*NEW* Fenix PD32 ??

[Lou Minescence]

The PD31 specs may say 2 lumen but mine is more like 10-15 lumen, owning a PD31 I don't see why I would buy a PD32 but it seems the lows are pretty much the same except the PD32 specs may be a little more accurate unless my PD31 has a unusably higher low mode than others.

I think my PD 31 is around 2 lumens. I run my light on 18650 batteries.

 

[CyberCT]

My PD31 also has quite a low mode, it's probably 2 or 3 lumens. I'm also using 18650s.

I see no reason to buy the PD32. I guess it's for people that missed out on the PD31 which was supposed to be of limited supply.

 

[energythoughts]

My PD31 also has quite a low mode, it's probably 2 or 3 lumens. I'm also using 18650s.

I see no reason to buy the PD32. I guess it's for people that missed out on the PD31 which was supposed to be of limited supply.

The momentary on is a nice feature I don't have with my PD31. when I'm using the low mode on the PD31, it's usually for checking up on the kids, or not disturbing my wife getting something out of the bedroom. The loud "click" is annoying in those situations.

If only they designed the PD32 it so it could tail stand... sort of like the Jetbeam.

 

[sehireskili]

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewnproduct.asp?id=101

 

[MichaelW]

3 1/2 modes

What happened that now makes Turbo only run for 30 minutes?
The cooling capacity should still be there.

 

[jhc37013]

Re: 3 1/2 modes

What happened that now makes Turbo only run for 30 minutes?
The cooling capacity should still be there.

hmm.. Are you sure you looked at it right I see 315lmns for 2hrs?

 

[jhc37013]

My PD31 also has quite a low mode, it's probably 2 or 3 lumens. I'm also using 18650s.

I see no reason to buy the PD32. I guess it's for people that missed out on the PD31 which was supposed to be of limited supply.

I just checked my PD31 again and using cr123 or 18650 it's the same output on low and compared to other light's it's seems to be around 6-8lmn, maybe mine has slightly higher vf than others but it's good for me because that's what I prefer on my low mode.

I like it it's a good light but I was hopeful the PD32 would be XM-L, maybe next time.

 

[igoman]

The PD32 is on the Fenix webpage now.

 

[MichaelW]

Re: 3 1/2 modes

hmm.. Are you sure you looked at it right I see 315lmns for 2hrs?

Look at the * at the bottom.
It says that 2 hours is an aggregate time.
This makes no sense, it seems as if Fenix has lost its mind.
IMO this is a big step backwards.

 

[Haesslich]

Re: 3 1/2 modes

Look at the * at the bottom.
It says that 2 hours is an aggregate time.
This makes no sense, it seems as if Fenix has lost its mind.
IMO this is a big step backwards.

With that small a body, they're worried about overheating. Yes, even XP-G R5 lights in a small body will heat up a lot. My P1D does, and my Quark can get quite warm. It's probably a timer which can by overridden by clicking it on and off again, like the TK-35.

 

[kilovictor]

anyone hear of a release date yet? or price?

 

[MichaelW]

Re: 3 1/2 modes

With that small a body, they're worried about overheating. Yes, even XP-G R5 lights in a small body will heat up a lot. My P1D does, and my Quark can get quite warm. It's probably a timer which can by overridden by clicking it on and off again, like the TK-35.

But it only has to dissipate only 2.5 watts of heat on turbo. and Fenix has left an upgrade path to S2 & S3, which should reduce the heat load (~2.25/2.0)

Yes, I agree that Fenix probably allows you to recycle the modes, and return to turbo, but that seems like a hassle.
I wonder if the 30 minute timer is the overheat function mentioned, "Over heat protection to avoid high-temperature of the surface", active thermal management seems too expensive for the <$100 flashlight segment

 

[SniderBrother3]

I just purchased a PD30 from Battery Junction after some research for the best overall camping/backpacking light. I wanted to be able to have access to a low lumen light quickly (the PD30 clicks into 10 lumens first) and ramp into brighter lights only when needed. I figured that I would just use low light most of the time for getting around camp and would only needed greater light for caves, mines and seeing distant objects.



My questions are this -

Does anyone know when this PD32 will come out? I have not heard back from the manufacturer.

Does the PD30 take 18650 batteries? I bought some Tenergy rechargeables, but the 18650 seem to hold more juice.

The low mode of the PD30 gives 10 lumens for 126 hours while the PD32 gives 9 lumens for 200 hours. Could this possibly be true? That seems like to great an improvement in a short time. Any thoughts?

Are the lumen ratings accurate?

Maybe my question is this:

Is the PD32 so much better than the PD30 that it is worth waiting for?

PD32 improvements over the Pd30 I see:

- uses rechargeable 18650 batteries
- greater hours of light on low setting
- "momentary on" function

The negative I see: Does not tail stand

I am also asking - "Is the PD30 a great camping/backpacking light? Are you happy with it if you own it?

It has not even arrived yet and am wondering if there is something already vastly better.

Thanks!

 

[Richub]

I just noticed Fenix removed the PD32 from their website.
Bad news, or an indication for a change in the PD32? Maybe an XM-L LED? Who knows...

 

[NYMedic828]

its still on their page...

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewcnews.asp?id=45


says testing has commenced to 50 testers around the world if you snoop around for a few you will find it.

 

[AutoTech]

Does it have a smooth reflector? Mine does and it has the rings of Saturn.

This was the first 'good' light I bought and it's only recently I've noticed how ringy the pattern is. Only reason it's become so evident is because all the lights I've bought since have a nice smooth beam.

 

[CyberCT]

I'm thinking that they have the step down from turbo to high now (as opposed to none like the PD31 has) because that switch is in the head, and the mass of the head as a heatsink is lessened to compensate for the new switch setup.

Honestly, what is so bad with having a light with good flood? I would much prefer flood than throw, and it's why I use my TK35 most out of any other light. An XML with an OP reflector for this light would have been awesome. A lower low mode of 1 lumen would have been superb.

 

[jhc37013]

I'm thinking that they have the step down from turbo to high now (as opposed to none like the PD31 has) because that switch is in the head, and the mass of the head as a heatsink is lessened to compensate for the new switch setup.

Honestly, what is so bad with having a light with good flood? I would much prefer flood than throw, and it's why I use my TK35 most out of any other light. An XML with an OP reflector for this light would have been awesome. A lower low mode of 1 lumen would have been superb.

I agree with you on the flood I have grown into more of a flood light user, in the past I've always been a huge Fenix fan (look in my sig for more info) but having said that they have begun to let me down a little.

I have always been in love with anything Fenix with a P and any 3 or 30 but now again like PD31 I'm totally unenthused, first the 315 lumen is just seems so lackluster compared to the many light's we have to choose from these days and a step down for this 315 seems unnecessary as I've never had any problem with a previous Fenix PD and heat and I don't think a few extra lumen is going to cause any more heat but maybe I'm wrong.

I hate to sound like a lumen snob because honestly I'm not, I've always been about the usability of the light in question but darn I would love to see a 400+ lumen PD30 model and now it seems I will not see that any time soon.