Fenix PD36R V2.0 vs Fenix PD36 TAC
Quick take: The Fenix PD36R V2.0 costs $10 less; the Fenix PD36 TAC is brighter (3,000 vs 1,700 lm); the Fenix PD36 TAC throws farther (335m vs 297m); the Fenix PD36R V2.0 runs longer on high (2.5 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Fenix PD36R V2.0 | Fenix PD36 TAC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 | $100 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | Tactical |
| Lumens | 1,700 lm | 3,000 lm |
| Candela | 22,000 cd | 28,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 297m | 335m |
| Runtime | 2.5 hrs (high) | 2 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 21700 | 21700 |
| LED | Luminus SFT-40 | Luminus SFT-70 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Balanced |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Dual Switch |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 3.4 oz | 3.7 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.3 x 1.0 in | 5.4 x 1.1 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Fenix PD36R V2.0
- ✓Blends genuine reach with low modes that run for many hours
- ✓Build quality and warranty that owners report surviving years of daily abuse
- ✓USB-C charging and an included holster
- ✓Simple, no-nonsense interface with a high-output SFT40
- ✓Good balance in the hand for an 18650-class duty light
- ✗The mode button is tiny and hard to find single-handed
- ✗Pressing it covers the equally tiny battery indicator
- ✗Won't tail-stand
- ✗No moonlight mode — the lowest level is 30 lumens
- ✗Gets hot on turbo within a couple of minutes
Fenix PD36 TAC
- ✓Tactical selector switch lets you configure behaviour for the job
- ✓3,000 lumens with good spread — usable close up and at distance
- ✓Sized well: secure in the hand without being heavy
- ✓Controls reachable in every grip, with a firm click that doesn't tire the thumb
- ✓Holster, cable and a 5,000mAh 21700 included
- ✗No battery indicator at all
- ✗Duty mode remembers the last level used, which might be eco or turbo
- ✗Charging takes around 3.5 hours because of the cell capacity
- ✗The tail switch action is relatively stiff
- ✗Large for anything other than duty or outdoor use