see good reason for high outputs for those kinds of lights.

 

[andrew2]

I agree. Personally, I find the 100-150 lumen range ideal for walking around in the woods; 300 lumens or more is not as comfortable to my eyes. Dedicated throwers are a different story though, I can see good reason for high outputs for those kinds of lights.

Yes,high lumen output is useful and necessary for some people,such as rescue worker and flashlight enthusiasts.

 

[StorminMatt]

I agree. Personally, I find the 100-150 lumen range ideal for walking around in the woods; 300 lumens or more is not as comfortable to my eyes. Dedicated throwers are a different story though, I can see good reason for high outputs for those kinds of lights.

Alot depends on the terrain. If the trail is such that I can just walk along without having to pay attention to my feet, 100-150 lumens is enough. But many trails where I hike (or at least parts of those trails) are rather rough and rocky. Then I want more.

 

[magicstone12]

Alot depends on the terrain. If the trail is such that I can just walk along without having to pay attention to my feet, 100-150 lumens is enough. But many trails where I hike (or at least parts of those trails) are rather rough and rocky. Then I want more.

But you can not do everything with just one flashlight.

 

[Badbeams3]

Has anyone ran the light on a 18650? Just wondering what type of run times it gets on the lower levels and if "burst" is still available...using an adapter.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X5DZ5GI/?tag=cpf0b6-20

 

[StorminMatt]

Has anyone ran the light on a 18650? Just wondering what type of run times it gets on the lower levels and if "burst" is still available...using an adapter.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X5DZ5GI/?tag=cpf0b6-20

This actually got me REALLY interested. I have no special sleeve to use with an 18650. So I just wrapped one in paper. The cell was an unprotected Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA fully charged to 4.18V. With this cell, the light ran on high (1000 lumens) for 55 minutes before stepping down to 300 lumens (at which point, voltage was 3.48V - close to fully dead). This is quite a bit less than the 1:25 that I get with a fully charged 4000mAH King Kong. But that battery is underrated, and 26650s seem to be rated to a higher cutoff voltage (around 2,8-3.0V) compared to 18650s (typically 2.5V). For comparison, Keeppower 5200 runs for 1:35.

The bottom line is that an 18650 WILL work in this light. Burst mode also works, at least with a higher current cell like the unprotected NCR18650GA. I haven't tried it yet with an NCR18650G, and I have no protected cells to test. But given that you can easily lose a tenth or two of a volt through a protection circuit, the light may fail to enter burst mode with a protected 18650 (or only go into burst mode for a short time). Regardless, you give up ALOT of runtime in high compared to a 26650. Of course, you should still get pretty decent runtime in the lower modes with an 18650. So run 18650s in this light if you like. But to get the most of it, you should really run 26650s. Because even a relatively low capacity 26650 will give you around 50% greater runtime that the current top of the line 18650.

 

[Badbeams3]

This actually got me REALLY interested. I have no special sleeve to use with an 18650. So I just wrapped one in paper. The cell was an unprotected Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA fully charged to 4.18V. With this cell, the light ran on high (1000 lumens) for 55 minutes before stepping down to 300 lumens (at which point, voltage was 3.48V - close to fully dead). This is quite a bit less than the 1:25 that I get with a fully charged 4000mAH King Kong. But that battery is underrated, and 26650s seem to be rated to a higher cutoff voltage (around 2,8-3.0V) compared to 18650s (typically 2.5V). For comparison, Keeppower 5200 runs for 1:35.

The bottom line is that an 18650 WILL work in this light. Burst mode also works, at least with a higher current cell like the unprotected NCR18650GA. I haven't tried it yet with an NCR18650G, and I have no protected cells to test. But given that you can easily lose a tenth or two of a volt through a protection circuit, the light may fail to enter burst mode with a protected 18650 (or only go into burst mode for a short time). Regardless, you give up ALOT of runtime in high compared to a 26650. Of course, you should still get pretty decent runtime in the lower modes with an 18650. So run 18650s in this light if you like. But to get the most of it, you should really run 26650s. Because even a relatively low capacity 26650 will give you around 50% greater runtime that the current top of the line 18650.

Actually I think 55 minutes at 1000 lumen constant with no step down is pretty darn good for a 18650. I wonder if the MT-G2 is more efficient than the XM-L2 U2...be very interesting to see what type of run times this light delivers on the lower more commonly used levels on an 18650...might be companies don't use them cause they are more expensive than the common XM's....

 

[StorminMatt]

Actually I think 55 minutes at 1000 lumen constant with no step down is pretty darn good for a 18650. I wonder if the MT-G2 is more efficient than the XM-L2 U2...be very interesting to see what type of run times this light delivers on the lower more commonly used levels on an 18650...might be companies don't use them cause they are more expensive than the common XM's....

Well, runtime at 300 lumens is 4:54 with the same fully charged 18V) NCR18650GA. Not bad. Definitely ALOT better than the 2.5-3hr that I get with the same cell in my SC62d. But I'm sure the Luxeon T is nowhere near as efficient as the MT-G2. As far as efficiency of the MT-G2 vs XM-L2, not sure how they compare. But all in all, it looks like the PD40 is a fairly efficient light, especially when you consider that it runs a boost converter. Then again, a boost converter is not nearly as inefficient when you start off with a nominal 3.7V than with, say, 1.2V from a single NiMH cell.

Of course, price is probably an issue with the MT-G2 vs XM-L2. The MT-G2 is just plain expensive to buy, even compared to the XHP70/50 emitters. Add to this the fact that you need a boost converter for single cell lights, and an MT-G2 light is going to cost ALOT more to make.