Fenix PD31 or similar

Hi. First post here. Names Bryan. Question for you all.

Im looking for a Fenix PD31. I like the size, Lumen output and the pocket clip. I also like the price. I was wondering if anyone knows where to get one? They seem to be out of stock and no longer being made.

Anything similar to that from Fenix or even a different manufacturer?

Which batteries should I be looking for? I want a great throw with a relatively long battery life.

cr123?
18650?

Thank you

Unfortunately the PD31 was a special edition for 2010 and so therefore was available only in a limited run.

how about a Nitecore IFE2?
wont throw as well as the fenix, but has a control ring. hehe

if you want great throw, lights with larger heads will usually do better.
maybe check out...
surefire LX2
surefire E2DL
armytek predator
4sevens quark 123-2 Turbo
4sevens G5

18650 will give you longer runtime.
Something with a little larger bezel will get more throw than the PD31.
The pd30 and pd31 were great throwers for there size do to the smooth reflector (which also causes a donut whole beam)
Thrunite Neutron 2C is a little brighter but floodier option only takes 2 cr123 though.

Zebralight makes a compact 18650, and so is the shiningbeam S mini.

CarpentryHero said:

pd31 were great throwers for there size do to the smooth reflector (which also causes a donut whole beam)

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the beam on mine is very nice

Take a good, hard look at the S-Mini II. Deliveres about 350 OTF lumens.

Comes in cool white (snow white tint), and neutral white (vanilla tint...about 4000K if you want to get technical).

Powered by your choice of: 2x123 primaries, or 1x18650 li-ion, or 1x17650 li-ion.

Same size as the PD31, but lighter weight: it won't cause your pocket to look geeky.

There are several open threads discussing this light; use the search feature, read up on it, and see if it's right for you.

Finally, it costs less than the PD31 and its cousins.

You won't be disappointed with this one.

S-Mini has 350 emitter lumens (about 280 OTF).

How about Sunwayman T20C. Takes either 2xCR123 or 1x18650. 438 lumens max.

http://www.sunwayman.com/html/products/201104/50.html

Nap. :candle:

I like the shiningbeam perfect regulation mini, and 18650's.

my vote's for Quark 123^2 Turbo X. Might be the best implementation of the XML T6 with the larger reflector for better throw and spill. 400+ lumens, not bad, plus its Lego-able with other quark bodies so the choice of power source is much greater. (AA's, 123's, 18650's)

ginaz said:

the beam on mine is very nice

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The beam on my PD30 wasn't, and neither was my LD10. The XPG R5 with a small smooth reflector was the culprit

I think you should go for the Armytek Predator, I've been using mine for a bit and I love its programmability and it throws very well, also has a nice smooth beam even with the huge smooth reflector. Pocketable (sort of) and has selectable regulation for cr123 and 18650. Just a note though, I believe ledtorches.com.au has the PD31 in stock for $81 (free shipping in Aus), but obviously you'd have to pay for international shipping if that is the case.

Predator would be a great choice :thumbsup:

I have both the Predator and the PD31. The PD31 has some throw, but compared to the Predator it hardly seems like it. In fact, the only similar things about these lights to me are the battery options and emitters. One's much more of a thrower than the other. I'm very happy with both lights, but another thing to keep in mind is the Predator is a bit pricier than some other lights mentioned. Nothing too bad, but it's always hard for me to buy any one item over $100. May not be an issue for you, but just another thing to consider.

What about the PD30? How does that compare to the PD31?

I have the PD30 R4, EDC for 2 year, I need to upgrade for brighter and more throw too, I like the size, any suggestion will help.

mrbladedude said:

What about the PD30? How does that compare to the PD31?

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The main differences are:
The PD30 only takes CR123s - may take some RCR123 but is not recommended as it might fry your light.
The PD31 takes CR123s and 18650 - that's why it is wider.

The PD30 has a 10-lumen Low.
The PD31 has a 2-lumen Low - considered handier by most as it's not too bright to use when you want to preserve your night vision.

The PD31 is brighter than the PD30 though the difference in practice isn't remarkable.

I have both, bought the PD31 first and then found the PD30 on sale and couldn't resist. When I need something light and compact, I carry my PD30 otherwise my EDC is my PD31.
Both the PD30 and the PD31 have been discontinued but the PD30 is widely available while the PD31 was a limited run so by now it's nearly impossible to find. Bought another recently but took nearly two weeks to find a place that still had one in stock!
Hope it helps.

cmichael said:

I have the PD30 R4, EDC for 2 year, I need to upgrade for brighter and more throw too, I like the size, any suggestion will help.

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Check out the following lights:

Fenix (if you don't mind the new side switch): PD32 R5, PD32 S2 Special Edition, or PD32 XM-L T6 Ultimate Edition.
Foursevens: QTL2 XP-G 2 - it won't take 18650 but it will take 17650. Not sure if I got the name right but basically it's their 2xCR123 flashlight, available in the Pro (reverse clicky like the PD30) or Tactical version (Forward clicky).
EagleTac D25LC2 Clicky: check out the XP-G2 R5 version since you want throw.

If you are on a budget and can't find any of the above on sale:
Nitecore MT2C: it's an XP-G R5 but quite throwy for its size as confirmed by Selfbuilt review.

phantom23 said:

S-Mini has 350 emitter lumens (about 280 OTF).

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Yeah, the S-mini is under driven (~1A), it's kinda weak. Sold mine and went for the EDC 18650 from IOS which had a XP-G2 R5 driven at 1.4A.