Zebralight SC64w HI vs Fenix PD36R V2.0
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Quick take: The Zebralight SC64w HI costs $1 less; the Fenix PD36R V2.0 is brighter (1,700 vs 1,100 lm); the Fenix PD36R V2.0 throws farther (297m vs 215m); the Zebralight SC64w HI runs longer on high (3 vs 2.5 hrs).
| Spec | Zebralight SC64w HI | Fenix PD36R V2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89 | $90 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | EDC |
| Lumens | 1,100 lm | 1,700 lm |
| Candela | 11,500 cd | 22,000 cd |
| Beam distance | 215m | 297m |
| Runtime | 3 hrs (high) | 2.5 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | 21700 |
| LED | XHP35 HI 4500K | Luminus SFT-40 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Balanced |
| Modes | 3 Stepped + Sub | 5 Stepped |
| UI | Zebralight UI | Simple |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| CRI | 80 | 70 |
| Weight | 1.8 oz | 3.4 oz |
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 1.0 in | 5.3 x 1.0 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Zebralight SC64w HI
- ✓Very small and light for an 18650, with legendary Zebralight regulation
- ✓XHP35 HI gives an even 4500K tint with very little green
- ✓Real throw compared with the floody SC64c
- ✓Runtime up to four months on the lowest setting
- ✓Peaks at only 44.7°C — never too hot to hold
- ✗The click-count interface is frustrating until learned
- ✗Around 80 CRI — clean but not a high-CRI light
- ✗No magnet as standard
- ✗Active temperature control makes output depend on ambient conditions
- ✗No onboard charging, as with all Zebralights
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