Customer Reviews

Fenix PD20 CREE Q5 Mini LED Flashlight, Black, 180 Lumens, Uses 1 X CR123A Battery

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a pretty expensive light but it is a much better alternative to the Mini Maglites I've used for years. I keep one in my camera bag and it is highly useful. It has two modes--standard and turbo. You will seldom need the turbo mode. In the standard mode, you have four settings--low, medium, high and SOS--obtained by lightly pressing the switch after clicking the light on. To get to the turbo mode, you tighten the headcap (it only takes about 1/8 turn). In this mode you have a very, very bright spotlight and an obnoxious strobe--also achieved by lightly pressing the tailcap button after clicking the light on. Basically, you will probably use the standard mode's low, medium and high settings the vast majority of the time.

It uses a single cell of the expensive but readily available 123A lithium batteries. They have a shelf life of 10 years so you can buy a quantity online for cheap and keep a supply handy. It's pretty stingy with battery consumption, unlike some lights that use these batteries.

If there is a downside to this little light it is that it is so small it's easy to misplace. It would benefit from a pocket clip. I carried mine in my pocket for a few days but stopped because it was getting beaten up from rubbing against my keys. A clip would keep it handy as well as secure. The other problem you might encounter due to the size would be if you have large hands. It's somewhat difficult to manipulate since the switch is slightly recessed and there's not much to grab onto.

This is a great little light. I admit that my favorite single cell light is the little Surefire E1b. But that light costs 2-3 times the price of the Fenix PD20 and only has a low and high light output setting. You get a lot of features in the Fenix. While the PD20 is not cheap, it has unbelieveable performance.

The Fenix PD20 is currently my favorite flashlight, and I have a lot of them.

It uses a CREE Q5 LED, which is one of the latest and greatest. It is brighter and more efficient than its predecessors.

At 180 lumens, it is twice as bright as a common police or military flashlight.

It is also as small as it can reasonably be. I can just barely hold it in my fist and still reach the switch with my thumb. It can be carried easily in a pocket or in the belt sheath which is included.

It uses a CR123 lithium battery. You can find these in a 2-pack for about $4 or $5 if you shop around. But if you want a more common battery, try the model LD10 instead. It makes 120 lumens with a single AA battery.

I've now been using a Fenix flashlight in some form for the past three years and I have beat the heck out of the three I've owned during that time. Every model I own has worked perfectly since the day I bought it. I have not found another brand or technology that will produce the results that Fenix lights do. It is simply amazing and very hard to describe to someone who has only owned a Mag or Gerber flashlight.

My 1st light was the older model of the popular EO1 that Fenix currently produces. It is the easiest way to discover their potential at only $12.50, and I was very satisfied in how the flashlight compared to the mini-mag I had owned. But then I stepped up to the older model of what is now the LD01 and holy smokes! It blew me away. The different modes and features in this tiny model still has no rival as far as I know.

So that brings us to the PD20. I finally wanted to step up to a much more powerful light, but still wanted the flexibility of caring it in my pocket or backpack. Bingo! Did I ever choose a winner in this product. I'm a person who had expectations and yet again I was still put into a state of amazement. The PD20 - providing 5 different modes - is like owning 5 different flashlights. Think about all the flashlights you've purchased over time. You own one because it's small. Another because its battery lasts a long time. Yet another because you need a more powerful light. Well, let me tell you that you have it all in one here, plus the strobe and SOS features.

WARNING: Be aware the Fenix PD 20 displayed on Amazon by Ace Photo Digital is not the one being sold. The item delivered is NOT the premium model design (as pictured), but the standard PD 20. The performance is the same, however, but the PD 20 is different in design and package. The technology is identical, but I personally like the premium model displayed, not the "straight tube" design delivered.

When I opened this product, I was shocked at the size. I know the dimensions say how small it is, but you don't realize that your thumb might be bigger than it. This out shined my other "best" flashlights that I have had for years. My 3C cell, 3 pound, 12" long mag-light doesn't give 1/4 of the beam that this little Fenix gives. When I received the item, I immediately ran a full sink of water, turned the flashlight on, dropped it from about 3 feet up into the water, and left it there while I fixed my dinner (bout 20 mins). The Flashlight is proven waterproof, shockproof, and the batteries are very comparable to the price of 3C batteries. I cannot imagine a more appropriate concealed super-flashlight. The modes are fun to play with and are easy to switch.

Other LED flashlights 5x the size and twice the cost can't match the output and efficiency of this little Fenix. The pouch it comes in is highly dynamic for carry options. I attach it to my belt next to my cell phone. It is thin and light enough to never notice. The beam, the modes, the button, the look, the size, and the included holster are exactly as they should be. +5 stars for an outstanding product.

This is a great light, very bright when needed, and not too bright when not. Small size is perfect for every day carry, not much bigger than a tube of chap stick. This light goes everywhere with me as my edc; I have changed tires, searched for lost items under car seats, and used it as a backup to my bigger duty lights at work. Unintentionally water and drop tested with no problems, it kept right on working. Definitely a good buy!

I see myself as a man who loves quality items that are a great value. This flashlight meets that philosophy perfectly.

At first I was worried about spending $50 on a flashlight in general and especially one that's so small. I had my doubts that it would be bright and something that I would carry in my pocket every day. That was over 3 years ago and I absolutely love this flashlight! I carry it every day and let me assure you it's bright as heck and you will use it constantly! I never leave the house without it.

This is my first product review which says a lot about how much I love this flashlight. I did a lot of research before buying it and all rational people have said nothing but good things about it. I even went as far to buy 8 of the new model for my groomsmen. Most of them carry it every day now and love it. I just lost mine after 3 years and I decided to buy the old model over the new one and all the others. A few main reasons, one the low setting on the new model is pretty darn bright and just a bit much for what I prefer. I also prefer no clip and the hex shape so it doesn't roll around and it fits perfect in my hand and pocket in/out. Also the battery run time is amazing! This model does not have momentary on, which would be nice but not a must for me on this EDC and the feel and function of this one outweigh its shortcomings. Just a few of my preferences but the new one has a wider spread and brighter beam that is noticeably brighter (not by much though). It's not the 1 lumen difference between the two but how the new model outputs and reflects the light.

I have also compared it to many other Every Day Carry (EDC) on the market (hours... and also compared to my buddies extensive EDC collection/experience) and in the $50+ price tag the only others I suggest you check out are the Quark 123 R5, and the LiteFlux LF3XT if you can find it. Both can use a rechargeable CR123 unlike the Fenix and all of these listed would be a great purchase imo.

Overall I just love this Fenix PD20 for an amazing EDC choice and you should too!

This is the first real flashlight that was small enough for me to carry on a daily basis in my pocket. The multiple "modes" took a few minutes to understand, but they provide a wide range of potential uses.

The six "modes" are; General - 9, 47 or 94 lumens, Turbo - 180 lumens, SOS and Strobe. The single battery will provide from 1 to 35 hours of use depending on the modes.

It's an outstanding tiny light that can be carried 24/7.

Ordered PD20 not PD20 R5. Their stats are the same but I prefer the hex shape body over the cylinder tube. So beware, you might not get whats pictured. I ordered from sharp gear.

Extraordinarily bright. A bit pricey for the non-afficionado but a staple for the flashophile because of its tiny size and very great light output. I recommend highly!