Fenix released its latest tactical flashlight specially designed for law enforcement professionals. Even if you’re not in law enforcement, you’re in for an amazing time with this powerful light. After all, it's also an excellent Everyday Carry light, perfect if you love the great outdoors. So, check out what you need to know about the Fenix PD36 TAC Tactical Flashlight.
Fenix PD36 TAC Flashlight Specifications
Fenix meant it when they said PD36 TAC is the most anticipated light of 2021. The PD36 has the Luminus SST70 LED module, which boasts a full power of 3,000 maximum lumens. With its maximum distance of 274 meters, you won't have a problem seeing far ahead. This LED module also lasts up to 50,000 hours.
What I also love about the PD36 Tactical Flashlight is its durability and versatility. As it was designed for use in law enforcement, the PD36 TAC has 1-meter impact resistance and is made with aluminum alloy. Moreover, it has IP68 dust and waterproof rating and can be submerged up to two meters underwater for half an hour. These characteristics make this tactical flashlight ideal for nighttime and high-stress operations.
Tactical Flashlight Dimensions
You don’t need to be in law enforcement to enjoy its full features. The PD36 TAC's versatility allows you to use it as an EDC or everyday carry light. With its 92g weight, you can easily carry it anywhere and hold it for a long time without straining your hands. Also, it has a dimension of 140mm length, 26.mm head, and 25.4mm body, making it the perfect size for your bag or pocket.
Fenix PD36 TAC Battery Life
Imagine being stranded nowhere and nothing but darkness surrounds you. Luckily, you have your EDC flashlight, so you turn it on. Barely a few minutes later, it turns off, leaving you in pitch-black darkness once again. I think we can both agree that this is a total nightmare. And, if given a chance, we would rather avoid this situation at all costs.
It's important to have a reliable source of light anytime, anywhere. While a phone’s flashlight is handy, it’s not nearly as useful as a flashlight and Fenix made sure the PD36 TAC is your best companion. It is equipped with a 21700-type ARB-L21-5000U rechargeable lithium-ion battery, lasting up to 160 hours on Eco-mode.
The battery also has a USB-C port so that you can charge it with a wall adapter. Amazingly, Fenix also included reverse polarity protection on the battery. This way, you won't have to worry about placing the battery the wrong way. And, the battery has a charging indicator light, so you know when to unplug it from the charger. Charging time takes an average of 4 hours.
Technical Parameters of the Fenix PD36 TAC
The PD36 TAC Tactical Flashlight includes two technical parameters: Duty and Tactical modes. Here's how they are different:
Duty Mode
The Duty Mode has six outputs, and each emits different brightness, measured in Lumens.
Similarly, the intensity measured in Candela varies across these outputs. For example, Turbo has the highest intensity at 18,700 candelas while Eco has 160 candelas.
The runtime for Duty Mode depends on the output. However, it ranges from 1 hour (Turbo) to 160 hours (Eco). Additionally, the light distance also differs across the outputs, ranging from 25 meters for the lowest lumens to 274 meters. Finally, both Duty and Tactical Mode have the bright Strobe function for disorienting attackers.
Tactical Mode
In Tactical mode, you can only choose between two outputs: Strobe and High. If you're not using the strobe function, the PD36 TAC is locked at 2,000 Lumens, illuminating up to 225 meters away. Its intensity is also set at 12,600 candelas. In this mode, the battery lasts up to 3 hours.
Fenix PD36 TAC Accessories
Aside from the battery and flashlight, the Fenix PD36 TAC comes with the following:
- USB Type C charging cable
You can purchase extra accessories for your tactical flashlight. For example, you can pair it with the Fenix ALG-18 or ALG-00 gun mount. Or, you can use it with the Fenix AER-05 remote pressure switch. There are many accessories in the Fenix line that work great with the PD36 TAC. Make sure to check the compatibility before buying, though.
Notable Features of the PD36 TAC Tactical Flashlight
So far, I've covered the specifications, technical parameters, and accessories. This is some of the basic information you might look into before purchasing a flashlight. But I haven't even gotten to the best parts yet. The Fenix packed the PD36 TAC Tactical Flashlight with impressive features to ensure you're getting the most out of it.
Unique Operating System
You'll be primarily operating the tactical flashlight through a single tail switch and a mechanical toggle switch. Tapping the single tail switch lets you power on and off the flashlight. On a full-press, the light stays on, and succeeding taps on the switch lets you choose the brightness level. To use the strobe mode, press and hold the tail switch for less than a second.
Lockout Mode
The mechanical toggle switch, located at the tail-end of the flashlight, lets you control the mode. It also allows you to choose the lock mode if you want to stick to a specific brightness level. This way, you won't accidentally change the output and cycle through those to get to your preferred brightness level.
Ergonomics and Temperature Resistance
The PD36 TAC has an anti-slip and roll design, ensuring it won't easily slip through your hand. Additionally, the practical knurling across the flashlight's handle provide an enhanced grip. The tactical flashlight can also withstand extreme temperatures, between -35°C to 45°C.
Final Thoughts
Looking over the specifications and features of the PD36 TAC, I believe Fenix stood by what they said. That it is, indeed, the most anticipated light of the year, and the wait was truly worth it. With all its features, durability, and power, the Fenix PD36 TAC is one of the best tactical flashlights on the market today.
