Nitecore MH12 Pro vs Fenix PD35 V3.0
Quick take: The Nitecore MH12 Pro is brighter (3,300 vs 1,700 lm); the Fenix PD35 V3.0 throws farther (357m vs 323m); the Fenix PD35 V3.0 runs longer on high (2.4 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Nitecore MH12 Pro | Fenix PD35 V3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 | $80 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Tactical | Tactical |
| Lumens | 3,300 lm | 1,700 lm |
| Candela | 26,000 cd | 31,900 cd |
| Beam distance | 323m | 357m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 2.4 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 21700 | 18650 |
| LED | Luminus SFT-40 | Luminus SFT-40 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Throw |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Dual Switch |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 3.9 oz | 3.0 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 1.0 in | 5.4 x 1.0 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Nitecore MH12 Pro
- ✓Slim for a 21700 light, with good grip and controls
- ✓Eight levels from a 1-lumen ultra-low up to 3,300
- ✓Genuinely throwy beam — the reason to pick it over a flooder
- ✓USB-C charging and an IP68 rating
- ✓Interface reviewers rate highly
- ✗Greenish UHi 40 emitter with poor colour rendering — reds, browns and oranges blur together
- ✗Turbo lasts about 22 seconds before stepping down
- ✗Measured output falls short of the claimed figures
- ✗Sustained high output is limited
- ✗Only conditionally recommended by reviewers because of the tint
Fenix PD35 V3.0
- ✓SFT40 upgrade takes maximum output from 1,000 to 1,700 lumens
- ✓Excellent regulation, plus thermal and reverse-polarity protection
- ✓Well-balanced 18650 tube sized for one-handed two-switch operation
- ✓High-quality accessories included: lanyard, USB cable and holster
- ✓Beam and tint both draw consistent praise
- ✗Cool white only — no neutral or high-CRI option
- ✗The 5-lumen eco level is too bright for genuine darkness
- ✗The side switch changes modes but can't switch the light on
- ✗Ships with a lower-capacity cell than Fenix's own 3,500mAh option
- ✗Highly focused beam — some prefer more spill for EDC