Up for review is the 2nd iteration Fenix’s PD32, the PD32 2.0. FenixLighting.comgraciously allowed me to review this prototype version. From what I can tell, the primary differences between the 1.0 and 2.0 is that with the 2.0 you get 300 more lumens on the highest mode and that the 2.0 also removes the side switch and moves to only a tail switch for operation. Additionally, the 2.0 provides users with 155 meters more throw than the 1.0. Have a look below at my thoughts!
MSRP: $59.95
Product Link: FenixLighting.com
*Note: The High mode is thermal regulated and will decrease output to preserve the life of the LED as heat is generated. Therefore, do not expect 2 Hours 40 Minutes of 1,200 Lumens.
As I mentioned above, one of the main differences of the PD32 V2.0 over its predecessor, is Fenix’s decision to move to a single tail switch to control this light. No longer is there a side switch to control the light. This leaves the light a bit more streamline and quite simple to operate.
The tail-switch is a multifunctional momentary switch, covered in durable silicone with nice grippy nubs on it to assist with that tactile feel. However, unless you have it gripped right, the activation of the tail switch is slightly uncomfortable if you activate it over the lanyard holes.
To turn the light to constant on, fully depress and release the tail switch. The light has mode memory, so when you turn the light on it will return to the mode you used last. To turn the light off, fully depress and release the tail switch again.
To change the illumination level/mode, half press and release the tail switch while the light is on. The light cycles through the next mode with each press (Low -> Medium -> High -> Low).
To turn the light on momentarily, half press and hold the tail switch. The light will turn on to the mode you used last, including the 1,200 lumen high mode. To turn the light off, simply release the tail switch.
To access the Strobe mode, press and hold the tail switch for about one-half of a second. Strobe mode is a constant mode. To exit strobe mode, you can fully depress the tail-switch and the light will turn off. However you can also half press the switch and the light will return to the last mode you used.
Fenix does not build in a lockout mode into the software for this light, which I think is appropriate being that this is more of a tactical/professional use light. If you plan on storing the light in a bag, you can simply loosen the tail-cap a bit and it wont turn on unexpectedly.
Also, there is no direct access to the high mode, unless its stored in memory and there is not a moonlight mode.
The PD32 V2.0 does not come with a battery, so you will need to grab one if you don’t have one already. Fenix recommends their ARB-L18 series of batteries in the PD32. It’s their line of 18650 Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries. I have a Fenix ARB-L18-3500U 3,500 mAh 3.6v 12.6 Wh Micro-USB Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery on hand and used that to test the light. The PD32 V2.0 does not have any onboard charging capabilities either. Keep this in mind when you go to purchase a battery. Make sure you get one you can recharge.
The manual documents several battery compatibilities options. Of course, as I said above, they recommend the Fenix ARB-L18 series of batteries, but they also list support for non-rechargeable CR123A lithium batteries, 16340 and button top 18650 Lithium-Ion recharge batteries. They “ban” or do not support 18650 LiFePO4 batteries.
The PD32 V2.0 has a removable tail cap and the battery is inserted positive end first into the body of the light. Or in other words, the positive end towards the primary led on the light.
The tail cap has a single spring and the positive terminal is a solid contact.
If you drop or bounce the light on a soft/firm surface, the light will flash/blink as it looses contact with the positive contact. Not a huge deal, but dual springs would be nice.
Should your PD32 V2.0 become low on battery power, higher modes may not be available and only low mode may be accessible. Additionally, the main LED will flash 3 times every 5 minutes to commutate the low battery level to you.
Since the PD32 V2.0 does not come with a battery, I used one I had on hand from another Fenix light. I fully charged the Fenix ARB-L18-3500U with its onboard Micro-USB charging circuit and used my Illuminating Shoebox for the runtime test.
As mentioned above, the PD32 V2.0 has thermal protection or as Fenix calls it, “Intelligent Overheat Protection”. The output will reduce to protect the light from self-destruction. Per the manual, the Intelligent Overheat Protection is described as: When the light reaches a temperature of 60°C or above, the light will automatically step down a few lumens to reduce the temperature. When the temperature drops below 60°C, it will then allow the user for the re-selection of High mode.
This is very obvious when you look at the runtime chart below. Almost instantly, the light starts to decrease output over the period of 4 minutes from 100% output to roughly 36% output (relatively close to medium mode). From there the light’s output remains quite constant for 140 minutes (2 hours 20 minutes) before taking roughly 10 minutes to drop output to roughly 2% output (relatively close to low mode). The light remains on this low level output for roughly 178 minutes (nearly 3 hours) before fully turning off after 332 minutes 5 hours 32 minutes. Have a look at the runtime chart below to check out some interesting blips when the light is on low.
The PD32 V2.0 is paired with an OSRAM KW CSLPM1.TG LED which is very much a cool/cold white beam color. It is on par with most Olight’s cool/cold white lights.
According to the OSRAM documentation for this LED, they describe it as “greenish cold white”.
The PD32 V2.0 provides users with 1,200 lumens on high with a maximum beam distance of 395 meters. It includes a deep smooth reflector and clear glass lens to produce all that throw. Up close, you get a well pronounced hot-spot.
Take a look at the photos below! Sorry for the semi-blurry fixed exposure outdoor pic, it was snowing quite a bit. I’ll update them with better pics once it stops snowing.
Similar to the other Fenix lights I’ve been able to review, the PD32 V2.0 is machined out of A6061-T6 aluminum and coated with a black hard-anodized finish for durability. The finish seems to be quite durable. The tail cap separates from the flashlight body. It appears that the body tube will come apart from the flashlight head, but it seems to be glued. Fenix advises against disassembly, however it does look like it is possible. The threads are nicely cut and aide in easy and smooth tail-cap removal.
The light will tail stand, although a bit wobbly with only the area by the lanyard holes supporting it. However, thats a benefit over the Olight M2T, because it will not tail stand. There is a semi-crenelated bezel integrated into the machining of the light, more like a wave vs actual crenelation.
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Fenix PD32 V2.0 | Olight M2T |
| Head – Max Width | 25.39 mm (1 in.) | 25.43 mm (1 in.) |
| Body (Grip Area) – Max Width | 26.56 mm (1.05 in.) | 24.42 mm (0.96 in.) |
| Tail Cap – Max Width | 25.29 mm (1 in.) | 26.03 mm (1.02 in.) |
| Overall Length | 129.42 mm (5.1 in.) | 130.46 mm (5.14 in.) |
| Weight Empty – No Accessories | 78 grams (2.75 oz.) | 90 grams (3.17 oz.) |
| Weight Loaded – Battery & Clip Only | 133 grams (4.69 oz.) | 140 grams (4.94 oz.) |
| High Mode Lumens | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| High Mode Throw | 395 Meters (431 yards) | 195 Meters (213 Yards) |
| Price | $59.95 | 69.96 (Discontinued) |
I’ve included photos below with the PD32 V2.0 and the Olight M2T for comparison purposes.
Fenix Lightning offers a five-year warranty on the PD32 V2.0 Within the first 15 days, Fenix will replace the product with identical or equivalent products. Fenix will repair the light free of charge for up to 5 years. Post 5 years, Fenix will charge for the parts to repair the light. You are able to extend this warranty by 6 months if you register the light on fenixlight.com. The pocket clip, small accessories, and lanyard are covered by a 1-year warranty
Even without having the original version of the PD32 on hand, the PD32 V2.0 seems to be a worthy successor. The combined factors of 300 more lumens, 155 meters more throw, tail-cap switch only, & $2 cheaper (59.95 vs. 61.95) are my reasons why. The PD32 V2.0 is at a good price point (even without the battery included)
As I mentioned above, I don’t love the extremely cool/cold white beam, but the throw it produces is impressive. There’s not too much not to light about this light. I feel like it will just work when you need it to w/o any frills. The UI is dead simple and nothing to be confused by. I like that even with the single tail-cap switch, it has mode memory. If you have the PD32 V1.0, I’d love to know your thoughts!
I want to thank FenixLight for letting me have a look at this light! While they provided the light to me for evaluation, it does not influence my personal opinion. Additionally, I was not compensated in any other way for this review. This review and all of my reviews are my own thoughts and opinions gathered after carry and/or use of the light/product.
MSRP: $59.95
Product Links: FenixLighting.com & Fenix Instagram
