Fenix UK site - www.myfenix.co.uk/fenix-pd40r-v2-0-rotary-torch You can support the channel if you shop on Amazon USA/UK - amzn.to/31zAXd7 Or via Patreon - www.patreon.com/mrbazreviews (thanks to new Patreons who have signed up much appreciated) Any thoughts on this one? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts
It looks very powerful and I'll tell you I've watched a lot of your reviews if somebody can't find a review on a flashlight on your channel they don't deserve a flashlight LOL
I do other products not just torches, but I have done a few. I see some doing way more than I do, but I like to keep the content focussed and I bother to edit it!
Another great review. I purchased mine when they first came out and I like it very much! It makes an interesting comparison with more floody lights, like the Olight Seeker 2 Pro and the Thrunite TC20. I rather like the combination beam on the PD40R - plenty of flood, but more throw than those other lights. It all depends on what you want or need. I do concur that a bit more grip on the rotary switch would be nice and another mode or two would be nice. I do like the interface though and the resistance between being off and the lowest mode is about right. I'd like to see a similar bit of resistance between the turbo and the strobe though, as it is very easy to accidentally trigger the strobe. I love the size/performance balance of this light. It's just amazing what's happening with these new 21700 batteries. They're really revolutionizing the very compact yet extremely powerful light market. Please keep up the fantastic work!
I prefer the beam on this most of the others as you say are floody type lights, nice if you want that but lacking range. This has a pretty good range even on high, and decent spill so they got that right IMO. A few tweaks maybe moonlight put in there, and more grip, possibly a N/W version - would seal it for me. Something to be said for direct control via the rotary switch, v the usual button mashing most lights have. I like the idea, perhaps they will refine it more for future lights and use it more often. Thanks for stopping by!
@@MrBazReviews The lack of a moonlight mode on Fenix lights is a somewhat odd, but consistent, feature. Some of their lights, like the E18R, have a fairly low Eco mode of around 5 lumens that's not bad, albeit still brighter than traditional moonlight and firefly modes. But the newer lights now sometimes refer to 30-50 lumen modes as "Eco." Even Olight seems to be going away from the ~1 lumen or less Moonlight modes of late. I really do like the really low, traditional Moonlight/Firefly modes found on the earlier Olights and that seem to be still used on Thrunites. Nice in the middle of the night in your tent and you need a bit of light, but you don't want to blind yourself! :D
@@jeffgaboury3157 Some like a sub 1lm firefly I'm OK with 1lm though even 5lm or a bit under is quite a bit less than 30lm. Think it's hard to space a 3000lm light with 4 power levels, hence 5 would work better IMO. I've not looked at some of the newer Olights, honestly I found them moving more and more to custom cells, and I just dislike that intensely - it's the wrong direction to take and not in users interests. When they did the Warrior (first version) I had some hope, since then it's custom cells in newer models, worse you can't even use the spacers to power some of the newer ones. I won't say I'll never look at Olight again, it's that I'm not really that interested in their lights. Seems to be more marketing v substance IMO.
@@MrBazReviews I concur. A 5 lumen mode would be a nice addition. I don't mind 2 to 5 lumen modes. They have their advantages over the more traditional sub 1 lumen modes and they're still easy on the eyes in the middle of the night. Other than that lack though, the PD40R, definitely rocks!
This model is available with a spare battery. What would be the purpose of having a spare if both could only charged while installed in the flashlight.
It might work should stick, I just wish they turned the grooves around it would help a lot. It's not super hard to turn, but if you have wet hands/wool gloves etc, not so easy. It's a small design oversight I think. I like the beam though nice range on this
Fantastic, in-depth review, thanks man! One question regarding the lumen output chart: am I reading it correctly to interpret it that at 3000 lumens, you've only got about 10 minutes of light before it begins to dim and drop to lower lumens?
Drops 1 minute in Turbo on my test (in really cold might last longer), its subtle but keep dropping as shown High seems to hold it's output pretty well it was over 10 minutes before I saw a visible drop
yeah unfortunately i bought this and feel like i got duped. I sure as hell wasn't expecting 1 minute of turbo. On the box it boasts 2hr 40min. OUTRIGHT LIE.
Few tweaks to the design, overall though the beam is to me better than most has some range - quite a lot out there are flood, prefer a bit more range myself
Excellent job in your video. I like the step down test from the turbo and high mode., this is a very critical part of the video and this i was hoping to see and you done it, thanks for that. I will subscribe to you, because you done a greate video. This flashlight is one of my possible buy in the very close future.
Thanks I'm not sure why but most of the other videos I watch nobody bothers to do a step down test even though it's pretty simple. So hopefully it's useful for viewers. It's a nice products I have to admit Jetbeam have the rotary dial done in a way which is much better, this is a little stiff you get used to it but I do like the beam. Thanks for stopping by
@@acarpenter007 It is not a problem, there are a lot of choices out there, I feel same way about this as per the video some nice things and a few minor points to note.
@@MrBazReviews I already bought it today, it cost me around 129 US Dollars but I did not get the chance to test it yet 😅 and also thinking to buy the wurkkos wk30 it have some good reviews 😀 i can't stop buying flashlights 😩 Thank you sir.
Thank you for the excellent comprehensive review! I work in narrow hydro-excavations and peering down maintenance holes for a municipality. When we are upside; not making a confined entry (it’s time consuming, expensive and not always a necessary process) I used a Fenix LD40 until I lost it and then a PD36r. Everyone I work with constantly wants to use it for our purpose. During bright sunny days I’m learning that a, “thrower” is important for visualization. I finally have the utility to action a P.O. And intitially; it seemed like this would be the next step forward. I’m not entirely sure PD40r would be a good step up if it steps down so fast. Tall order for an EDC. Any thoughts?
Problem is makers go for a high Turbo output, and it's inevitable the output has to drop. Unless you make something with some active cooling fan or much much larger it's going to drop off fairly fast. However the drop down is far less dramatic at the 1000lm level (it still drops but not hugely), so I pay more attention to if the lower levels are adequate for your needs. I do like the beam on this, quite a good range even on high/med level compared to some others. I'm not sure the rotary switch is as well designed as it could be, but I'm picky on these things, I think JetBeam have done a better job on that side (they have improved quite a bit possibly worth considering), you'll still have the top power drop off though whatever maker you get. On balance though I quite like this one overall
500m on the olight 405m on the Fenix. Either way to me the Olight's custom battery lock in, only 2 power levels and lack of strobe detract from it a bit IMO. That said the Fenix has a few places to improve, I prefer it to the Olight
Well, I am a little disappointed that the the higher brightness in turbo mode lasts only for a few minutes. Going with the dog there is no difference between turbo and high when we are on the way back home. The battery is far from being empty (green flashing). What I don't like either is the high resistance of the turning mechanism. It is quite difficult turning the flashlight on with one hand. Mostly it jumps directly to stage 2 because the needed force to overcome the off mode is too high. It could be a little longer if you have bigger hands. The quality of the used material is good but the thickness is not suitable for rough use. For me it is a nice flashlight but not outstanding.
That's what you get with high output, unless the body was way bigger or has fan cooling there will be a drop in output. As mentioned I think the design could be better on the ring, that is one area to improve on the design. As with most of these products, they always miss something. I do like the beam though
@@MrBazReviews man, it's crazy. Equipment reviews should be at least 90% objective data, stats, specs etc. And it's so difficult to find a decent review. It's a big deal. Cheers.
@@readyreckoner1592 That's the problem, I get almost no items sent for reviews now. I asked Fenix directly, and nope they have 0 interest in sending items for review, even Nitecore has dried up. I get very few torch review items in, so I'll be doing other reviews in the meantime. I do appreciate the comment, but trying to be honest - well it mostly damages the channel for review items. There are plenty of places makers will send items to, who mostly won't mention weak/problem areas. In 2022 I get way less review items than I ever did, despite the channel growing. It's sad, still I will carry on with my own videos
@EX7R3M3 This has quite a bit more range v many of the 21700 lights the E4K is an alternative but it's a lot more flood lighting, at 4.4k lumens the Fenix still has more range on high. If that doesn't matter it's an option (quite compact), not a fan of the UI myself on the Nitecore but maybe it would work for you. It's not super cheap though. Down to what you want 21700 cell lights looked at a few, not many compact ones have a lot of range
Fenix UK site - www.myfenix.co.uk/fenix-pd40r-v2-0-rotary-torch
You can support the channel if you shop on Amazon USA/UK - amzn.to/31zAXd7
Or via Patreon - www.patreon.com/mrbazreviews (thanks to new Patreons who have signed up much appreciated)
Any thoughts on this one? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts
It looks very powerful and I'll tell you I've watched a lot of your reviews if somebody can't find a review on a flashlight on your channel they don't deserve a flashlight LOL
I do other products not just torches, but I have done a few. I see some doing way more than I do, but I like to keep the content focussed and I bother to edit it!
Another great review. I purchased mine when they first came out and I like it very much! It makes an interesting comparison with more floody lights, like the Olight Seeker 2 Pro and the Thrunite TC20. I rather like the combination beam on the PD40R - plenty of flood, but more throw than those other lights. It all depends on what you want or need. I do concur that a bit more grip on the rotary switch would be nice and another mode or two would be nice. I do like the interface though and the resistance between being off and the lowest mode is about right. I'd like to see a similar bit of resistance between the turbo and the strobe though, as it is very easy to accidentally trigger the strobe.
I love the size/performance balance of this light. It's just amazing what's happening with these new 21700 batteries. They're really revolutionizing the very compact yet extremely powerful light market.
Please keep up the fantastic work!
I prefer the beam on this most of the others as you say are floody type lights, nice if you want that but lacking range. This has a pretty good range even on high, and decent spill so they got that right IMO. A few tweaks maybe moonlight put in there, and more grip, possibly a N/W version - would seal it for me. Something to be said for direct control via the rotary switch, v the usual button mashing most lights have. I like the idea, perhaps they will refine it more for future lights and use it more often. Thanks for stopping by!
@@MrBazReviews The lack of a moonlight mode on Fenix lights is a somewhat odd, but consistent, feature. Some of their lights, like the E18R, have a fairly low Eco mode of around 5 lumens that's not bad, albeit still brighter than traditional moonlight and firefly modes. But the newer lights now sometimes refer to 30-50 lumen modes as "Eco." Even Olight seems to be going away from the ~1 lumen or less Moonlight modes of late. I really do like the really low, traditional Moonlight/Firefly modes found on the earlier Olights and that seem to be still used on Thrunites. Nice in the middle of the night in your tent and you need a bit of light, but you don't want to blind yourself! :D
@@jeffgaboury3157 Some like a sub 1lm firefly I'm OK with 1lm though even 5lm or a bit under is quite a bit less than 30lm. Think it's hard to space a 3000lm light with 4 power levels, hence 5 would work better IMO. I've not looked at some of the newer Olights, honestly I found them moving more and more to custom cells, and I just dislike that intensely - it's the wrong direction to take and not in users interests. When they did the Warrior (first version) I had some hope, since then it's custom cells in newer models, worse you can't even use the spacers to power some of the newer ones. I won't say I'll never look at Olight again, it's that I'm not really that interested in their lights. Seems to be more marketing v substance IMO.
@@MrBazReviews I concur. A 5 lumen mode would be a nice addition. I don't mind 2 to 5 lumen modes. They have their advantages over the more traditional sub 1 lumen modes and they're still easy on the eyes in the middle of the night. Other than that lack though, the PD40R, definitely rocks!
It should have a off setting after the strobe as well.
They could do that or move the strobe to left side. Few options there, doesn't bother me much as it's not a "tactical" type light
This model is available with a spare battery. What would be the purpose of having a spare if both could only charged while installed in the flashlight.
Charge it in the torch, and then put the other one in. A spare is a spare
Mr Baz,could you put skateboard tape cutouts on the mechanical rotary switch to gain better traction? Great review btw.
It might work should stick, I just wish they turned the grooves around it would help a lot. It's not super hard to turn, but if you have wet hands/wool gloves etc, not so easy. It's a small design oversight I think. I like the beam though nice range on this
I have this flashlight and I lost the charger, can you charge with a regular USB block charger and how long does the battery last?
The run times are barely over 10 seconds into the video (as in box shot specs). Any USB will work
@@MrBazReviews - thanks for the infotmation
Fantastic, in-depth review, thanks man! One question regarding the lumen output chart: am I reading it correctly to interpret it that at 3000 lumens, you've only got about 10 minutes of light before it begins to dim and drop to lower lumens?
Drops 1 minute in Turbo on my test (in really cold might last longer), its subtle but keep dropping as shown
High seems to hold it's output pretty well it was over 10 minutes before I saw a visible drop
yeah unfortunately i bought this and feel like i got duped. I sure as hell wasn't expecting 1 minute of turbo. On the box it boasts 2hr 40min. OUTRIGHT LIE.
Solid. Best all around. Good throw and spill.
Few tweaks to the design, overall though the beam is to me better than most has some range - quite a lot out there are flood, prefer a bit more range myself
Excellent job in your video. I like the step down test from the turbo and high mode., this is a very critical part of the video and this i was hoping to see and you done it, thanks for that. I will subscribe to you, because you done a greate video. This flashlight is one of my possible buy in the very close future.
Thanks I'm not sure why but most of the other videos I watch nobody bothers to do a step down test even though it's pretty simple. So hopefully it's useful for viewers. It's a nice products I have to admit Jetbeam have the rotary dial done in a way which is much better, this is a little stiff you get used to it but I do like the beam. Thanks for stopping by
Hello 👋 can I ask you what your thoughts after 1 year, because I'm thinking to buy one.
Thank you sir. 😊
I still mostly like it, the beam works for me on this one
@@MrBazReviews I really appreciate you took the time to read and respond to my question.
Thank sir.
@@acarpenter007 It is not a problem, there are a lot of choices out there, I feel same way about this as per the video some nice things and a few minor points to note.
@@MrBazReviews I already bought it today, it cost me around 129 US Dollars but I did not get the chance to test it yet 😅 and also thinking to buy the wurkkos wk30 it have some good reviews 😀 i can't stop buying flashlights 😩
Thank you sir.
For how long will the battery hold its charge when not in use?
It's a mechanical switch there isn't any drain as such when it is off
@@MrBazReviews Awesome! So it could work as a home torch only to be used when needed?
@@calinvama1999 Li-ion doesn't really drop when stored very little, extreme temps maybe a bit but it's not like Ni-MH cells which do over time.
Thank you for the excellent comprehensive review! I work in narrow hydro-excavations and peering down maintenance holes for a municipality. When we are upside; not making a confined entry (it’s time consuming, expensive and not always a necessary process) I used a Fenix LD40 until I lost it and then a PD36r. Everyone I work with constantly wants to use it for our purpose. During bright sunny days I’m learning that a, “thrower” is important for visualization. I finally have the utility to action a P.O. And intitially; it seemed like this would be the next step forward. I’m not entirely sure PD40r would be a good step up if it steps down so fast. Tall order for an EDC. Any thoughts?
Problem is makers go for a high Turbo output, and it's inevitable the output has to drop. Unless you make something with some active cooling fan or much much larger it's going to drop off fairly fast. However the drop down is far less dramatic at the 1000lm level (it still drops but not hugely), so I pay more attention to if the lower levels are adequate for your needs. I do like the beam on this, quite a good range even on high/med level compared to some others.
I'm not sure the rotary switch is as well designed as it could be, but I'm picky on these things, I think JetBeam have done a better job on that side (they have improved quite a bit possibly worth considering), you'll still have the top power drop off though whatever maker you get.
On balance though I quite like this one overall
Great video!!
Keep up the great work!
Thanks! Will do! Will try to get more lights in for testing might take a few weeks
How have you been?
Everything going well I hope
I am OK over here thanks for asking! Trust you are keeping well too
i think the warrior x pro at your another reviews is better throw than this, im a right?
500m on the olight 405m on the Fenix. Either way to me the Olight's custom battery lock in, only 2 power levels and lack of strobe detract from it a bit IMO. That said the Fenix has a few places to improve, I prefer it to the Olight
@@MrBazReviews thanks
I have to ask: What do your neighbours say to lighting their houses every night? :)
Never asked them, nobody has every complained ;-D
Well, I am a little disappointed that the the higher brightness in turbo mode lasts only for a few minutes. Going with the dog there is no difference between turbo and high when we are on the way back home. The battery is far from being empty (green flashing).
What I don't like either is the high resistance of the turning mechanism. It is quite difficult turning the flashlight on with one hand. Mostly it jumps directly to stage 2 because the needed force to overcome the off mode is too high.
It could be a little longer if you have bigger hands.
The quality of the used material is good but the thickness is not suitable for rough use.
For me it is a nice flashlight but not outstanding.
That's what you get with high output, unless the body was way bigger or has fan cooling there will be a drop in output. As mentioned I think the design could be better on the ring, that is one area to improve on the design. As with most of these products, they always miss something. I do like the beam though
How much price how to booking
Links are shown for UK as it was sent from there. I suggest punching the model number into a browser in your region, to get local prices ;-p
Super cool, objective, outstanding review video,
Music by Lorenzo LameAss and the LameAss band. Das Efx and EPMD next time.
Thanks I try my best!
@@MrBazReviews man, it's crazy. Equipment reviews should be at least 90% objective data, stats, specs etc. And it's so difficult to find a decent review. It's a big deal. Cheers.
@@readyreckoner1592 That's the problem, I get almost no items sent for reviews now. I asked Fenix directly, and nope they have 0 interest in sending items for review, even Nitecore has dried up. I get very few torch review items in, so I'll be doing other reviews in the meantime. I do appreciate the comment, but trying to be honest - well it mostly damages the channel for review items. There are plenty of places makers will send items to, who mostly won't mention weak/problem areas.
In 2022 I get way less review items than I ever did, despite the channel growing. It's sad, still I will carry on with my own videos
@@MrBazReviews right on man of course you will. Are you in the U.S.? You're in U.K. right?
@@readyreckoner1592 Born London, live Ireland at this time!
It should have strobe to the left and normal modes to the right .
That's an option, I think the main drawback the lack of grip on the ring, though it's still got a nice beam
Show me price
As per previous response
Nice flashlight 🔦 but too expensive in my opinion. Great review as usual 👍.
Thanks 👍
@ EX7R3M3 Olight and Nitecore flashlights 🔦
@EX7R3M3 Mr Baz Reviews has many videos on Olight and Nitecore flashlights .
@EX7R3M3 This has quite a bit more range v many of the 21700 lights the E4K is an alternative but it's a lot more flood lighting, at 4.4k lumens the Fenix still has more range on high. If that doesn't matter it's an option (quite compact), not a fan of the UI myself on the Nitecore but maybe it would work for you. It's not super cheap though. Down to what you want 21700 cell lights looked at a few, not many compact ones have a lot of range
How to buy?
I don't know where you are living it is available in quite a few places
Internet