That is one of the best reviews of anything I have ever watched. Complete, good speed, different types of lighting, skipped the useless stuff and repeated the important info. And once you made your choice you explained why. And the you went one step further by not dissing the thrunight. Great job Sir. Thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I ordered the Fenix PD35 as a result of this (and a few other) review and am looking forward to many years of using it. Keep the videos coming.
while I have to say I've never owned a thrunite product. I've had my fenix pd35 for a year now (keep in mind I'm only 22 and have only been able to carry a handgun for as long) I drive a sweeper truck all night in dark parking lots and i find it to be such a fantastic edc light. Whether it's been to change a tire on the truck in the dark at 3am or reporting a break in on a tenants store. my pd35 has trumped the flashlights my local police officers were carrying. it is a hard to beat flashlight, the only flaw? not waterproof, but its yet to fail me in constant use every night will definitely buy more as gifts and extras, plus the option of using rechargeable 18650 batteries over expensive cr123s is the amazing.
It is waterproof. I've had mine for over two years and it has been submersed several times. You are right...fantastic light. Glad I took a chance on it years ago!
You can get many decent survival tools and items for FREE (shipping cost only) here: docs.google.com/document/d/1wXpKeLN_xlsDQvYxsrtNl3gOQt6PM54b1HYToMwMsPY/edit?usp=sharing
Its neutral white on the thrunite vs cool white on fenix! Cool white is always brighter vs neutral with better color and better fog or bad weather visibility. Should have compared them with the same LED color.
Thanks for the honest review ETV. Your description of the TN12 is exactly what I am looking for in a light. I need a hot center with a good throw without much spill. Thanks.
Good video! Watching this 8 years later, it's amazing how well BOTH flashlights and designs have held up against the test of time. Still great lights today, I have both (both still work great). I wish Fenix would get back to the Cree emitters in new offerings, the green tint on the Luminous emitters is annoying.
Well I'm a Thrunite fan. I have 6 of there lights and very pleased with all of them. I have the (2014) tn12 and it's a awesome light. I've had one Fenix I think the E01 or 2 , but I dropped it and it cracked the lense cover and it would not turn back on. Yes I probably could've sent it back but only paid 15 bucks for it . My Thrunite Ti3 I've dropped on purpose several times even higher, still operates awesome
Thanks, Tim, for the excellent review. As always, you provide excellent perspective and fairness. I have actually been strongly considering purchase of the Fenix PD35, a decision made primarily upon recommendation of a couple of friends who own this same light. That being said, everything I've seen reviewed of Thrunite products has been very positive, and I actually EDC the Ti3, plus I have purchased several more for gifts. In fact, your reviews of two other Thrunitr products have convinced me to make those purchases in the near future as well. This review conclusion would have been a tough call to make either way given the similarities in every category.
I just got FenixTACPD35, it is great product, this is 2nd time i got Fenix the first one i loss after 2 years, PD35 850 Lumen, my research found that Fenix offer 5 yrs warranty while Truenite offer only 2 yrs.. choices is yours
Every review I have seen on these lights ends with: "I'm going with Thrunite because of the price." And I'm left thinking I don't care about the price, with batteries they're the same cost, tell me which is a more functional light for EDC! You did that. Thank you.
Thrunite holster seems a better match for nylon duty gear. But the Fenix looks like a better light. Gotta wonder if I can order the thrunite holster to put the fenix in.
My Fenix (PD32) broke today after 3 years from a waist high drop inside an airplane I was inspecting. Now I'm looking for a replacement. I did send a message to Fenix about warranty coverage but haven't heard back yet. I really like that flashlight, its been through a lot and I'm surprised it broke today at work. Mine looks like Bobafet with paint missing and scuffs.
I think this is a win-win-win. Win for you (being honest and not swayed by Thrunite sending you the products), win for Thrunite (being part of the community and having a relationship with their users), win for Fenix (the PD35.... that's a staple flashlight right there, can't beat it only hope would be to tie it). Good for Thrunite for being a part of the community. I wish all review videos were this honest. I've bought gear before based off of reviews from the popular UA-cam reviewers, and I quickly realized that they reviewed a product they never actually used. In contrast, your videos are both honest and demonstrate that you've actually field tested the darn things. Super good, high fives and thumbs up to you.
I have both of these lights and there are pros and cons to each. But one BIG advantage to the Thrunite is the fact that I can feel the slide button with my thumb in the dark. I can't find the Fenix button in the dark because it is smooth and flush with the body. This is just one factor and other factors might sway a person toward the Fenix. It's all personal preference.
Thanks for the video review. Here in the UK, the Fenix with CR123s is £60 but the Thrunite without is only £35 - a big difference. Even with an 18650 + charger, the Thrunite is still cheaper at £48.
Great review! I use the TN12 every day and it's the best flash light i have ever owned. Working in a shop there are lots of techs that have Stream lights. They have lifetime warranty but don't have half the light output!!!! The Mode button popped off but I do abuse my light... all the paint has worn off :)
I noticed that if you use a blue-colored light like the Fenix when cooking, it makes your meat look gross and it's hard to tell when it's done. I bet the warmer yellow color from the Thrunite would also be a little easier on your night vision, too.
I enjoyed this review. I've watched many, particularly several reviews done by Israel from WeAllJuggleKnives and Chris Tanner from PREPAREDMIND101. It was Chris's review of the Fenix PD35 that first clued me in to this flashlight. I like it and have had it on my Amazon Wishlist for well over a month or so (along with several other manufacturers - Thrunite being one of them). To be fair, yes, both flashlights you reviewed were good and I'd be happy with either one. But, like EverydayTacticalVids, I choose the Fenix PD35 over the Thrunite TN12. I believe that the Fenix PD35 inches ahead of the Thrunite TN12. It's just that much better.
Super well organized review. Don't know why I'm surprised, I love your vids. But I'm not really into lights and I'm in the market for a high quality one, so this is exactly what I needed!
Personal thoughts: The fenix packaging looks cheesy to me. I would consider the thrunite light of higher quality based on the packaging alone. It has a more serious demeanor to it.
the light in Fenix is cool white, you can also pick that set up with the Thrunite when you're ordering. If you had both with the cool white set up.. I think they would come out on par, Thrunite can be stood up on the back end which is very useful.. vs Fenix having that tactical function. But like you've said, they are both very good edc picks :)
I have an older version of the Fenix. 960 lumens and it doesn't have the 2 settings. For me a big part was the tail stand. Meanwhile I started to like the design of the Fenix a bit more. However it has been in my 'flashlight box' with no battery for a couple of months...and I still prefer to take the TN12 when i go out somewhere... A second part for me was the price...the Fenix cost me almost double as much... One thing I would love to see would be a difuzor cone... I liked your video
Great comparison! One thing to note is that the Thrunite has a little more throw. That's shown in the ANSI FL1 specs between these lights also. I can see the tree behind the car in this video better with the slightly tighter hot spot of the Thrunite. However the Fenix is still the winner beam pattern wise and function wise, 20 extra meters on the Thrunite isn't enough when the beam pattern of the hot spot on the Fenix is much wider and smoother. I say much wider because at 100 meters its the difference of lighting a house with the Thrunite or the house and the surrounding yard with the Fenix hot spot. I've always liked my Fenix flashlights for LED tint and great a reflector. One thing I can't stand is that Fenix does not care about tail standing. To me all good flashlights must tail stand. I had a power outage for 5 days about 4 years ago and I had 3 flashlights tail standing giving very good room lighting. It is so much better than a lantern. Plus you get ceiling gain on a white ceiling so Fenix better get with the program! The PD35 on the 200lm setting would be optimal for a couple of full evenings of decent room lighting using only 1x 18650. Funny though one of the flashlights I used during my power outage was the Fenix TK-70. It uses 4x NIMH D cells and it has tail standing capability that was great. I just bought the super small Fenix E35UE 2016, it better tail stand or its going back! The 7 year old TK-70 is still the greatest flashlight I own. Thats got to say something about Fenix reliability and quality. I'm still running the 4x PowerEx NIHM D cells also 7 years later... I attribute that to not abusing them during discharging or while charging with the MHC-9000 charger. That has turned out to be one reliable all-round package! Thrunite is fairly new still so we shall see in the long term how their products hold up. I do like Thunite and I will get a TN12 next time my budget allows for another new Flashlight.
I agree with you, when you were in the office the Fenix was the clear winner to my eye. I also believe the color of the light made it much better/easier to see. For the (about) same price the Fenix was more options, I will say that in a camping situation the Thrunite does have a small edge with the ability to stand up and light up a tent.
This was a nice review. I commend you on your honesty, without bias from the fact Thrulite provided the lights. I agree that the light pattern, the way it falls off or balances is very important. Perhaps another time, you could review some lantern-style lights. I saw an ad for an LED-based one called Atomic Beam Lantern (Not to be confused with the Atomic Beam tactical flashlight), and thought it might be good for camping. It's only $20, but I don't know if it's a good choice or not, as I've only seen the TV ad. All good wishes!
I have both lights I use the thrunite at work and the Fenix at home. Both lights are excellent. I prefer the outdoor mode on the fenix. Either light would be a good buy.
Thanks for the review. I was looking at the Trunight flashlight and then I came across the Finex about 20 mins ago, and thought wow. and low-and- behold I found this video. as I'm watching I'm noticing the light temperature is different on the lights, and the Fenix has a cooler light, and then I'm starting to favor the Fenix over the Trunight. I was wondering if you you pick the Fenix because it does look to be a better light, I'm not sure about durability, but in the quality of light, maybe so. however I still need to do more research before my purchase thanks
You said you prefer the light spill/hot spot of the fenix over the thrunite, but it wasn't a fair comparison so to speak, because the fenix has a cool white bulb, and the thrunite has a neutral white bulb. cw vs nw will have different outputs even within the same make and model.
Big Bub. How is it not a fair comparison?? Im about 100% sure that Thrunite knows what kind of bulb each light has in it. Thrunite is the one that wanted the VS video. It's not like Fenix wanted a comparison video and chose the lights that were gonna be compared. Are you one of those people that thinks the Thrunite should get a participation trophy even though they weren't picked to be the winner?
great review, both great lights. I own the pd35 and tn12 2014. I think Fenix has a little better quality but Thrunite is still good quality and is cheaper. The Fenix comes with disposable cr123s and the Thrunite comes with or without batteries. If you buy Thrunite with batteries your getting a rechargeable 3400 mah 18650 battery that will last 500 charge cycles. If you use the light for EDC you will burn through enough cr123s to purchase another light with the savings. Thanks again
What about the Fenix with a remote pressure switch? What would happen if I actuated the light with that, would it cycle through the modes or could it hold a mode and just turn it on and off?
Great unboxing review of the two lights! I just pulled the trigger on the PD22UE and my next purchase will be the PD35 for a longer throw.. -Thanks man and say hi to Ali I seen you looking into her cubicle @ 11:22 in lol
What I don't like about the TN12 is how it flickers to a lower brightness when in low battery. Then it constantly flickers every minute or so and it's really annoying. Does the Fenix do that as well?
Great review I ordered the neutral white 2016 TN12. How does it compare to the Eagle Tac DX30LC2 with 1160 lumens using the XP-l LED. The new Eagle Tac looks like one awesome light.
I bought a Thrunite a couple of years ago and hardly used it and one day I went to use it and it won't work. I charged up the battery but that didn't help. Any ideas what else might be wrong?
I would get the Fenix as it is probably more reliable. I purchased the TN12 and it was broken right out of the box. Not good to have a $50 dollar flash light defective out of the box. They seem to have problems with the main switch being bad.
The big difference between many of these inexpensive high lumens flashlights and something like a Surefire, is the Surefire will still be working several years from now. I have a whole box full of inoperative flashlights like these, some are only a few weeks old, but I use a 4 year old Surefire every night at work.
I'm surprised neither of these have a zoom function. I have a Heider CFX which is similar in form factor to the Fenix and Thrunite but has a zoom function from spot to flood, which I find very useful.
fenix moonlight mode is poop. otherwise seems nice. i also like the more neutral tint of the thrunite. i wish they'd both offer more lumen and led options.
You should note that they sent you the PD35TAC and not the PD35. The PD35 is a few $$ less and has 960 lumen. The model you have has a crenellated bezel which makes it "tactical" as an impact or striking weapon option. The PD35 also has only one mode unlike the TAC which has the Outdoor and Tactical (hence the TAC) modes. That would have been a more fair comparison but THEY sent the lights, so that's on them. Like you said, both are great lights. Good vs. vid.
While I'm a big fan of Thrunite, I also have to concede that I like the PD35 that little bit more over the TN12 2016. But that's mostly because I already have a TN12 2014, haha!
1 thing that I don't understand is with the thrunite tn12 2016 some of them have a maximum output of 1050lm & some of them are 1100lm & then when you go to strobe if it's 1050lm strobe is 800lm but if you have 1100lm it strobes at 1100lm... but they're really not listed as a difference you just have to read the details & see which one you are buying... it's kind of weird & confusing 2 me
I imagine you could figure out a plastic water bottle cap to use for a tail stand on the Fenix ? I'm surprised Fenix doesn't offer a tail stand add on ?
I have 3 kinds And to say they all work Just about the same ,The top brand does not work as well as the one I use the most , trying to find a laze type I don't know if they make them yet ?
my new tn 12 died the first day i had it , the tail cap switch wouldn't stay on. they finally sent me a new tail cap a month later to find the mode selection button is broken. they said i have to send it back to Hong Kong. the freight will cost nearly as much as the torch. not happy considering I've bought 10 thrunite torches. crap customer service. i am a feinx man now....
Nice color rendition on the TN, and better firefly (lowest) setting on the TN. Seems like the Fenix is just a balls to the wall light, not very versatile.
YAy just got my fenix PD35 Tac LED and my streamlight batteries work in it and vice versa . Almost the exact same size the streamlight might be a hair longer verrry close
Great video bro. Firstly, props to Thrunite. Very admirable and ballsy to send the competitor flashlight. Based on the review I like the Fenix. The outdoor and tactical mode separately are genius. It's like having two flashlights in one. Also if my ears heard (or didnt hear) correctly, in tactical mode it is, appropriately, a soft click to switch light modes. Also, the Fenix has a bezel edge for impact, pain compliance. Thrunite does not. A feature that is a must in an EDC flashlight. No bezel edge is like smart phones without removable batteries or expandable memory....stop making them. Light quality was difficult to discern. Either I would get mixed up which light was which or the video author may have at times and not realize it. Not sure. However, from what I could discern ( and full disclosure...verifying with other reviews on light quality, but saved my comments for here) it would appear that the Fenix has the better light. Great review, thank you. And thank you Thrunite, still a great light.
I have both the tn12 all the way , they should have gave you the cool white not the neutral for the test , cool white always seems brighter , as an electrician I prefer the neutral white you can see colors so much clearer, Fenix is an awesome light no doubt and I love them would say more tactical, but the deal breaker for me is you can't tail stand the fenix , I had to take a shit at work and the bathroom had no lights and to tail stand the thunite to illuminate the whole room was priceless , without a doubt best bang for the buck!!! Btw when I receive my lights I throw the boxes and instructions right in the garbage I hate clutter :)
I like thrunite 1 reason I like thrunite cause of their packaging because I know they're putting more money towards the light and less towards the package cuz I could give a shit less what the box looks like... that's just me everyone is different and I totally understand that😁
Not sure if you have a video up but would like to know how the Thrunite TN12 2016 model "Neutral White" compares to their "Cool White" version, perhaps they will send you one of each to do a test video for comparison.
+EverydayTacticalVids I would say in your video particularly the Fenix seems brighter than the Thrunite, I will admit the firefly setting on the Thrunite is rather pointless. I do like the fact that the Thrunite can stand straight up whereas the Fenix can't. I dont' know much about flashlights, a beginner at best, but since the Thrunite TN12 has the 2016 model, how hold is the Fenix PD35? Would it be considered a 2014 or 2015 model? Do they have a 2016 model per say? Thanks in advance, when you have time.
+SBFan20 This was the 2015 Fenix and I'm not actually sure if they have a 2016 model out yet or even in the works. I hope to start working more with them in 2016 so we will see.
+nathan rubio Gotta be, and I definitely preferred both the color and spill pattern on the ThruNite. All the points which made this reviewer choose the Fenix are meaningless to me, but the overall comparison was excellent.
it called Neautral white. Thrunite light is standard white but the camera white balance make it a bit yellow Fenix the other hand is Cool white make it a bit blue tint if you look at it in real life. Neautral white & warm white is good when you surrounded by mist or in the rain,if you use cool white in that environment you still can't see much. but the PD35 is awsome when you use it in the jungle because it make the green pop up,looks really cool. i'm using that PD35
He used Neutral white on the Thrunite and the Fénix uses a CW if you want to compare the lights. That’s why the fénix looks lwhiter” and the Thrunite looks “yellower”
The Fenix seems to have a brighter whiter color than the Thrunite IMO. The Thrunite seems to have a more yellow light color. To me the Fenix would be perfect if it could tail stand and it had a firefly mode. I'm considering the Fenix UC35
comparison well done but the comments not fair ... the outside comparison shows very well that the Fenix is more brighter. anyway I wouldn't pay over $70 for a flashlight that doesn't have the zoom in/out feature...
Good review. Thank you. In my opinion I don't think an EDC flashlight that can't be set on end to be used hands free as in a candle for general lighting or map reading, etc. is a good choice. Fenix needs to address that. All EDC lights need to be able to do that.
had the pd12 and it broke within like a week the mode selector broke. had a PD 32ue for years still going. I have been edc'ing a surefire eb1 backup for about a year and a half now. nice to only have 2 modes.
My thrunite archer 2av2 gave up on me. I carried it in my pocket every day for about a year, never once dropped it. It just doesn’t work anymore. I loved that light but am disappointed in the cheapness of it.
I had watched this is a while ago and filed it some where in my brain. I had already had the TN12-(2016) and loved it. I bought my son a Fenix PD 35 Tac for use in Afhganistan he likes it so I bought the Fenix for myself too. Did not like it! It wound up breaking after 2 months, I got my money back and bought another TN12 (2016). And had change left over! I love my Thrunites'
That is one of the best reviews of anything I have ever watched. Complete, good speed, different types of lighting, skipped the useless stuff and repeated the important info. And once you made your choice you explained why. And the you went one step further by not dissing the thrunight. Great job Sir. Thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I ordered the Fenix PD35 as a result of this (and a few other) review and am looking forward to many years of using it. Keep the videos coming.
I had a blast with the Thrunite on a night hike. It lights up the trail beautifully. I think all flash lights should be able to stand up while in use.
WOW u picked the one that was the competitor to who gave you a freebee...now that's honest reviewing....subbed!
+RealBushMonkey Welcome aboard.
thanx bro, glad to be here!
+RealBushMonkey Well he had to, other wise it would look like thrunite commercial.
And thats how you fool an idiot into subscribing, lol, you believe too much of what you see on the internet,
I've used the thrunite tn12 for over a year Hard use & love it no problems what so ever
while I have to say I've never owned a thrunite product. I've had my fenix pd35 for a year now (keep in mind I'm only 22 and have only been able to carry a handgun for as long) I drive a sweeper truck all night in dark parking lots and i find it to be such a fantastic edc light. Whether it's been to change a tire on the truck in the dark at 3am or reporting a break in on a tenants store. my pd35 has trumped the flashlights my local police officers were carrying. it is a hard to beat flashlight, the only flaw? not waterproof, but its yet to fail me in constant use every night will definitely buy more as gifts and extras, plus the option of using rechargeable 18650 batteries over expensive cr123s is the amazing.
+sykoe99 What make you think PD35 not water proof...i test it under water..it still work well :)
It is waterproof. I've had mine for over two years and it has been submersed several times. You are right...fantastic light. Glad I took a chance on it years ago!
just putting it out there, the Fenix PD lights are all Impact resistant for 1 Meter and Waterproof for 2.
Pol Ty what do you have against using S's ??
You can get many decent survival tools and items for FREE (shipping cost only) here: docs.google.com/document/d/1wXpKeLN_xlsDQvYxsrtNl3gOQt6PM54b1HYToMwMsPY/edit?usp=sharing
thats dope, appreciated
Jeff Ross
Its neutral white on the thrunite vs cool white on fenix! Cool white is always brighter vs neutral with better color and better fog or bad weather visibility. Should have compared them with the same LED color.
He said thrunite sent him the lights to compare
Sherikan Niyaziev daylight vs soft white is what it's called. Daylight is always brighter and purer.
And the ThruNite appeared brighter .
fenix all the way for me even if it's more expensive. hasn't let me down for the last 10 years.
Thanks for the honest review ETV. Your description of the TN12 is exactly what I am looking for in a light. I need a hot center with a good throw without much spill. Thanks.
+TruckerPhilosophy Glad to help out.
I applaud your honesty sir. You didn't let the free flashlights sway your opinion. Very good review.
Good video! Watching this 8 years later, it's amazing how well BOTH flashlights and designs have held up against the test of time. Still great lights today, I have both (both still work great). I wish Fenix would get back to the Cree emitters in new offerings, the green tint on the Luminous emitters is annoying.
Well I'm a Thrunite fan. I have 6 of there lights and very pleased with all of them. I have the (2014) tn12 and it's a awesome light. I've had one Fenix I think the E01 or 2 , but I dropped it and it cracked the lense cover and it would not turn back on. Yes I probably could've sent it back but only paid 15 bucks for it . My Thrunite Ti3 I've dropped on purpose several times even higher, still operates awesome
+Freddie Dorris Yup - love them Thrunites.
Thanks, Tim, for the excellent review. As always, you provide excellent perspective and fairness. I have actually been strongly considering purchase of the Fenix PD35, a decision made primarily upon recommendation of a couple of friends who own this same light. That being said, everything I've seen reviewed of Thrunite products has been very positive, and I actually EDC the Ti3, plus I have purchased several more for gifts. In fact, your reviews of two other Thrunitr products have convinced me to make those purchases in the near future as well.
This review conclusion would have been a tough call to make either way given the similarities in every category.
I just got FenixTACPD35, it is great product, this is 2nd time i got Fenix the first one i loss after 2 years, PD35 850 Lumen, my research found that Fenix offer 5 yrs warranty while Truenite offer only 2 yrs.. choices is yours
Well done. I personally went with the Thrunite TN12
Every review I have seen on these lights ends with: "I'm going with Thrunite because of the price."
And I'm left thinking I don't care about the price, with batteries they're the same cost, tell me which is a more functional light for EDC! You did that. Thank you.
+Nick Case Good to hear that - thanks Nick, and glad it helped.
Thrunite holster seems a better match for nylon duty gear. But the Fenix looks like a better light. Gotta wonder if I can order the thrunite holster to put the fenix in.
have a 2014 Thrunite. Best flashlight I've ever had. Very reliable
My Fenix (PD32) broke today after 3 years from a waist high drop inside an airplane I was inspecting. Now I'm looking for a replacement. I did send a message to Fenix about warranty coverage but haven't heard back yet. I really like that flashlight, its been through a lot and I'm surprised it broke today at work. Mine looks like Bobafet with paint missing and scuffs.
I think this is a win-win-win. Win for you (being honest and not swayed by Thrunite sending you the products), win for Thrunite (being part of the community and having a relationship with their users), win for Fenix (the PD35.... that's a staple flashlight right there, can't beat it only hope would be to tie it). Good for Thrunite for being a part of the community. I wish all review videos were this honest. I've bought gear before based off of reviews from the popular UA-cam reviewers, and I quickly realized that they reviewed a product they never actually used. In contrast, your videos are both honest and demonstrate that you've actually field tested the darn things. Super good, high fives and thumbs up to you.
Thanks so much for those comments Michael. I appreciate that very much.
I have both of these lights and there are pros and cons to each. But one BIG advantage to the Thrunite is the fact that I can feel the slide button with my thumb in the dark. I can't find the Fenix button in the dark because it is smooth and flush with the body. This is just one factor and other factors might sway a person toward the Fenix. It's all personal preference.
Thanks for the video review. Here in the UK, the Fenix with CR123s is £60 but the Thrunite without is only £35 - a big difference. Even with an 18650 + charger, the Thrunite is still cheaper at £48.
Both of these lights are very good. I have both. Pretty much a tie for me. 😁👍
Great review! I use the TN12 every day and it's the best flash light i have ever owned. Working in a shop there are lots of techs that have Stream lights. They have lifetime warranty but don't have half the light output!!!! The Mode button popped off but I do abuse my light... all the paint has worn off :)
Digitalphantom01 glad you like the review. An interesting information there about the Streamlights
Interesting - thanks for sharing that and for checking out the video.
I noticed that if you use a blue-colored light like the Fenix when cooking, it makes your meat look gross and it's hard to tell when it's done. I bet the warmer yellow color from the Thrunite would also be a little easier on your night vision, too.
I enjoyed this review. I've watched many, particularly several reviews done by Israel from WeAllJuggleKnives and Chris Tanner from PREPAREDMIND101. It was Chris's review of the Fenix PD35 that first clued me in to this flashlight. I like it and have had it on my Amazon Wishlist for well over a month or so (along with several other manufacturers - Thrunite being one of them). To be fair, yes, both flashlights you reviewed were good and I'd be happy with either one. But, like EverydayTacticalVids, I choose the Fenix PD35 over the Thrunite TN12. I believe that the Fenix PD35 inches ahead of the Thrunite TN12. It's just that much better.
+Teachering Good info - thanks for sharing.
Super well organized review. Don't know why I'm surprised, I love your vids. But I'm not really into lights and I'm in the market for a high quality one, so this is exactly what I needed!
FreedomVan glad it was helpful! Thanks for checking out the video.
Personal thoughts: The fenix packaging looks cheesy to me. I would consider the thrunite light of higher quality based on the packaging alone. It has a more serious demeanor to it.
the light in Fenix is cool white, you can also pick that set up with the Thrunite when you're ordering. If you had both with the cool white set up.. I think they would come out on par, Thrunite can be stood up on the back end which is very useful.. vs Fenix having that tactical function.
But like you've said, they are both very good edc picks :)
Glad I ordered the " Fenix " Thanks for reviewing.
A trick is to use a toilette paper roll to tail stand it, I am doing it now and it works great, still bidet, if in the woods use a creek.
I find if weight is an issue, use at the least a quarter inch tp over the roll for a proper tail stand support mechanistic device.
Tom Thomas "still bidet"?? "if in the woods use a creek" Wth are you talking about? Are you intoxicated?😳😳
Outstanding review of the 2 lights. I am looking at purchasing the Fenix PD35TAC also.
I have an older version of the Fenix. 960 lumens and it doesn't have the 2 settings.
For me a big part was the tail stand.
Meanwhile I started to like the design of the Fenix a bit more. However it has been in my 'flashlight box' with no battery for a couple of months...and I still prefer to take the TN12 when i go out somewhere...
A second part for me was the price...the Fenix cost me almost double as much...
One thing I would love to see would be a difuzor cone...
I liked your video
+SpartanJohns Good info - thanks for this update. Thanks for checking out the video.
Great comparison! One thing to note is that the Thrunite has a little more throw. That's shown in the ANSI FL1 specs between these lights also. I can see the tree behind the car in this video better with the slightly tighter hot spot of the Thrunite. However the Fenix is still the winner beam pattern wise and function wise, 20 extra meters on the Thrunite isn't enough when the beam pattern of the hot spot on the Fenix is much wider and smoother. I say much wider because at 100 meters its the difference of lighting a house with the Thrunite or the house and the surrounding yard with the Fenix hot spot. I've always liked my Fenix flashlights for LED tint and great a reflector. One thing I can't stand is that Fenix does not care about tail standing. To me all good flashlights must tail stand. I had a power outage for 5 days about 4 years ago and I had 3 flashlights tail standing giving very good room lighting. It is so much better than a lantern. Plus you get ceiling gain on a white ceiling so Fenix better get with the program! The PD35 on the 200lm setting would be optimal for a couple of full evenings of decent room lighting using only 1x 18650. Funny though one of the flashlights I used during my power outage was the Fenix TK-70. It uses 4x NIMH D cells and it has tail standing capability that was great. I just bought the super small Fenix E35UE 2016, it better tail stand or its going back!
The 7 year old TK-70 is still the greatest flashlight I own. Thats got to say something about Fenix reliability and quality. I'm still running the 4x PowerEx NIHM D cells also 7 years later... I attribute that to not abusing them during discharging or while charging with the MHC-9000 charger. That has turned out to be one reliable all-round package! Thrunite is fairly new still so we shall see in the long term how their products hold up. I do like Thunite and I will get a TN12 next time my budget allows for another new Flashlight.
+Audioholic 01 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I agree with you, when you were in the office the Fenix was the clear winner to my eye. I also believe the color of the light made it much better/easier to see. For the (about) same price the Fenix was more options, I will say that in a camping situation the Thrunite does have a small edge with the ability to stand up and light up a tent.
+LoveThyPitBull Thanks for the comments - and yup, we are in agreement on this for sure.
This was a nice review. I commend you on your honesty, without bias from the fact Thrulite provided the lights. I agree that the light pattern, the way it falls off or balances is very important. Perhaps another time, you could review some lantern-style lights. I saw an ad for an LED-based one called Atomic Beam Lantern (Not to be confused with the Atomic Beam tactical flashlight), and thought it might be good for camping. It's only $20, but I don't know if it's a good choice or not, as I've only seen the TV ad. All good wishes!
I have both lights I use the thrunite at work and the Fenix at home. Both lights are excellent. I prefer the outdoor mode on the fenix. Either light would be a good buy.
Does either/both have a setting memory? In other words, if it's in the high setting when you turn it off will it come back on in that same setting?
have both lights. The NW TN puts in their lights is amazing. That being said the TAC is sheer output.
Thanks for the review. I was looking at the Trunight flashlight and then I came across the Finex about 20 mins ago, and thought wow. and low-and- behold I found this video. as I'm watching I'm noticing the light temperature is different on the lights, and the Fenix has a cooler light, and then I'm starting to favor the Fenix over the Trunight. I was wondering if you you pick the Fenix because it does look to be a better light, I'm not sure about durability, but in the quality of light, maybe so. however I still need to do more research before my purchase thanks
I like the Fenix overall more because of the multiple options for how it can operate (the tactical AND outdoor/camping setting).
Will the UC35 light work with the head of the UC35 2.0 and still give the 1000 lumens ?
You said you prefer the light spill/hot spot of the fenix over the thrunite, but it wasn't a fair comparison so to speak, because the fenix has a cool white bulb, and the thrunite has a neutral white bulb.
cw vs nw will have different outputs even within the same make and model.
Big Bub. How is it not a fair comparison?? Im about 100% sure that Thrunite knows what kind of bulb each light has in it. Thrunite is the one that wanted the VS video. It's not like Fenix wanted a comparison video and chose the lights that were gonna be compared. Are you one of those people that thinks the Thrunite should get a participation trophy even though they weren't picked to be the winner?
great review, both great lights. I own the pd35 and tn12 2014. I think Fenix has a little better quality but Thrunite is still good quality and is cheaper. The Fenix comes with disposable cr123s and the Thrunite comes with or without batteries. If you buy Thrunite with batteries your getting a rechargeable 3400 mah 18650 battery that will last 500 charge cycles. If you use the light for EDC you will burn through enough cr123s to purchase another light with the savings. Thanks again
+Vince Nardella Agreed - hard to go wrong with either one of these.
fast forward to 2021 it'd be interesting to see the TN12 V4 up against the PD35 v2.0
What about the Fenix with a remote pressure switch? What would happen if I actuated the light with that, would it cycle through the modes or could it hold a mode and just turn it on and off?
I think my mind has been made up upon watching this review. PD35 is the way to go!!
+mounlasy I liked both but I have to agree.
Great unboxing review of the two lights! I just pulled the trigger on the PD22UE and my next purchase will be the PD35 for a longer throw..
-Thanks man and say hi to Ali I seen you looking into her cubicle @ 11:22 in lol
+Joe harvey Ali says hello ;)
What I don't like about the TN12 is how it flickers to a lower brightness when in low battery. Then it constantly flickers every minute or so and it's really annoying. Does the Fenix do that as well?
+.m. Never had that happen, but I'm not sure I got it low enough to know for sure.
Great review I ordered the neutral white 2016 TN12. How does it compare to the Eagle Tac DX30LC2 with 1160 lumens using the XP-l LED. The new Eagle Tac looks like one awesome light.
Thank you
I bought a Thrunite a couple of years ago and hardly used it and one day I went to use it and it won't work. I charged up the battery but that didn't help. Any ideas what else might be wrong?
It looked to me that the thrunite had NW LED and Felix had the CW. Was that not correct?
I would get the Fenix as it is probably more reliable. I purchased the TN12 and it was broken right out of the box. Not good to have a $50 dollar flash light defective out of the box. They seem to have problems with the main switch being bad.
+C MJ Contact them - they tend to be very reasonable.
The big difference between many of these inexpensive high lumens flashlights and something like a Surefire, is the Surefire will still be working several years from now.
I have a whole box full of inoperative flashlights like these, some are only a few weeks old, but I use a 4 year old Surefire every night at work.
so you have a box full of inoperable fenix flashlights?...
Never had a problem with any fenix ,I used a fenix e21 as a diving light for 3 years no problem.Your argument is invalid
what are the battery life between each flashlights modes are they the same or does one last longer over the other
I'm surprised neither of these have a zoom function. I have a Heider CFX which is similar in form factor to the Fenix and Thrunite but has a zoom function from spot to flood, which I find very useful.
+turboslag Agreed - a zoom option would be a nice addition.
fenix moonlight mode is poop. otherwise seems nice. i also like the more neutral tint of the thrunite. i wish they'd both offer more lumen and led options.
The bezel on the top of the Fenix is like on the streamlight lights etc. for the glass break feature.
You should note that they sent you the PD35TAC and not the PD35. The PD35 is a few $$ less and has 960 lumen. The model you have has a crenellated bezel which makes it "tactical" as an impact or striking weapon option. The PD35 also has only one mode unlike the TAC which has the Outdoor and Tactical (hence the TAC) modes. That would have been a more fair comparison but THEY sent the lights, so that's on them. Like you said, both are great lights. Good vs. vid.
Great, "honest" comparison. Thank you!
Glad to do it - thanks for checking it out.
Great video I buy thrunite tn 12 awesome flashlight take care sir 🙂🙂
While I'm a big fan of Thrunite, I also have to concede that I like the PD35 that little bit more over the TN12 2016. But that's mostly because I already have a TN12 2014, haha!
1 thing that I don't understand is with the thrunite tn12 2016 some of them have a maximum output of 1050lm & some of them are 1100lm & then when you go to strobe if it's 1050lm strobe is 800lm but if you have 1100lm it strobes at 1100lm... but they're really not listed as a difference you just have to read the details & see which one you are buying... it's kind of weird & confusing 2 me
I imagine you could figure out a plastic water bottle cap to use for a tail stand on the Fenix ? I'm surprised Fenix doesn't offer a tail stand add on ?
+LordGandor3 They might - I'd have to look into it.
I have 3 kinds And to say they all work Just about the same ,The top brand does not work as well as the one I use the most , trying to find a laze type I don't know if they make them yet ?
Great review. The low setting on the Thrunite looks pretty useless unless you're trying to read a map without detection or something.
Agreed - that's what it's for.
thats why Thrunite is sold more now than Fenix
my new tn 12 died the first day i had it , the tail cap switch wouldn't stay on. they finally sent me a new tail cap a month later to find the mode selection button is broken. they said i have to send it back to Hong Kong. the freight will cost nearly as much as the torch. not happy considering I've bought 10 thrunite torches. crap customer service. i am a feinx man now....
+Leslie De Luca Yeah - that was my issue with a NiteCore light - too much to send it back - not worth it.
Fenix does cs good by having local support so you dont need to ship over seas
Thanks for review..Very nice review & very helpfully..
mat min glad it helped.
Nice color rendition on the TN, and better firefly (lowest) setting on the TN. Seems like the Fenix is just a balls to the wall light, not very versatile.
YAy just got my fenix PD35 Tac LED and my streamlight batteries work in it and vice versa . Almost the exact same size the streamlight might be a hair longer verrry close
So is there any comparison between the PD35TAC and the Surefire P2X Fury in lumen output? How does this older Fury model hold up?
+Michael Zaloom The big difference between the two models you listed is the Surefire will still be working several years from now.
Have you owned a Thrunite or Fenix flashlight? If not, then stop posting comments like this.
i wonder if surefire paying money for this guy :))
Does Felix make a rechargeable PD35TAC?
Great video bro. Firstly, props to Thrunite. Very admirable and ballsy to send the competitor flashlight. Based on the review I like the Fenix. The outdoor and tactical mode separately are genius. It's like having two flashlights in one. Also if my ears heard (or didnt hear) correctly, in tactical mode it is, appropriately, a soft click to switch light modes. Also, the Fenix has a bezel edge for impact, pain compliance. Thrunite does not. A feature that is a must in an EDC flashlight. No bezel edge is like smart phones without removable batteries or expandable memory....stop making them. Light quality was difficult to discern. Either I would get mixed up which light was which or the video author may have at times and not realize it. Not sure. However, from what I could discern ( and full disclosure...verifying with other reviews on light quality, but saved my comments for here) it would appear that the Fenix has the better light. Great review, thank you. And thank you Thrunite, still a great light.
Lone Warrior thanks LW. And agree about the Fenix
The Thrunight does look impressive. And I have a PD 32 at my bedside and a PD 35 in my car.
Mark
I have both the tn12 all the way , they should have gave you the cool white not the neutral for the test , cool white always seems brighter , as an electrician I prefer the neutral white you can see colors so much clearer, Fenix is an awesome light no doubt and I love them would say more tactical, but the deal breaker for me is you can't tail stand the fenix , I had to take a shit at work and the bathroom had no lights and to tail stand the thunite to illuminate the whole room was priceless , without a doubt best bang for the buck!!!
Btw when I receive my lights I throw the boxes and instructions right in the garbage I hate clutter :)
+Bigmangadget Nice - good comments - and thanks for the view.
Great review. Can you test the Nitecore MH20GT against a competitor?
Question since you have both lights. Are the tail caps interchangeable? Thanks
+Sidney I'll have to double-check but I think the Fenix is a bit slimmer.
Do you konw the eagle eye X5? It's simplely similar to pd35 but cheaper.
Great review thank you, I'm waiting on a jetbeam bc20gt and tn40s to replace my tk70.
Let me know what you think of it - I've yet to use Jetbeams but I've heard good things.
I like thrunite 1 reason I like thrunite cause of their packaging because I know they're putting more money towards the light and less towards the package cuz I could give a shit less what the box looks like... that's just me everyone is different and I totally understand that😁
Not sure if you have a video up but would like to know how the Thrunite TN12 2016 model "Neutral White" compares to their "Cool White" version, perhaps they will send you one of each to do a test video for comparison.
+SBFan20 I'll see what I can do - good idea.
+EverydayTacticalVids Thanks. In the video above, was the one you were testing the Neutral or Cool White?
+SBFan20 I'm out now so I don't have the light, but I believe it's a CW.
+EverydayTacticalVids I would say in your video particularly the Fenix seems brighter than the Thrunite, I will admit the firefly setting on the Thrunite is rather pointless. I do like the fact that the Thrunite can stand straight up whereas the Fenix can't. I dont' know much about flashlights, a beginner at best, but since the Thrunite TN12 has the 2016 model, how hold is the Fenix PD35? Would it be considered a 2014 or 2015 model? Do they have a 2016 model per say? Thanks in advance, when you have time.
+SBFan20 This was the 2015 Fenix and I'm not actually sure if they have a 2016 model out yet or even in the works. I hope to start working more with them in 2016 so we will see.
Great vid- thanks. Personally I EDC the Thrunite- love there lights.
+Harry Thanks for checking it out.
This is the natural white light on the thrunite right?
+nathan rubio Gotta be, and I definitely preferred both the color and spill pattern on the ThruNite. All the points which made this reviewer choose the Fenix are meaningless to me, but the overall comparison was excellent.
i noticed that the thrunite came with the yellow light, i wonder how the white light would compare
it called Neautral white. Thrunite light is standard white but the camera white balance make it a bit yellow
Fenix the other hand is Cool white make it a bit blue tint if you look at it in real life. Neautral white & warm white is good when you surrounded by mist or in the rain,if you use cool white in that environment you still can't see much. but the PD35 is awsome when you use it in the jungle because it make the green pop up,looks really cool. i'm using that PD35
He used Neutral white on the Thrunite and the Fénix uses a CW if you want to compare the lights. That’s why the fénix looks lwhiter” and the Thrunite looks “yellower”
The Fenix seems to have a brighter whiter color than the Thrunite IMO. The Thrunite seems to have a more yellow light color. To me the Fenix would be perfect if it could tail stand and it had a firefly mode. I'm considering the Fenix UC35
+BlackHawkPSU I agree - if it could stand on the tail that'd be excellent.
comparison well done but the comments not fair ... the outside comparison shows very well that the Fenix is more brighter. anyway I wouldn't pay over $70 for a flashlight that doesn't have the zoom in/out feature...
I agree with your choice!
a good quality tool comes in a no bs package, Can you guess how a $180 snap on ratchet comes in the mail from snap on? it comes in a plastic bag.
Good review. Thank you. In my opinion I don't think an EDC flashlight that can't be set on end to be used hands free as in a candle for general lighting or map reading, etc. is a good choice. Fenix needs to address that. All EDC lights need to be able to do that.
what batteries were you using in the Thrunite
nickquik an 18650 I believe
could that be a reason why the fenix is brighter?
had the pd12 and it broke within like a week the mode selector broke. had a PD 32ue for years still going. I have been edc'ing a surefire eb1 backup for about a year and a half now. nice to only have 2 modes.
*Tn12
+Sean H Yeah - can't go wrong with Surefire.
does the fenix in tactical mode remember the last setting it was on, or does it start on high(or a specific level)?
yes it does remember the last setting
yuan shuai
Actually the one I just got starts on high mode.
PD35 tactical
I just get new uc35, it starts on the last mode you set.
yuan shuai
That's cool.
So can you leave it in the strobe position?
+Big Bub yes, just hold the button 1.2 second then strobe
one more thing want to add, FENIX PD35 TAC , use latest , hightest CREE chipset which can output about 200lum/watt
Had my Fenix for about 3 years. Not really used much. The switch is not working correctly anymore. Disappointed for the amount of money I spent
magic2506 Same thing happened to me after 1 year of barely using it.
At 1/2 the price with no disadvantages over the Fenix
TN12 for me, please 🍻🍻
Cheers
BB
My thrunite archer 2av2 gave up on me. I carried it in my pocket every day for about a year, never once dropped it. It just doesn’t work anymore. I loved that light but am disappointed in the cheapness of it.
I had watched this is a while ago and filed it some where in my brain. I had already had the TN12-(2016) and loved it. I bought my son a Fenix PD 35 Tac for use in Afhganistan he likes it so I bought the Fenix for myself too. Did not like it! It wound up breaking after 2 months, I got my money back and bought another TN12 (2016). And had change left over! I love my Thrunites'
wonderbread1975 thanks for sharing this - it was good to hear user comments.
Awesome lights I love Fenix
This thrunite flashlight would have gone better against the pd35 original rather than the TAC. That would have been a better comparison
They look like they are made in the same factory .