Saturday, February 25, 2012

Fenix PD32 Review

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Fenix PD32 Review & Comparisons


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A while back, Fenix announced a global review opportunity for the PD32, which apparently is a remake/update of the short run PD31. I threw my hat into the ring, and was pleasantly surprised to find I was one of 50 folks worldwide to be chosen to evaluate the prototype sample. Fenix is encouraging feedback, which is a good approach to figuring what the flashlight community wants in a new light.

The PD32 arrived in a plain white package that resembles the current Fenix standard retail format. Also in the shipping box were 2 new Tenergy CR123 batteries.




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Inside was the light, and nothing else; the retail package will include a removable clip, and I assume, the regular o-rings, spare switch cover, and holster.

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Dimensions on this sample are as follows:

length- @5"/127mm
width- 1"/25.4mm
weight-61.1 grams/ 2.10 oz.

Retail cost of the PD32 is around $68-$70, depending on vendor.

The light itself, like the PD31, is a straight tube profile, which will appeal to many general users. While a little on the large side at @5" long, I still found it easy to drop into a pocket and walk around with. The clip should make it even more portable.

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The PD32 fits the hand well, and is simple to use in an overhand grip.

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With a little practice, activation of the mode switch in tandem with the momentary is no problem.

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For comparison, the PD32 is seen here alongside the Eagletac D25LC2.

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Shown along with Fenix's PD20, and LD10, the family resemblance is undeniable.

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The PD32 can be powered by either 2 CR123 lithium batteries, or a single 18650/17670 Li-ion rechargeable battery. For the time being, Fenix states that 2 RCR123 batteries are not supported.

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The PD32 can be broken down into 3 components; sealed head, body tube, and tail cap.

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Starting at the head, the PD32 has a reasonably aggressive crenelated bezel, evenly machined, and free of overly sharp edges. The toughened glass lens has an anti-reflective coating and is very clear. The reflector is smooth to maximize throw; it is glossy and free of any visible defects.

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Providing illumination is Cree's XP-G emitter, which along with Cree's XM-L, is the emitter of choice in many production lights from a variety of manufacturers. The head assembly on this sample is free of any visible defects, fingerprints, or debris.

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The head, which makes up almost half of the lights total mass, is machined with 5 flat surfaces which provide anti-roll function on flat surfaces. It rolls easily with any increase in grade, but the clip that will be supplied with production lights will negate this. The head is glue sealed, as is common with all Fenix lights.

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Also found on the head is a mode changing switch, which only slightly protrudes from the surface.

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A view of the circuit board shows it to be embossed with the model number.

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Threading at both ends of the body tube are squared, fully anodized and smooth. A single, snug o-ring is found at each end as well. The light arrived dry, so a dab of synthetic grease was necessary to lube for use. Although the threading at the head was slightly longer by one thread, it is possible to swap ends and have the light function. Loosening either the head or tail cap allows the light to be locked out.

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Knurling on the body tube, like other PD series lights, is a grippy diamond/dot affair, with two longitudinal lines for an extra measure of hold-ability.

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Even though this is a prototype, lettering on the PD32 is crisp, clear, and well centered.

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Inside view of the tail cap.

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The tail cap of the PD32 features knurling similar to the body tube.

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The switch cover protrudes past the end of the tail cap, so the PD32 will not tail stand. Twin holes will make attaching a lanyard a breeze, for those that use them. Deeply cut grooves allow for trouble free activation, even with gloves. The switch itself is a forward momentary style for instant on/off, or clicking on when desired; it is sufficiently stiff to make accidental activation less likely.

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Modes are broken down in two levels:
General mode- turbo, low, medium, high.
Flashing mode- strobe, SOS

Output and runtimes, as per Fenix, are as follows:

General mode
low- 9 lumens/200 hrs.
mid- 70 lumens/16 hrs.
high- 130 lumens/8 hrs
turbo- 315 lumens/2 hrs. ** turbo will run for 30 minutes before dropping back to the high mode

Flashing mode
strobe- 315 lumens
SOS- 130 lumens

The mode arrangement is the same, but can initiate at any of the above levels; in other words, mode memory for the general modes, and strobe/SOS only become available when the user chooses to activate them! Excellent!

The mode switch on the head of the PD32 allows the user to cycle between low, medium, high, and turbo with a quick press once clicked on. With the light activated, a one second hold transitions to a unique strobe function- three seconds of fast strobe, followed by a three seconds of a slower strobe (@4 flashes per second). A three second hold will send the light into an SOS mode. Turning the light off resets the curcuit to whatever mode it was in before the strobe/SOS was activated.

Time to drop in fresh batteries and check current draw values measured at the tail of the PD32. They are as follows:

18650 Li-ion
low- .01A
mid- .15A
high- .31A
turbo- 1.07

CR123
low- .01
mid- .11
high- .24
turbo- .85

As can be seen from either battery choice, the PD32 is not pushed excessively hard, which is fine for a light in this form factor. It seems to be a good balance between brightness and runtime.

Tint of the sample PD32 is excellent; while rated as a cool white, it definately leans toward pure white, if not neutral.

Beam characteristics include a tight hot spot (for the XP-G), with a moderately sized corona. Unfortunately, due to the smooth reflector, there is a large ring evident, which is easily seen against a white wall at most distances especially on turbo. The ring becomes less noticeable in normal outdoor use, and at lower output levels.

BEAMSHOTS

All beamshots are labeled

Indoor- to hearth
low- 6'

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low- 15'

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mid- 6'

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mid- 15'

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mid- 25'

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high- 6'

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high- 15'

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high- 25'

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turbo- 6'

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turbo- 15'

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turbo- 25'

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turbo- 35' across room

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Toy room- @20'

low

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mid

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high

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turbo

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Outdoor
Garage white wall

low- 6'

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low- 15'

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mid- 6'

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mid- 15'

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mid- 25'

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high- 6'

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high- 15'

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high- 25'

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high- 50'

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turbo- 6'

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turbo- 15'

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turbo- 25'

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turbo- 50'

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turbo- 100'

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To tree- 20' turbo

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To front of house- 35' turbo

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To shed- 50'

low

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mid

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high

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turbo

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Environmental tests

I tried to expose the PD32 to conditions one could expect to see under normal hard use, those being impacts, moisture, and temperature differences.

For starters, after obtaining all of my beamshots, I saw that rain was in the forecast. I decided there was little risk to the innards of the light to toss the light about 25' out into the yard repeatedly (about ten times). The light was not activated, and this was more of a shock resistance test. The next morning, as expected, no issues with water intrusion, and the light activated without issue.

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Next, I turned the light on in turbo mode and placed in in about 12" of water heated to @99 degrees Farenheit (ie in the hot tub) for approximately 1/2 hour. Upon removing the light, I saw no evidence of water intrusion.

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From the heated water, the PD32 next went directly into the freezer, in the ice tray on the turbo setting. My thinking was that if any water managed to get into the light anywhere, the temperature change would cause visible condensation on the lens or reflector. Happily, the o-rings seemed to do what was expected of them. I could find no evidence of environmental damage to the light.

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Conclusions

After what appeared to be a teaser release of the PD31, the release of the PD32 seems like a good idea to me. The form factor will appeal to most users as a general purpose light, and will certainly stand up to the types of conditions that can be expected from a pocket light.

I found the mode switch on the head a welcome change from the standard Fenix user interface which requires a head twist to access different modes, and no memory. With the PD32, mode memory is a HUGE plus, as was the forward clicky switch.

As far as modes go, I would have liked to see a lower low setting; the mid setting can be counted on to do everything the current low now offers, so an extreme low (moonlight) of 1 lumen or less would be more preferable to me, and I assume, others as well.

It would have been nice to have a clip with the light to better evaluate it during carry.

Lastly, the addition of even a fractional amount of texturing to the reflector could improve the quality of the beam characteristics. and serve to soften the spot and expand the spot/corona area in general.

Overall, as it sits, I think the PD32 is a well made, rugged light that will easily absorb whatever the average user could hope to throw at it under normal use. With a little tweaking, it could be improved to where you would really look hard to find fault with it.

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