Fenix/Tactical

Fenix PD36R ACE

Name: Fenix PD36R ACE
Brand: Fenix
Price: 110 USD
Availability: InStock

Fenix's duty light with a configurable interface. The SFT70 Gen2 pushes 3,000 lumens to 415 metres from a 21700, and the ACE's party trick is three selectable mode groups so you can set it up as a simple tactical light or a full five-stage one. Cool white and ordinary colour rendering — this is a reach-and-runtime light, not a tint enthusiast's pick.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 17° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 3,000 lm ÷ 43,056 cd — how this works

$110

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Specifications

Output: 3000lm
Peak intensity: 43056cd
Beam distance: 415m
Emitter: Luminus SFT70 Gen2
Colour rendering: 70 CRI
Beam type: Throw
Cell: 21700
Runtime: 4 hrs (high)
Modes: 5 Stepped
Interface: Dual Switch
Water/dust: IP68
Dimensions: 5.7 x 1.2 in
Weight: 6.4 oz
Warranty: 5 Year

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

USB-C Charging Waterproof (IP67+)Pocket Clip Momentary Mode

What owners report

Fenix PD36R ACE/4 sources reviewed

Fenix's configurable duty light. The Luminus SFT70 Gen2 gives 3,000 lumens and 415 metres, and the ACE's distinguishing feature is its "Advanced Command Edition" interface: three selectable preset groups, so you can set the light up as a simple two-mode tactical torch or a full five-stage one and it stays that way. Independent measurement put peak output above the claim at over 3,200 lumens with roughly 43,000 candela at thirty seconds, and runtime on high is around four hours from the included 5,000mAh 21700.

The compromise is colour. Measured CRI is about 69 at 6,264K — cool and ordinary — so this is a reach-and-runtime light rather than one for looking closely at anything. It's a 183-gram, 146mm light, which is substantial for daily pocket carry, and Fenix's warranty covers fifteen days for replacement and five years for repair.

Consistently praised

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

Common complaints

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

Questions people ask

What does 'Advanced Command Edition' mean?: Three selectable groups of preset modes. You choose whether the light behaves as a simple tactical torch or offers the full five-stage set, and it stays configured — no cycling through modes you never use.
Does it hit its rated output?: It exceeds it. Independent measurement recorded over 3,200 lumens against a 3,000 claim, which is unusual and speaks to Fenix's conservative specification.
Is the colour rendering a problem?: At roughly 69 CRI, yes if you care about it. Reds and browns look flat. This is a light for putting output a long way out, not for inspecting anything closely.
PD36R ACE or PD36 TAC?: Both are configurable duty lights. The TAC uses a physical selector switch; the ACE uses software preset groups and throws slightly further.

Sources (4)