Fenix E35R vs Nitecore EDC23
Quick take: The Fenix E35R is brighter (3,100 vs 2,500 lm); the Nitecore EDC23 throws farther (280m vs 253m); the Fenix E35R runs longer on high (2 vs 1.5 hrs).
| Spec | Fenix E35R | Nitecore EDC23 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $75 | $75 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | EDC |
| Lumens | 3,100 lm | 2,500 lm |
| Candela | 16,000 cd | 20,720 cd |
| Beam distance | 253m | 280m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 1.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 21700 | Built-in |
| LED | Luminus SFT-70 | NiteLab UHi 25 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Balanced |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Dual Switch |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP54 |
| CRI | 70 | 65 |
| Weight | 3.5 oz | 3.6 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 1.1 in | 4.0 x 1.2 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 2 Year |
What owners report
Fenix E35R
- ✓3,100 lumens and 246 m of throw from a genuinely pocketable body
- ✓TIR lens gives a precise, uniform beam
- ✓Top-notch fit and finish with even weight distribution
- ✓Built-in USB-C charging on the current version
- ✓Strobe available for self-defence use
- ✗No shortcuts to eco or turbo — you have to cycle through modes
- ✗The magnet is strong enough to collect keys and other metal
- ✗Slippery in the hand without the pocket clip
- ✗No holster included
- ✗Not a tactical light despite the output
Nitecore EDC23
- ✓Measured peak intensity above the claim — 24,464 cd and 313 m of real throw
- ✓OLED readout showing output and remaining charge
- ✓Flat slab shape carries far better than a tube light
- ✓Dual rear e-switches with instant turbo and strobe access
- ✓Around 1 hour 37 minutes on high from a small internal cell
- ✗Internal 1,500mAh cell can't be swapped — the light is finite
- ✗Turbo is limited to ten seconds
- ✗IP54 is splash resistance only, not weatherproofing
- ✗About 64 CRI — poor colour rendering
- ✗Two years of warranty, reflecting the built-in battery