SureFire EDCL2-T vs Fenix PD36R ACE
Quick take: The Fenix PD36R ACE costs $19 less; the Fenix PD36R ACE is brighter (3,000 vs 1,200 lm); the Fenix PD36R ACE throws farther (415m vs 316m); the Fenix PD36R ACE runs longer on high (4 vs 1.5 hrs).
| Spec | SureFire EDCL2-T | Fenix PD36R ACE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $130 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Tactical | Tactical |
| Lumens | 1,200 lm | 3,000 lm |
| Candela | 25,000 cd | 43,056 cd |
| Beam distance | 316m | 415m |
| Runtime | 1.5 hrs (high) | 4 hrs (high) |
| Battery | CR123A | 21700 |
| LED | SureFire LED | Luminus SFT70 Gen2 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Throw |
| Modes | 2 Stepped | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Dual Switch |
| IP rating | IPX7 | IP68 |
| CRI | 70 | 70 |
| Weight | 4.0 oz | 6.4 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 1.4 in | 5.7 x 1.2 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 5 Year |
What owners report
SureFire EDCL2-T
- ✓"Gas pedal" switch: light press for 5 lumens, firm press for 1,200
- ✓No mode cycling — full output is always one press away
- ✓TIR lens gives clean medium to long-range illumination
- ✓Owners report drops producing cosmetic damage but no failures
- ✓Interface simple enough to use under stress without thinking
- ✗Around $150 — the most expensive light of its size here
- ✗The metal clip edge scratches car paint, leather and anything it rubs
- ✗The clip position leaves the light sitting too far out of a pocket
- ✗5.75 inches long for a two-cell EDC
- ✗No rechargeable option in the box
Fenix PD36R ACE
- ✓Three selectable preset mode groups — configure it once for the job
- ✓3,000 lumens and 415 m from a Luminus SFT70 Gen2
- ✓Measured above its claimed output rather than below
- ✓Around four hours on high from the included 5,000mAh 21700
- ✓Hidden USB-C charging and Fenix's five-year repair coverage
- ✗About 69 CRI at 6,264K — cool and poor at rendering colour
- ✗183 grams and 146 mm, substantial for pocket carry
- ✗Turbo runtime is limited by heat, as on any light this size
- ✗Configurable modes add a setup step before first use
- ✗Priced well above budget lights with similar output