Los Angeles, CA - (FirearmsGuide.com)- After carrying and using the Fenix PD35 Patriot flashlight for a month, now it's time to sit down and write this review. It shouldn't be too hard because this flashlight was a joy to use, so writing about it will be a joy too. Plus, now is the time like no other to get yourself a high-quality flashlight for your survival/emergency kit.
When thinking about getting a high quality flashlight there are few important factors to take in to consideration and those are: 1. Production quality 2. Light output 3. Ease of use
1. Production quality: for me this is probably the least important factor until something goes wrong in the dark and then you realize what a crappy flashlight you bought on Ebay from China just to save $15-20. Not with the Fenix PD35 TAC Patriot. This is a professional quality flashlight and you can see that on every square inch of it. The manufacturing quality is the best of the best in 2020. Designed with the military and law enforcement in mind and made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum. Plus the Patriot Cerakote finish is simply phenomenal. I have no doubt that police, military, marines and all other patriots will love to have the Star-Spangled flashlight.
Picture1 - Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum (weighs only 3 OZ) with Patriot cerakote finish. Waterproof to IPX-8 standard, underwater up to 6 1/2 feet for 30 minutes. Not bigger than Firearms Guide Online Edition Activation Card.
2. Light output: Cree XP-L (V5) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours creates outstanding 1000 lumens, which that is more light that you may need. It is so bright that when I was testing the strobe mode at 11AM I become slightly dizzy. The strobe has that unequal pattern so the human eye cannot adjust to it and that is why it is so effective. This flashlight in strobe mode can blind people. In different situations you will have to use different power of the light so the PD35 TAC Patriot gives you great options of Eco, Low, Mid, High, Turbo. In High or Turbo mode the PD35 TAC Patriot is the brightest flashlight that I have ever used. Eco and Low modes are great for low light jobs, so full spectrum from Eco to Turbo will give you plenty of options for every situation.
Picture2 - This is the Unboxed Fenix PD35 TAC PATRIOT: Flashlight, Belt pouch, Manual, Warranty card and Lanyard
3. Ease of use: Too many options can also pose a problem if you have a flashlight that is complicated to use. Many times in my life I had cheaper tactical flashlights that looked OK but that were not easy to use. The Fenix PD35 TAC Patriot is the most simple and effective to use out of all of them. You simply turn it on/off with the tail switch and then you go through the modes of light with the side switch. Simple – Effective - Intuitive. The intelligent memory system will allow the flashlight to remember whatever output you have the light in when turned off and will make this the default mode when it is turned on again. I never had a flashlight that I can cycle through Eco→Low→Mid→High→Turbo so easily and quickly like the PD35 TAC Patriot.
Picture3- Regular PD35 TAC on the left and Patriot edition on the right. Patriot will be so much easier to quickly find in your toolbox.
After using it for a month, I can honestly say that the Fenix PD35 TAC Patriot is a top quality flashlight for every scenario, including WTSHTF scenario like this Coronavirus outbreak. If you don't have one you should get one ASAP and be sure that you will have all your survival tools ready. The Patriot cerakote finish is a nice reminder who we are even in the darkest scenario.
FEATURES:
- Amazing Patriot Cerakote Finish with American flag on it
- Cree XP-L (V5) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
- Uses one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries
- Stainless steel side switch for switching modes and outputs
- New mode operation capability: Choose Tactical or Outdoor Operation
- Tactical Mode Operation turns side switch off and operates Turbo, Strobe, and Low via Tail Switch Operation
- Outdoor Mode Operation utilizes side switch for all levels, and rear switch simply turns on/off and momentary
- Digitally regulated output – maintains constant brightness
- Low-voltage warning function to remind you to replace the battery
- Reverse polarity protection guards against improper battery installation
- Over-heat protection to avoid high-temperature of the surface
- Anti-roll, slip-resistant body design
- Tactical tail switch with momentary-on function
- Intelligent memory circuit when in outdoor mode
- Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
Fenix Store (Fenix-Store.com) sells it for $99.95:
