Fenix is one of the most trusted flashlight brands on the market. They offer a wide range of flashlights such as Keychain lights, EDC flashlights, handheld lights, searchlights, headlamps, and lanterns. In fact, Fenix has many flashlights that are similar and usually confuse buyers at times. Such lights include the Fenix PD35 and Fenix UC35. Both flashlights have lots of similarities. Read this Fenix pd35 vs uc35 post to find the difference between them.
In short:
The Fenix PD35 is good for tough, rough, tactical or outdoor use. If you need portable-size everyday carry flashlights, then buy this.
The Fenix UC35 is good for home use. If you need medium Size USB rechargeable flashlight, then buy this.
Comparison Table: Fenix PD35 VS UC35
Features |
Fenix PD35 |
Fenix UC35 |
| Maximum Brightness: | 1000 lumens | 960 lumens |
| Minimum Brightness: | 8 lumens | 14 lumens |
| Beam Distance: | 200 Meters | 200 Meters |
| Maximum Runtime: | 140hour (8 lumens) | 150hour (14 lumens) |
| Minimum Runtime: | 1hour 10min. (1000 lumens) | 1hour 30min. (960 lumens) |
| LED: | Cree XP-L (V5) | Cree XM-L2 (U2) |
| Batteries : | 2 CR123A batteries required. (included) | 18650 rechargeable battery (included) or two CR123 batteries |
| Length: | 137 mm | 150 mm |
| Weight: | 89 grams | 99 grams |
| Review: | More details | More details |
| Price: |
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The Fenix PD35 and the Fenix UC35 are one of the best selling Fenix flashlight models on the market. Most of the time, people confuse between these two. As a result, we’ve created this post to assist you to differentiate between the Fenix PD35 and UC35. Despite being EDC lights, they have some differences and similarities, which are as follows:
Fenix PD35 VS UC35: Detail Differences
Size
Looking closely at these two flashlights, you will realize that the Fenix UC35 LED flashlight is slightly longer than the Fenix PD35 LED light. The UC35 has a length of 5.9 inches, while the PD35 has a length of 5.5 inches. As a result, the UC35 is a bit longer than the PD35. Hence, when it comes to storage, the PD35 will be more convenient than the UC35 flashlight.
Number of Lumens
Before the latest Fenix PD35 was introduced into the market, these two had the same number of output levels. But with the 2018 PD35 edition, this is no longer the case. These two used to produce a maximum of 960 Lumens, but the PD35 currently emits a maximum f 1000 Lumens. So, the PD35 is slightly brighter than the UC35 LED light. Also, this means that the PD35 has a greater throw when compared to that of the UC35.
Type of batteries
Even though these two flashlights run on the same types of batteries, they are recharged differently. The UC35 LED light is the most convenient to use as it comes with a Micro-USB port for recharging the flashlight. This is not the case with the PD35 where you have to remove the batteries to recharge them. The two flashlights run on either one 18650 Lithium-ion battery or two 3V CR123A batteries. In addition, the UC35 has a longer runtime of 150 hours compared to that of the PD35 of 140 hours.
Type of LED
This is another feature that was the same but has recently changed due to the advancement of the PD35 LED light. Earlier, they both utilized the Cree XM-L2 (U2) LED with a lifespan of 50, 000 hours, but the PD35 currently uses the Cree XP-L (V5) LED with a lifespan of 50, 000 hours.
Price
When it comes to cost, the PD35 LED flashlight is a bit cheaper when compared to the UC35. So, if you are looking for a cheaper light from the two, the Fenix PD35 will suit you.
Similarities
Sturdy construction
Fenix is known for its high-quality and reliable flashlights. It doesn’t matter what type of flashlight it is, as they are all made with durable materials. The Fenix PD35 and Fenix UC35 are constructed with durable aircraft-grade aluminum. On top of that, they have a premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish that prevents the light from corroding or scratching. The switch is also made of stainless steel and the design of the body is anti-roll. Therefore, you can rely on these two flashlights in tough conditions and they will provide you with years of use.
5 light modes plus a strobe mode
A good number of Fenix flashlights are versatile. The PD35 and UC35 provide the user with 5 light modes and one strobe mode. The light modes are eco, low, medium, high, turbo, and strobe modes. The number of Lumens utilized per every mode varies from one flashlight to another. The low and eco modes are great for simple lighting needs such as reading or searching for lost items, while the high and turbo modes are great for lighting extremely dark areas like in the forest or a dark alley. Strobe mode is for disorienting an assailant.
Waterproof rating and impact resistance
As we have discussed above, both the PD35 and UC35 LED flashlights are well made with durable materials. In addition to the durable construction, these two can resist the impact of up to one meter. Also, they have an IPX8 waterproof rating. This implies that you can immerse the flashlight in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
Dual switch
This is one of the features that make Fenix flashlights to be special. The dual switch is made up of the tail cap switch and the side switch. The tail switch is for constant-on or momentary-on, while the side switch is for cycling through the different light levels. This is very easy to operate as it can be done with one hand.
Fenix PD35 v2 VS UC35 v2
Fenix has released V2.0 of the Fenix pd35 and uc35. Read the Comparison here.
Features |
PD35 v2 |
UC35 v2 |
| Maximum Brightness: | 1000 lumens | 1000 lumens |
| Minimum Brightness: | 3 lumens | 1 lumen |
| Peak Beam Distance: | 273 yards | 291 yards |
| Maximum Runtime: | 430hour (3 lumens) | 800hour (1 lumen) |
| Minimum Runtime: | 2hour 50min. (1000 lumens) | 2hour 15min. (1000 lumens) |
| LED: | CREE XP-L HI V3 | CREE XP-L HI V3 |
| Batteries: | 1 CR123A batteries required.(included) | 1 Lithium ion batteries required.(included) |
| Modes: | 5 | 5 |
| Length: | 5.5 inches/139mm | 5.5 inches/140mm |
| Weight: | 3.1 ounces | 3.13 ounces |
| Price: |
Conclusion
Depending on what your demands are, you will find that choosing either the Fenix PD5 or UC35 is good for you. Both of these flashlights are sturdily built for everyday use and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
They have features like digital regulation output, reverse polarity protection, low-voltage indicator, and an intelligent memory circuit. If you want an extremely bright light, the PD35 will be a great choice for you. But in case you are looking for a flashlight that is easy to charge with a greater runtime, then take the UC35.
Whatever choice you make, just know that both the PD35 and UC35 LED tactical flashlights are durable, compact, and reliable. Simply choose the one that meets your needs.