Fenix PD30 Q5 vs PD3 Q5
- Thread starter Vincent
- Start date
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
Yucca Patrol
Enlightened
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2008
- Messages
- 954
I would suggest you choose based upon the looks of the body. They both have the same modes and although each mode's brightness varies a bit, they have nearly identical max brightness (215 vs. 220 lumens).
I would choose the newer PD30 because the body design will prevent it from rolling off of a table when set down.
I would choose the newer PD30 because the body design will prevent it from rolling off of a table when set down.
I first had a Fenix P3D Rebel100. I wrote to Fenix about some changes and things I did not like.
Then there was the PD30 and it had (almost) all those things I asked for.
And so, I got it via fenix-store.com
I like the faster strobe very much. And I think the new adjusted brightness - levels are more adequat for me!
Just my 2 €ct.
Stephan
Then there was the PD30 and it had (almost) all those things I asked for.
And so, I got it via fenix-store.com
I like the faster strobe very much. And I think the new adjusted brightness - levels are more adequat for me!
Just my 2 €ct.
Stephan
Henk_Lu
Flashlight Enthusiast
I hope the PD30 is the better light, as I didn't have a PD3 while a PD30 is on the way to me... I preffer the new design, anti-roll is great!
My PD20 has a nice hotspot, but a lot of Cree-rings too. I wonder why you can't get both lights with an OP reflector, as I like smooth beams. There would be enough power to smoothen it a little bit!
My PD20 has a nice hotspot, but a lot of Cree-rings too. I wonder why you can't get both lights with an OP reflector, as I like smooth beams. There would be enough power to smoothen it a little bit!
lightcacher
Newly Enlightened
I like the anit-roll feature of the PD30 so I would go with it.
Hitthespot
Flashlight Enthusiast
I own the P2D-Q5 and P3D-Q5 and recently bought the PD20. In my opinion there is no comparison. The body is now better, the beam is better with a better hot spot, and the PD20 seems just a hair brighter. My only complaint is the PD20 still does not work with a RCR123 rechargeable battery.:sigh:
You would be happy with either, but I much prefer the new series.
Bill
You would be happy with either, but I much prefer the new series.
Bill
Well I thought this would be a bit more conclusive. There has to be a reason they put out the PD30 and yeah the anti-roll and stuff if fine, but they are secondary. The flashlight is meant to put out light.
Im just having a incredibly tough time deciding, because the runtime for outputs are drastically different. Especially on the Hi powered mode, the stated run times just dont make sense, and I feel the extra 80% of a hour, with 3 more lumens of output, is kinda noticeable. While a human may not see a 3 lumen differnece, they sure will notice 48 extra minutes of run time.
Im just having a incredibly tough time deciding, because the runtime for outputs are drastically different. Especially on the Hi powered mode, the stated run times just dont make sense, and I feel the extra 80% of a hour, with 3 more lumens of output, is kinda noticeable. While a human may not see a 3 lumen differnece, they sure will notice 48 extra minutes of run time.
Hey guys, first post here
After looking at the lumen output/battery life for the P3D and PD30, it does look a little bit odd. The P3D outputs 3 more lumens on the "high" setting and lasts for .8 of an hour longer at this setting.
One thing I remember reading here not long ago, is about how different companies get their lumen ratings and that some would use techniques that would exaggerate how many lumens their flashlights put out. I'm pretty sure someone said fenix used to do this, but no longer do?
This could mean that at the time the P3D info was published, they were using techniques which exaggerated the real lumen output of their flashlights, but used a more accurate and realistic technique when reading/publishing the PD30 info?
This could suggest that the PD30 may infact push out a much more realistic 117 lumens for 4 hours, while the P3D pushes out something lower for 4.8 hours?
This is all speculation, really, but I'm sure someone could chime in and give more insight.
After looking at the lumen output/battery life for the P3D and PD30, it does look a little bit odd. The P3D outputs 3 more lumens on the "high" setting and lasts for .8 of an hour longer at this setting.
One thing I remember reading here not long ago, is about how different companies get their lumen ratings and that some would use techniques that would exaggerate how many lumens their flashlights put out. I'm pretty sure someone said fenix used to do this, but no longer do?
This could mean that at the time the P3D info was published, they were using techniques which exaggerated the real lumen output of their flashlights, but used a more accurate and realistic technique when reading/publishing the PD30 info?
This could suggest that the PD30 may infact push out a much more realistic 117 lumens for 4 hours, while the P3D pushes out something lower for 4.8 hours?
This is all speculation, really, but I'm sure someone could chime in and give more insight.
Flight_Deck
Enlightened
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2006
- Messages
- 299
I have both, and prefer the PD30 over the PD3 for the following reasons:
- Tighter hot-spot providing slightly better throw
- Lower low setting for extended runtime
- Anti roll body
- Strobe is also faster, but I personally don't find the mode useful
Henk_Lu
Flashlight Enthusiast
I just got my PD30 today...
The light is perfect for my big hands. It's not too long, it's not too short. Too long to have it in a pocket though, as nearly all 2 x CR123A lights though. The anti-roll is perfect.
I preffered the tailcap of the PxD models, as they were round and easier to tailstand. The lanyard is easier to install on the PDy0, but that's all. Sometimes I push the clicky a little bit sidewards and it sounds like it doesn't like that. I think I must install a tactical switch! :devil:
About the beam : The hotspot is very nice, no question about that. I don't see a Cree-ring along it, I see a whole doughnut!!! I repeat what I said a few postings above : WHY ISN'T THAT THING AVAILABLE WITH AN OP REFLECTOR???
So, forget about the spill, the corona is quite bright though, could be an impression, due to the doughnut in between...
Of course, I still can't compare to the P3D. If you search for a little thrower, the PD30 may be the right thing, I have to do an outdoor test, but the hotspot is very, very bright. As for the OP, I fortunately have the TK10 and it will surely be compared against that one on the terrain. As the TK20 already beats the TK10 in the throw, the question is how that "newly designed reflector" will show us things outdoors!
Greets,
Henk
The light is perfect for my big hands. It's not too long, it's not too short. Too long to have it in a pocket though, as nearly all 2 x CR123A lights though. The anti-roll is perfect.
I preffered the tailcap of the PxD models, as they were round and easier to tailstand. The lanyard is easier to install on the PDy0, but that's all. Sometimes I push the clicky a little bit sidewards and it sounds like it doesn't like that. I think I must install a tactical switch! :devil:
About the beam : The hotspot is very nice, no question about that. I don't see a Cree-ring along it, I see a whole doughnut!!!
I repeat what I said a few postings above : WHY ISN'T THAT THING AVAILABLE WITH AN OP REFLECTOR???So, forget about the spill, the corona is quite bright though, could be an impression, due to the doughnut in between...
Of course, I still can't compare to the P3D. If you search for a little thrower, the PD30 may be the right thing, I have to do an outdoor test, but the hotspot is very, very bright. As for the OP, I fortunately have the TK10 and it will surely be compared against that one on the terrain. As the TK20 already beats the TK10 in the throw, the question is how that "newly designed reflector" will show us things outdoors!
Greets,
Henk
