Fenix pd-40

Trashman531

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Feb 9, 2016
Messages
46
Can anyone give me a quick review, pros/cons on this light? I've been thinking about picking one up but I've seen mixed reviews elsewhere.
 

StorminMatt

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 30, 2012
Messages
2,263
Location
Norcal
PD40 pros:
- Fairly compact form factor
- Fits nicely in the hand for hiking (better, in my opinion, than 18650 lights - think C cell Mag)
- Decently bright for its size
- Can run at 1000 lumens without a stepdown
- Nice tint (as you would expect from an MT-G2)
- MUCH longer runtime at comparable brightness vs 18650 lights
- Unlike other MT-G2 lights, no need to worry about multiple Li-Ion cells
- Makes a nice lantern with the AOD-M diffuser (GREAT in a tent or during a power outage - especially with the long runtime)
- MUCH nicer beam than XM-L2 triples (like the Foursevens MMU-X3)
- Can tailstand

PD40 cons:
- Burst mode requires you to constantly hold the switch
- Burst mode does not work when battery voltage is below about 4.0V
- When switch is held down to activate burst mode, the light turns off for a second before burst mode comes on
- Somewhat cumbersome UI requires cycling through all brighter modes to get a dimmer mode
- Longer cells are a somewhat tight fit if you are uncomfortable with unprotected cells
- Although decently bright, not as bright as most other (multi-cell) MT-G2 lights
- For those who consider it important, no moonlight mode

Although the PD40 is FAR from the perfect light, I feel that it has ALOT going for it. If you like the 26650 form factor and want a nice, bright, compact light with a guaranteed good tint, this is THE light to get. Plus, you get the extended runtime of a 26650 (and 26650s tend to be more conservatively rated than 18650s when it comes to capacity). And it will run at a real 1000 lumens for as long as the battery lasts (unlike smaller 18650 lights).
 
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Trashman531

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Feb 9, 2016
Messages
46
Sounds good to me, thank you! I'm anxiously awaiting selfbuilts review. As soon as I get some spare change, I'll be picking this light up.
 

sidecross

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Messages
1,369
The Fenix PD40 is my go to single battery compact flashlight when I need something with more sustained power then my EDC ZebraLight SC600 Mk3. It is an excellent light for my use.
 
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